As we continue our holiday travel around the globe, our next stop is Europe. There are several unique Christmas and New Year’s traditions throughout the UK and Ireland. From decorating trees to placing wreaths on the front door and enjoying roasts and Christmas pudding—a cross between rum and fruitcake, these traditions span across the globe. However, some of the individual regions have also fostered their own holiday traditions over time.
England
Boxing Day
Originally conceived as the day servants in more affluent households would receive a Christmas box from the head of the family, Boxing Day has become a day for visiting friends, eating delicious leftovers, and shopping.
Crackers
Originally conceived as the day servants in more affluent households would receive a Christmas box from the head of the family, Boxing Day has become a day for visiting friends, eating delicious leftovers, and shopping.
The Royal Christmas Message
On the afternoon of Christmas Day, people throughout England gather in front of televisions to watch the Queen’s Christmas broadcast, where she reflects on current issues and shares personal stories.
Scotland
First-footer
The First-footer tradition refers to the first person to arrive on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day, who must come with gifts such as coal, whiskey, salt, bread, or black buns pastry.
Hogmanay (a.k.a. New Year’s Eve)
Hogmanay is a big evening for celebration, dating back to when Christmas was banned in Scotland; festivals, parades, and games abound. From the Stonehaven Fireballs Festival in Aberdeenshire to the Kirkwall Ba’ in Orkney, New Year’s celebrations abound in Scotland.
Letters to Santa Claus
Children write letters to Santa Claus, and on Christmas Eve, leave something uniquely Scottish for him to eat – think mince pie and a good whisky, from Oban maybe 😉 , for when he arrives that night.
Ireland
A candle in the window
To pay homage to those seeking shelter, like Mary and Joseph were when Jesus was born, people throughout Ireland leave a lit candle in the window.
The Wren Boy Procession
The day after Christmas, also known as St. Stephen’s Day, the Irish dress up as wrens, a nod to an Irish legend, and they take sprigs of holly from house to house of neighbors and friends.
Little Christmas
In Ireland, it’s considered bad luck to take your Christmas tree or other holiday decorations down before January 6th, also known as “Little Christmas.” It’s also become a day to celebrate the woman of Ireland, who have worked so hard throughout the holidays.
Wales
Plygain
Plygain is the tradition of singing Christmas Carols in churches from 3 to 6 am on Christmas Day.
Calennig
From dawn until noon on New Year’s Day, children go door to door carrying three-legged totems, chanting rhymes, and asking for small gifts (calennig).
Taffy
Making taffy on Christmas Eve is an old Welsh tradition. Family and friends gather that night to share meals, catch up, and make toffee together.
Do you have favorite traditions from the UK, Ireland, or your homeland you would like to share? We would love to hear about them in the comments.
