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Christmas Traditions in Great Britain – 12 Activities for Homeschool Holiday Fun
In Great Britain, Christmas is a time filled with joy and merriment. It’s way more that just another public holiday. The festive season brings with it a plethora of traditions that are deeply ingrained in British culture. From the enchanting sound of carol singing to the delectable taste of mince pies, there is something for everyone to indulge in during this magical time of the year. Whether you’re a history buff or simply enjoy partaking in festive activities, these British Christmas traditions are sure to captivate your heart and provide exciting opportunities for learning while you enjoy Christmas songs, Victorian Christmas decorations, and gifts. You’ll even learn what Christmas was really like in medieval times in the 12 Days of Christmas Traditions in Great Britain unit study.
Get ready for some homeschool holiday fun with these 12 activities about Christmas traditions in Great Britain.
British Christmas traditions go beyond the typical festivities. For example, pulling Christmas crackers is a beloved activity where two people pull on opposite ends of a decorated paper tube until it “cracks,” revealing small toys, jokes, and paper crowns inside. Another unique tradition is Boxing Day, celebrated on the day after Christmas when people traditionally give gifts to those in need. These are just a few examples of the countless customs that make British Christmas celebrations so special.
Are you celebrating Christmas at home this year? Then, you need this unit study all about the Christmas traditions of Great Britain! You will love the variety of activities to choose from. There’s everything from who invented the first Christmas card to understanding Boxing Day. As well as recipes, music, dance, and crafts all centered around the Christmas traditions of Great Britain.
Baking Mince Pies – A Staple of the British Christmas
Get your aprons on and gather the family to bake some delicious mince pies! Mince pies are a classic British Christmas treat, filled with spiced fruit and sometimes topped with pastry stars. Whether you choose to use store-bought mincemeat or make your own filling from scratch, the process of baking mince pies is a wonderful way to bring the family together during the festive season.
Kids can play a significant role in the mince pie baking process. They can help with rolling the pastry and cutting out shapes for decoration. It’s a great opportunity for them to get involved in the kitchen and learn some basic baking skills. Plus, they’ll be thrilled to contribute to the creation of these delectable treats that are enjoyed by everyone during the holidays.
Once the mince pies are out of the oven and still warm, it’s time to savor their delightful flavors. Enjoy them with a dollop of whipped cream or brandy butter for an extra touch of indulgence. The combination of the buttery pastry and the rich, spiced fruit filling is simply irresistible. Make sure to prepare enough, as these mouthwatering treats tend to disappear quickly!
And let’s not forget the tradition of leaving a plate of mince pies out for Santa on Christmas Eve. It’s said to bring good luck for the year ahead. So, before tucking into your own batch of mince pies, make sure to save a few for Santa and his reindeer. After all, what could be more magical than sharing the joy of homemade mince pies and spreading some good luck during the festive season?
Mince Pie? No, thanks…
It’s OK if you don’t like the British tradition of making and eating mince pie during the festive period of Christmas time. Don’t worry, there’s always plenty of Christmas cake (without all the dried fruit), plum pudding, and sticky toffee to enjoy after Christmas dinner.
The Big Day – Christmas Traditions and Celebrations on Christmas Day
On Christmas Day, the Big Day, the celebrations and traditions are in full swing. The festivities begin with waking up to a big breakfast, which includes traditional elements such as bacon, eggs, and black pudding. This hearty meal sets the tone for the day and provides the energy needed to fully enjoy the festivities ahead.
After breakfast, many people attend a church service to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. The choir sings beautiful carols, filling the church with joyous melodies. The church itself is adorned with holly and ivy, symbolizing the hope and renewal that Christmas brings. This spiritual experience adds a deeper meaning to the day and allows people to connect with their faith.
One of the most fun and interactive traditions is pulling Christmas crackers with family and friends. These crackers, typically placed on the dinner table, contain a small toy, a joke, and a paper hat. As everyone grabs one end and pulls, the cracker pops open, revealing its contents. Laughter fills the room as people share jokes, wear colorful paper hats, and enjoy the excitement of this festive tradition.
Christmas Lunch
As the day progresses, it’s time for a grand festive lunch. The centerpiece of the meal is often a roast turkey, accompanied by delectable stuffing, vegetables, and gravy. This feast brings loved ones together around the table, creating a sense of warmth and togetherness. It’s a time to savor delicious food and lively conversation, making lasting memories with family and friends
In the afternoon, another beloved tradition awaits: watching the King’s Christmas Day speech. This televised address, a tradition since 1952, offers an opportunity for reflection and inspiration. Like his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, the King’s words convey messages of hope, unity, and gratitude, reminding people of the importance of coming together and spreading goodwill during the holiday season.
Finally, as the day winds down, it’s time for relaxation and entertainment. Many families choose to play board games, engaging in friendly competition and laughter. Others opt for a cozy evening watching a Christmas movie, snuggled up with loved ones. These enjoyable activities provide a chance to unwind after a day filled with festivities and create cherished memories that will be treasured for years to come.
