A Magical Christmas in Great Britain

A Magical Christmas in Great Britain Great Britain is an extraordinary country, proud of its traditions and history. Before Christmas, a fairy tale comes into people's lives and the world lights up with magic. The Christmas season in England has a special charm, it beckons with bright lights, the smell of spices and the warmth of the family home. For the English, Scots, and Irish, Christmas has been a special time for centuries, with many traditions, rituals, and joyous celebrations associated with it.

Christmas night in Great Britain was called "candle night" because at that time the windows of houses and churches were lit with special Christmas candles. In ancient times women held contests for the most beautiful Christmas candle decorations before the holiday. In some parts of the country it was customary to go with these candles to the morning service in church. It was a very beautiful sight!

В средние века возникли «мистерии» – представления на библейскую тематику. Особенно популярными были сценки о святом Георгии и драконе, благовещении или о посещении маленького Христа мудрецами с Востока.

In Scotland on Christmas Day there were sports competitions between men (soccer, running, hammer throwing), which ended with songs and dances, and in the evening the winner presided at the ball. In modern Britain on Christmas Eve a variety of shows, plays and masquerades are organized.

In the 17th century, Christmas was banned by the Protestant Church. At the end of the 17th century, the holiday was revived, but it was never celebrated on the same scale as before. And in the 19th century, Christmas became a family holiday, and only some medieval traditions have survived to this day.

One of the most beloved rituals of the English is the giving of Christmas presents, symbolizing the offering of gifts to Jesus. Santa Claus brings gifts to children and adults exchange gifts before Christmas dinner.

If you decide to visit the UK during the Christmas vacations, you will find folk festivals around the tree in Trafalgar Square, fairs in Leicester Square and carnival in Covent Garden, as well as traditional swimming competitions for the Peter Pan Prize and an atmosphere of joy that takes you back to a happy childhood.