Merry Christmas!

Sorin EvgeniiForm 3 G

WHAT IS CHRISTMAS IN GREAT BRITAIN?

-The most popular holiday in Great Britain-Old customs and traditions-Long history

OLD TRADITIONSBritish people were the first who begin decorate their

houses by holly, ivy and mistletoe. It was considered that holly helped against the itches and mistletoe was the symbol of eternal life.

Mistletoe Ivy Holly

OLD TRADITIONSOne of the oldest British traditions is Christmas log.

Vikings brought this tradition to England a long time ago. Every Christmas Vikings sew down big tree and then dried it until the next Christmas. After all they brought it at home and burned.

NEW ERA FOR CHRISTMAS

During 19th century new Christmas traditions were born in Great Britain. And one of them was decorating of Christmas tree. Firs Christmas tree was decorated in 1841 by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert also it was the first time when they gave Christmas presents to children. Since that day it became a tradition to give presents on Christmas

PresentsChristmas tree

On a legend Santa Claus in Christmas night flies in the magic sledge over the sleeping cities and, going down through a flue in houses, leaves gifts to children in stockings, socks or boots which they specially leave under a fir-tree or hang out over a fireplace.

There is the history about this custom.Once, one family prepared for Christmas celebration. But

they were so poor that weren't able to afford to buy a fir-tree under which Santa could put the gifts. And sad children went to bed, without hoping for gifts, and next morning after all found them in the stockings which have been hanged out at a fireplace for drying. Children were very happy, and custom to hang out socks over a fireplace remained and until now.

AN OLD LEGEND…

FIRST CHRISTMAS POSTCARDS

The first postcard was printed in 1843 in London. From this moment people could send it to their friends and relatives all over the world.

CHRISTMAS PUDDING

Ingredients1 cup (8oz) suet2 cups (1lb) raisins1 cup (1/2lb) currants1 cup (1/2lb) sultanas1 cup (1/2lb) mixed peel6 level tablespoons sugar1 teaspoon baking powder6 heaped tablespoons plain flour1 tablespoon almonds, blanched and choppedthe juice and rind of 1 lemon3 eggs2 cups (1/2lb) breadcrumbspinch of salt4-5 tablespoons brandymilk to mix

Method- Put all the dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl.- Break the eggs into the mixture and add the brandy and lemon juice. - Beat well and add a little milk if the mixture seems too stiff.- Pour into three 1 1/2 pint pudding basins.- Place a piece of greaseproof paper or foil over each pudding and then tie a cloth over the top fastening it around the rim of the basin with a length of string.- Tie the four corners of the cloth on top of the basin to make a handle to lift the pudding.- Steam the puddings for 8 hours either in water in a saucepan or in a steamer.- Have a kettle of hot water ready to top up the water level.- The puddings can be served immediately or stored for up to one year.- Christmas pudding improves with age and each time it is steamed.- If not used immediately steam for 2 - 4 hours before serving.- To serve turn pudding onto a serving plate, take an old tablespoon or ladle and fill with brandy.- Warm over a flame.- Pour brandy over pudding and set light to it.- Take it to the table flaming.- Serve with icing/confectioner's sugar, brandy butter, Cumberland rum butter or cream (clotted or double).

An Advent calendar is a special calendar used to count or celebrate the days in anticipation of Christmas. The days always overlap with the Christian season of Advent. Despite the name, most commercially available Advent calendars begin on December 1, regardless of when Advent begins, which can be as early as November 27 and as late as December 3. Many take the form of a large rectangular card with "windows" of which there are usually 24: one for each day of December leading up to Christmas Day. The doors are opened starting with the first one. Consecutive doors are opened every day leading up to Christmas. The calendar windows open to reveal an image, poem, a portion of a story (such as the story of the Nativity of Jesus) or a small gift, such as a toy or a chocolate item. Some calendars are strictly religious, whereas others are secular in content.

ADVENT

Christmas is celebrated on December, 25th. In this day almost all families visit Church and then have family Christmas dinner. At 3 p.m. Queen wishes Merry Christmas to all people. The main Christmas tree every year comes from Norway according to old tradition. The tree is settled on Trafalgar square.

MODERN CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS DINNER

roast turkey and potato

mince pies

Christmas pudding

Christmas cake

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS!

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS!

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS!

AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!