This is the essence of the Big Day, a day packed with beloved traditions and celebrations that bring joy, togetherness, and a sense of wonder. From the indulgent breakfast to the church service, from pulling crackers to enjoying a festive lunch, and from the Queen’s speech to the evening entertainment, every moment is filled with love, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the magic of Christmas.
So enjoy the festive Christmas holiday season using the 12 Days of Christmas in Great Britain Unit Study to make gifts from Victorian times and festive traditions that make for a happy Christmas in British Christmas tradition and style. Don’t forget to wear your paper crown at dinner, attend a nativity play or carol service, and enjoy all the other Christmas customs that are still so popular in the United Kingdom.
Get ready to learn about holiday traditions in Great Britain!
The twelve days of Christmas were all celebrated by the Tudors and all of Medieval England. Shakespeare wrote the play Twelfth Night to be part of these celebrations. Later in the Victorian era, Charles Dickens inspired us all to reconsider themes present so many years earlier. There is so much history to be discovered in the 12 Days of Christmas in Great Britain!
In this 12 lesson study, you will learn about many of the holiday traditions of Great Britain. Some of them we still follow today.
The 12 Days of Christmas Traditions in Great Britain unit study is perfect for middle & high school students but can be enjoyed by all ages with the help & supervision of an adult.
~Shannan
The 12 Days of Christmas in Great Britain Unit Study Includes:
- Day 1: The Hidden Meaning In The 12 Days Of Christmas Song – Download your Day 1 Sample Lesson at the end of this post.
- Day 2: The Christmas Cracker – History & Craft
- Day 3: The History of Christmas in Great Britain
- Day 4: Christmas Pudding – History & Recipes
- Day 5: Dickens And The Invention Of Christmas
- Day 6: Boar’s Head Carol – Including sheet music & copy work.
- Day 7: The History Of The Holly & The Ivy
- Day 8: The Victorian Mistletoe Ball – History & Craft
- Day 9: The Origins Of Boxing Day
- Day 10: Mince Pie Myth, Folklore & Recipes – Includes Recipes!
- Day 11: The Yule Log & Other Christmas Holidays Celebrated in Great Britain.
- Day 12: Medieval Christmas Dance – Dance Lesson included!
Anglophiles! Grab the Complete Unit study here!
Download your Day 1 lesson & Worksheet Below
Enjoy researching the truth behind the ideas of the ‘hidden’ meaning. There is much discussion on each side of the debate. Nevertheless, your kids will enjoy learning about this holiday song as they explore the many Christmas traditions in Great Britain.
More Christmas in Great Britain Activities for Homeschoolers
The holiday season is the perfect time for homeschoolers to engage in fun and festive activities. One great idea is to make homemade Christmas cards for family and friends. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to get creative and show their love and appreciation for their loved ones. They can use various art supplies and personalized messages to make each card unique and special.
Another activity that homeschoolers can enjoy is baking traditional mince pies and decorating them with festive icing. This not only teaches them valuable baking skills but also allows them to immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit. They can experiment with different icing techniques and have fun making their pies look as beautiful as they taste.
Festive Fun
To add an element of adventure, homeschoolers can create a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt around the house. This activity encourages problem-solving and teamwork as they search for hidden clues and solve riddles to find their ultimate treasure. It’s a great way to keep children engaged and entertained during the holiday season.
In addition, homeschoolers can write a letter to Santa Claus and include a list of wishes. This activity not only cultivates their imagination but also helps them practice their writing skills. They can express their heartfelt desires and hopes for the Christmas season, and who knows, Santa may just grant their wishes!
Furthermore, making paper snowflakes and hanging them around the house can bring a touch of winter wonderland indoors. Homeschoolers can embrace their creativity and create unique snowflake designs. This activity also helps improve their fine motor skills as they cut and fold the paper.
Singing Christmas carols and learning the lyrics to traditional songs is also a fantastic way to celebrate the holiday season. Homeschoolers can gather as a family and sing their hearts out to classic Christmas tunes. Not only does this activity spread joy and cheer, but it also promotes a sense of togetherness and creates lasting memories.
There are so many enjoyable activities for homeschoolers during the holiday season. From making homemade cards to singing carols, the possibilities are endless. These activities not only foster creativity and learning but also bring families closer together as they celebrate the magic of Christmas.
BONUS: More Christmas Music
The 12 Days of Christmas Traditions in Great Britain Unit Study – Perfect Addition to your Winter Festivities!
Merry Christmas! You may also enjoy
- Celebrate Christmas in Great Britain with Shakespeare & Dickens
- 12 Days of Christmas Traditions in Great Britain: Day 1-The Song
- Christmas Traditions in Great Britain | Holiday Unit Study
- Easy Cute Christmas Coloring Pages: Kids Printables
- Holiday Recipes & Fun Activities For A Healthy And Affordable Holiday Season
