Christmas is one of the greatest holidays celebrated in Britain on December 25th, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Some key British Christmas traditions include preparing Christmas dinner with roast turkey or goose, decorating Christmas trees which originated in Germany, caroling from house to house, sending Christmas cards, and the arrival of Father Christmas who children believe leaves presents in their stockings by the fireplace on Christmas Eve. Today, Christmas remains one of the most popular holidays in Britain.

1. Christmas in Britain

2. Christmas in Britain is one of the greatest holidays. It’s celebrated on the 25-th of December.

3. The origin of Christmas The word Christmas comes from the name Christ and is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. In AD440 the Christian Church fixed a celebration date of December 25.

4. This abbreviation for Christmas is of Greek origin. The word for Christ in Greek is Xristos. That’s why people use this short form of the holiday. Xmas

5. Christmas traditions In Great Britain people like to prepare for Chistmas. The y cook food, send Christmas cards, decorat e their houses and churches, prepare gifts . E veryone is busy even the children .

6. Christmas dinner People in England cook a Christmas dinner for the family . T he traditional Christmas dinner consist s of fried potatoes with roast turkey, roast beef or goose ,sweet mince pies, a plum pudding .

7. Christmas Tree The tradition to decorate Christmas Tree came from Germany in the 16th century. German people decorate d fir trees with roses, apples, candles and colored paper. The Christmas tree came to Britain in the 19th century.

8. Christmas trees T he decorated and illuminated Christmas tree s were popular in England. E very year a big Christmas tree is decorated near the statue of Lord Nelson in Trafalgar Square in London .

9. Carol singing On Christmas Eve carols are often sung by groups of singers walking from house to house. Caroling is one of the oldest customs in Great Britain.

10. Christmas cards British people send a lot of Christmas cards to their friends and relatives. Christmas cards can show religious pictures - Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. Today, they often have jokes, winter pictures, Father Christmas.

11. Santa Claus 'Father Christmas' (or 'Santa Claus') is the main symbol of Christmas . He is an old man with long white beard, red coat, and bag of toys. Children know that he brings them presents the night before Christmas. H e lives near the North Pole, and comes on a sledge pulled by reindeer.

12. Christmas stockings Santa comes into houses down the chimney and places presents for the children in socks or bags by their beds or in front of the family Christmas tree. That’s why children hang a stocking on the fireplace or on their bed for Father Christma s.

13. The Candy Cane Candy cane is a symbol of Christmas, too.

14. Queen's Christmas Message Every year the Queen makes a Christmas Message on Christmas Day afternoon.

15. Boxing day Boxing Day is on December 26th. Nowadays dustmen, milkmen, or postmen get a present for a good service at Christmas time.

16. Christmas plants Poinsettia , Mistletoe and Holly are Christmas plants.

17. Today Christmas is one of the most popular and favourite holidays in Britain Today Christmas is one of the most popular and favourite holidays in Britain

18. Merry Christmas!

19. Merry Christmas !