British Christmas Traditions

Many of the Christmas holiday traditions in Britain are similar to ours (stockings, decorations, carols, Christmas trees, etc.) but there are also some uniquely British ones. Scotland becomes even more complicated since Christmas was almost entirely eliminated after the Protestant Reformation and did not completely resurface until the 20th Century (Hogmanay was instead celebrated -- more on that in another post.) The following are some typical British Holiday traditions.

Father Christmas

Since the late 1800s, Father Christmas has become almost identical to our Santa Claus. But because of the Catholic origins of Christmas (the Mass of Christ) and Santa Claus (Saint Nicholas, a Turkish priest), Britain turned away from some of the Christmas traditions after the Protestant Reformation. St. Nick became Father Christmas, a pre-Christian figure (sometimes called Old Man Winter) who wore green robes and had red hair. The Ghost of Christmas Present in Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol (see above image) is the supposed to be Father Christmas. Incidentally Dicken's novel popularized the then radical idea of people getting off from work on Christmas.

The Queen's Christmas Message

Since 1932 with King George V, the reigning British monarch makes an holiday speech to the Commonwealth nations. It started by the head of the BBC as a way to launch its World Service. Today, the message is giving by Queen Elizabeth II. Originally on the radio, but since 1957 (see image below), it has been televised, and now is also webcasted. While often derided by the British as quaint and outdated, it is still considered a tradition to gather with one's family to watch it.

The queen's first message in 1957

Here is last year's Christmas message:

Christmas crackers

Begun by Thomas Smith in 1846, after seeing bon-bons in Paris, they originally were candies wrapped in colorful paper. In 1850, a poem/motto was added. In 1860, "bangers" were added so that it 'popped' when opened. (Hence the name "crack"-ers). In the early 1900s, paper hats (crowns) were added, and it is now common for holiday revelers to wear the crown around the Christmas dinner table (which may be a throwback to 12th Night celebrations, see below). By the 1930s jokes and games were added.

Students wearing crowns from Christmas crackers

Mince meat pies

Made from fruit instead of meat (although shredded meat was used in the 1500s), these are 2" to 3" pastry pies. Ingredients include raisins, spices, apples, honey, apricots, candied citrus peel, and cherries. It is often left out for Father Christmas on Christmas Eve.

Christmas TV shows

The BBC and many other TV channels in Britain often present special episodes of their hit shows, or premiere original films on Christmas. It is one of the biggest days of the year to watch TV. Hit show Doctor WHo hs had a Christmas show for the past 6 years. Below are trailers for this year's Christmas shows and for Doctor Who.

Yule log

Traditionally, a large log that was kept burning for the 12 days of Christmas. Sometimes wine was poured on it before being lit. The name comes from the Germanic winter holiday of Yule-tide, the start of their year. it has long since been a part of Christmas throughout Northern Europe. Today, the Yule log is usually represented as a chocolate cake rolled up into a "log".

Christmas Panto

A humorous play presented during the holidays (traditionally starting on Boxing Day, 26 December). Involving audience participation and cross dressing for humorous effects (often starring famous --or at least, once-famous -- actors, singers and other celebrities), it is usually a fairy tale (Cinderella, Snow White, Aladdin). While aimed at families, the humor at times can be quite campy with lots of double entendres. It evolved out of the earlier Mummer's plays (the word refers to the fact they were once silent plays) involving masks and lots of humor. These plays go back over a thousand years. The story is usually the tale of St. George defeating the dragon. (The English flag is the St. George cross).  These purposely silly plays were done during the 12 Days of Christmas. Today in London, a traditional mummer play is still presented.

Below is a video of the 2010 Mummer play on the River Thames in front of Shakespeare Globe
Here is Scottish actor John Barrowman talking about doing a panto and his Christmas traditions
And here is favorite Scottish comedian Karen Dunbar talking about doing panto in Glasgow

Twelfth Night

Celebrated on the night before the 12th Day of Christmas, which is Epiphany (i.e., 6 January). (Why night BEFORE -- back in the Middle Ages, the day ended when the sun went down. The next day did not start at midnight, like now, but rather at sundown. Hence, why we so many "eve" celebrations).  This was when Jesus was visited by the wise men with their Gift of the Magi. As it is 12 days from 25 December, hence the Twelve Days of Christmas.  In Britain, this is when all Christmas decorations come down. It was also a feast day and time of celebration and entertainment. And that is what William Shakespeare play was -- a Twelfth Night entertainment. Part of the feast is spiced ale, ginger snaps, and a cake. If one gets the bean hidden in the cake, then one is king for the day (hence the crowns in the Christmas crackers above).

Candlemas

While Twelfth Night is now considered the end of the holiday season, traditionally it used to be 2 February with Candlemas (the mass of candles), when all of a church's candles were blessed. Candles were once not just for light, but also as a way to ward off evil spirits; Jesus was seen as a spiritual candle in the dark. Some churches and communities still celebrate it.

Wassail and Wassailing

Wassail is a spiced ale with apples and honey from the 1400s. It was presented in a communal bowl (a "loving cup"). One passed it around or went from house to house, often while singing (origins of the modern caroling tradition). Comes from the Old English word "waes hael", which meant "be well." Ingredients can include eggs, cream, ale, sugar, spices, crab apples, and bits of bread on top. It is an essential feature of 12th Night celebrations, although is enjoyed throughout the holiday time.

