In the United Kingdom, Christmas is one of the most important holidays of the year. It is celebrated on the 25th of December, but many traditions start earlier, at the beginning of December. During this time, towns and cities are decorated with lights, and shops play Christmas music.
In many homes, people decorate a Christmas tree. They put colourful lights, balls, and other decorations on it. Families also decorate their houses with candles, wreaths, and small figures. Children often enjoy writing letters to Father Christmas and waiting for presents.
On Christmas Eve, some families go to church, while others stay at home and prepare food. On Christmas Day, people usually wake up early to open their presents. Then they spend the day with their family. A traditional Christmas lunch includes roast turkey, potatoes, vegetables, and gravy. For dessert, Christmas pudding or mince pies are very popular.
After lunch, families relax together. They talk, play board games, or watch television. A famous tradition is the Christmas Day speech by the King, which is broadcast on TV. Christmas in the UK is a time to rest, share food, and enjoy being with loved ones.
Vocabulary:
• holiday (noun): a special day when people do not work
• decorate (verb): to make something look nice with objects or colours
• tradition (noun): something people do every year
• wreath (noun): a round decoration made of leaves or flowers
• present (noun): something you give to another person, a gift
• Father Christmas (noun): a character who brings presents to children
• Christmas Eve (noun): the day before Christmas Day
• roast (adjective): cooked in the oven
• gravy (noun): a sauce made from meat juices
• dessert (noun): sweet food eaten at the end of a meal
• speech (noun): a formal talk given to many people
• broadcast (verb): to show or play something on television or radio