Holidays Around the World: United Kingdom

many wonderful Christmas traditions originated in the countries of the United Kingdom. Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Scotland & Wales each have unique holiday customs, and many of these have been shared worldwide. well known Christmas carols, such as "Deck the Halls" and "Here We Come a Wassailing" were first sung in the United Kingdom. the Christmas card tradition also began in the United Kingdom. in 1843, John Calcott Horsley sent a card depicting an English family brimming with cheer to his friend Sir Henry Cole. this original card caught the attention of a British giftbook company, which published a thousand lithographed copies & sold them for a shilling each.

not surprisingly, the hanging of mistletoe is one of the United Kingdom's oldest & most popular traditions, dating back to the Druidic ceremonies of the winter solstice. each time a kiss was claimed under the mistletoe, a young man would pick off one berry. the kissing would end when all the berries were gone!

for children, Father Christmas, with his long white beard, green robe & crown of holly, is still treasured as the jolly gift-bearer who brings holiday joy to the well-behaved.