Here is a performance of a wassailing song:

 Boxing Day

Sometimes called The Second Day of Christmas, this is a secular holiday (although it is also St. Stephen's Day in Ireland) during which people traditionally gave money and gifts to the needy. It is a bank holiday (the British term for a public holiday, what we might call a Federal holiday like President's Day). In recent times, it is also a major shopping day.

Christmas pudding

A tradition going back to the 1400s, a dessert (which the British call pudding) served on Christmas. Usually a plum pudding (thanks to King George 1, the "Plum King" who preferred it). Traditionally has 13 ingredients. Made on "stir up" Sunday, the last church service before Advent. The term "stir up" comes from the 1549 Prayer Book: "Stir up, we beseech thee O Lord..."

Posset

A drink for Christmas eve that includes hot milk, ale, spices, lemon, sugar and oatcake or bread.

Cultural matters: British Television

To me, one of the most enjoyable aspects of travel is to immerse oneself into the culture before arriving at your destination. And for Britain, there are so many ways to do this – through books, magazines,  radio (all BBC Radio programs  are free on the web for Americans), films, and especially television.  Much of British TV is available on DVD, Netflix, BBC America, or  Youtube.

Below is just a sampling of a few of the more popular dramatic and comedic shows currently enjoyed throughout Great Britain.

Preview of 2013 Drama shows on BBC

Doctor Who

While  the U.S. may have Star Trek and Star Wars, the British have Doctor Who, which in terms of longevity and fandom (if not always in budget or special effects) has us Yanks beat in spades. The cult show originally  ran on the BBC (Britain’s premiere television channel) from 1963 to  1989, it was then revived in 2005 (and is still going strong) with better  effects, larger budgets, and has become even more popular. In the lats two years, it has truly broken through to mainstream American culture. The basic  premise is that The Doctor (the title is in fact a question, as no one  knows his real name) is a Time Lord, and pops around the universe in  different time periods in his Tardis (disguised as a old English Police Call Box, several of which we will see in Edinburgh) to “fix” things. Along the way, he picks up companions and  fights off enemies such as the Cybermen or the Daleks.  And if mortally wounded, can regenerate into someone else (a nifty trick  whenever they need to change actors.) One recent performer to play  The Doctor was Scottish actor David Tennant (pictured above),  who ended his run on New Years Day 2010. For the pats three years, Scottish writer and producer Stephen Moffat has taken over. And now, starting on Christmas Day, another Scottish actor, Peter Capaldi, will step in as the Doctor (his 12th incarnation). Any American hoping to fit in with Scotland’s pop culture should know their Doctor Who.

Of course, the big news is the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who, celebrated on 23 November 2013. here is the trailer for it:


Clip 1: His Name is The Doctor


Clip 2: A Tribute video to the "Scottish" Doctor, David Tennant


Clip 3: Here is the new doctor (Matt Smith) who has just arrived in Scotland



Clip 4: And finally, here is The Doctor's current companion Amy Pond (played by Karen Gillan of Scotland)

Glaswegian actor Peter Capaldi as the 12th Doctor

Miranda

Some have compared this comedy to NBC’s 30 Rock and it’s character Liz Lemon, created and played by Tina Fey. Likewise, Miranda is created by Miranda Hart. The comedy is basically based upon her social incompetence in dating, working, and with friends. Sort of like Friends if they were more like the rest of us.
Here is a series clips from her first season (called series in the UK):

Luther

In this popular series now in its third season, Idris Elba plays Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) John Luther with London’s Metropolitan Police in the Serious Crimes Unit. He is obsessive about his job, \as he gets into the minds and motivations of the criminals. The show often deals with moral gray areas and the nature of good and evil.
 

And here is the 2013 series trailer:

Broadchurch

Written by Chris Chibnall and starring David Tennant and Olivia Coleman, this show is the story of the hunt for the killer of a young boy. Dark, moody, and emotional, it became a huge hit in the UK in Spring 2013. It’s a great show (and typically, an American remake is in the works). 

Big School

A new BBC comedy about teachers at an English public high school. Stars Catherine Tate, David Walliams and Philip Glenister.

Eastenders

Along with  Coronation Street, this is the main soap opera in Britain. It is where many actors start -- or finish out -- their careers. The name refers to the show';s setting -- the East end of London, a typically working class area. On the air for nearly 30 years (with well over 4000 episodes), the show takes looks at the quite eventfu;l lives of the residents of fictional Albert Square. Warning -- as easy as it is to make fun of, it can be addicting.

Here is a typical trailer (for its Christmas special in 2012)

Sherlock

A major crossover hit with Americans, this modern version Edinburgh-born writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's greatest character, Sherlock Holmes, was updated dated by Scottish writer and producer Stephen Moffat. Starring Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, The Office) and Benedict Cumberbatch (Star Trek).

Life on Mars (followed by sequel Ashes to Ashes)
Named after a David Bowie song (as was its sequel), this police drama is about a police officer, Sam Tyler, (played by John Simm)  who gets hit by a car in 2006 then wakes ups in 1973. In a world  without cell phones, computers, DNA or the internet, he has to maneuver  his way around Manchester’s police station while pleasing his boss, the  wonderfully political incorrect Gene Hunt (played by Philip Glenister). A fun show, with a sequel that takes place in the eighties.

Clip 1: The first three minutes of the show


Clip 2: Funny moments from Life on Mars


Clip 3: Ashes to Ashes intro