F or English children, Father Christmas is the one who brings the gifts. He wears long robes with sprigs of holly in his long white hair. Letters to him aren't mailed; they are thrown into the fireplace. If they go up the chimney, the wish will be granted Stockings are hung by the chimney or at the foot of the child's bed to receive small presents, which are opened Christmas morning.
	M any familiar North American traditions came from England. Some that never really crossed the Atlantic include wassailing, yule logs, masses in old cathedrals, and Boxing Day.
	F estive Foods include roast turkey or beef and desserts are mincemeat pies and plum puddings
	D ecorations: The Christmas tree is central, however, it has never completely replaced the combination of greenery and mistletoe called the kissing bough . Bringing in the Yule log and the boar's head are not commonplace today.
	T he traditional Boxing Day - not the one of returning, or even exchanging gifts - began centuries ago. December 26 was set aside for the village priest to distribute the alms deposited in the poor box. More recently it has been celebrated by giving gifts to mailmen, newsboys and other public servants.
	S uperstitions: In Devonshire, a girl raps at the hen house door on Christmas Eve. If a rooster crows, she will marry within the year. In Hertfordshire, a plum cake is stuck on a cow's horn on Christmas Eve. Cider is then thrown into her face. If the cake falls forward, it will be a good harvest.

Please keep them coming. Send your articles on Gardening and Home to editor@anAurora.co.uk

Top