Christmas in the UK is celebrated on December 25th with families gathering for a midday meal. In the weeks before Christmas, British people send cards, attend nativity plays and church services. They also decorate their homes with Christmas decorations. Many British Christmas traditions predate Christianity and have roots in winter solstice festivals from ancient Roman times. Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26th and involves shopping or collecting money in clay boxes. The Christmas tree tradition was popularized in Britain by Queen Victoria's husband.