Christmas is massive in Britain. Next to our American friends, we spend vast amounts of time and money during the festive period. But more than anything, Christmas is better in the UK because of our devotion to helping each other, keeping beautiful traditions alive and enjoying the company of beloved friends and family.
Close to Family and Friends
Perhaps the most exciting part of Christmas for most adults is the shared experiences with close friends and family. For many, this is the one time of year where getting together is even possible since most are accountable to work and daily responsibilities and commitments. Staying in the UK for the holidays means you can keep your friends and family close as you all enjoy the festive period together as a loving and caring unit. What other time of the year can you get away with wearing a light-up sweater, a funny apron or pointy ears?
A Warm and Receptive Holiday Sector
Holidays in the UK have risen by 300% over the past year because of the effects of Covid-19 and the restriction of travel. To accommodate this, British holiday operators like Park Holidays offer fabulous short breaks all over the nation. So from Cornwall parks in the South to Silver Sands in Scotland, a staycation this year might be just what you need for a little Christmas R&R. In addition, you will contribute to helping the British economy. Many smaller towns and cities need some economic boost following the negative impact of the pandemic.
A Jovial Experience in Towns and Cities
Speaking of towns and cities, short breaks or trips to city centres in some of the country’s most popular destinations are a wonder to behold during the festive period. Blackpool’s famous illuminations are perfect for kids and adults alike. But if you are looking for something a little more romantic and sophisticated, it doesn’t get much better than Liverpool. The Winter Market is a foodie’s delight, with delicious homemade recipe stalls from European vendors. Stews, street food and alcoholic drinks are always on offer to warm the cockles of the coldest of Scrooges.
The Weather is Perfect
There is much to be said about the British weather. It is notoriously unpredictable since it rains when it should be sunny, and it’s sunny when rain is expected. And it can change without warning. So you can never really be sure what the UK climate will bring through all the BBC forecasts and weather watching. However, one thing is certain. It is always great on Christmas day. Although it falls in winter, the weather is typically mild with snow and overcast clouds. And the morning is glorious and crisp. In short, there’s no better time for a lung full of fresh air.
Extremely Traditional
We love tradition in the UK. Some of the oldest and beloved traditions for Christmas include the Turkey dinner, lights and decorations, pulling crackers, and eating mince pies. In fact, 800 million mince pies are consumed in the UK over Christmas, with Liverpool leading the way. But tradition extends far beyond fun, games and food, and cities up and down the British Isles are known for their warmth and generosity. Millions of people donate large amounts of time and money to various charities and good causes needing support.
Good Causes to Work For
Those charities and good causes mentioned are what Christmas is really about. You might not think you can make a difference being just one person. But you are one person of many. And for each individual who receives a little love and kindness on one of the loneliest days of their year, to that one person, you will make a huge difference. It’s a sad but actual fact that suicide attempts increase significantly over the holidays. So good causes such as the Samaritans, the Salvation Army and homeless shelters up and down the country need an extra helping hand during this time.
A Bustling Economy
Billions of pounds have been lost over the past two years because of the Covid-19 outbreak. As a result, the British economy has suffered. As a result, tens of thousands of businesses have permanently closed. Yet, there is some good news around the corner. Christmas is always an exciting time for the UK economy. Each year we spend over £80 billion during the holidays. And the figure is continually rising. Christmas markets are one thing. Yet cities all over the nation provide many fun and exciting ways of getting you to come to their major outlets and spend money. For example, Manchester’s Trafford Centre is offering a Tinsel Town outdoor experience this year.
Religious Importance
Christmas is a traditional time of year, borne out of a religious holiday celebrating the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ. This holds significant importance for Christians worldwide, of numerous denominations such as Roman Catholics, Lutherans and Mormons. And whether you subscribe to religious belief or not, the teachings of Christ, love and be loved, and forgiveness and respect are human ideologies by which we can all learn. It is for these reasons Christmas has become the unbeatable holiday season it is. Because of these simple tenets, the spirit of Christmas bestows goodwill to all.
Good Will to All
The notion of goodwill to all is an extension of the religious teaching of Christ put forth by the Catholic church during the Christmas period. During this time, the UK experiences a boost in jovial activity, kindness to others and charitable acts. Neighbouring love is extended, hatchets are buried, and charities like Oxfam, the Salvation Army and Age UK receive a boost in donations and volunteers. With all the tragedy and ill-will on the news each day, it is inspiring that there is at least one time of year, however brief, we can look forward to.
The Grand Decorations
Like most people in Britain, you probably look forward to decorating the house. This is a beautiful way to spread Christmas cheer, and the kids love it. Traditionally, ceiling hangers, tinsel and lights were the go-to decoration for the holidays. These days, however, things are a little more sophisticated. Like Halloween, Christmas has become a great way to show off your design skills. It isn’t uncommon to find animatronics, complex light patterns and even slideshow projections outside UK homes each year.
Christmas Dinner
If there’s one thing you really look forward to at Christmas, be honest, it’s the dinner. The great turkey roast is a Christmas tradition to behold. Turkey is usually accompanied by pigs in blankets, sprouts, goose fat roast potatoes and lashings of cranberry sauce. Of course, on the face of it, it’s nothing more than a glorified Sunday roast, yet it’s the ceremony of it all and the company you keep on the day that makes it special. Of course, if you don’t want the pressure, you could always book dinner at a local pub, restaurant or carvery.
Swathes of Entertainment
We know how to do family entertainment in the UK. And Christmas is a time like no other for the kids. If you have ever been to a panto Xmas show, you know exactly how fun it can be. All over the UK, some of UK TV’s most beloved celebrities get together to perform for children and adults alike in wickedly funny and sometimes cheeky stage shows. Additionally, specialist TV shows air over the holiday period. The BBC has produced some excellent adaptations over the past few years. Some of these include HG Wells’ classic “War of the Worlds”, Agatha Christie’s “And then there were None”, and last year’s excellent feature of the seminal classic, “Dracula”.
