Traditional Christmas Greeting: "Merry Christmas"
Tree Type: Traditional

Decorations:
- Christmas crackers
- Christmas boxes
- Toy soldiers

Traditions:
Christmas practices in the United Kingdom are a mix of new and old traditions. The mistletoe, which many families now hang above doorways as decoration, owes its origins to the Kissing Bough of the middle ages. The Kissing Bough was an upside-down triangle (to represent the trinity) of various evergreen branches with images of the Holy Family in the middle. Its purpose as a symbol of peace led to the practice of embracing underneath it as a sign of goodwill. Through the years the triangle has become a single sprig of mistletoe, though the spirit of love, now symbolized by a kiss, still remains.

Before they sleep on Christmas Eve, young children place empty stockings at the foot of their beds or on the fireplace. Though he shares Santa Claus' round, jolly appearance and red suit, the person who delivers presents in the United Kingdom is generally known as Father Christmas. Along with presents, family visits, and more good food, people in the United Kingdom enjoy "crackers" on Christmas Day. These crackers are tubes of paper twisted at either end. When one person pulls at each side, the cracker gently explodes to reveal a crown, riddle, and a few small toys. A traditional part of the holidays in Great Britain, crackers are a great way to bid farewell to the Christmas season with a bang.