The weather is getting chillier, the nights are getting shorter, and Christmas is right around the corner bringing with it the promise of a big roast dinner and presents for the whole family.

You can spot the signs of the holiday as Christmas markets are popping up in Leeds city-centre and the holiday adverts are in constant rotation on TV, but what’s the story behind the holiday?  

The Origins of Christmas  

Christmas is a traditionally Christian holiday that has gained increasing popularity as it has been commercialized over the years leading to many non-religious families taking part in festive activities to make the most of the holiday season.  

Christmas marks the day that Christianity’s saviour, Jesus Christ, was born in a manger in Bethlehem to a virgin mother, Mary. Jesus was sent by God to his people to one day die for everyone’s sins so that they could have eternal life in heaven. The festive season of Christmas celebrates God’s gift to humanity in the birth of his son on Earth.  

The 25th of December was a big day before Christmas as it was known and observed by the Romans as the festival of Saturnalia. This festival, also celebrated in mid-December was a celebration honouring the Roman god of agriculture, Saturn. Saturnalia may have even given us many of the Christmas traditions we’re familiar with today, including wreaths, feasts, and even giving gifts.  

Modern Traditions  

Christmas is the most widely celebrated holiday of the year in the UK with most businesses and stores shutting on both 25 and 26 December. Christmastime in the UK is marked with a variety of events and traditions. There are Christmas markets in towns boasting lots of colourful stalls selling gifts and food. Light displays can often be seen in windows and on buildings through cities and towns. Many families will decorate Christmas trees or even go out to the theatre to see a play or pantomime.  

Have you spotted boxes of minced pies on supermarket shelves? These little treats are sweet pies that are filled with fruits and spices. They often have star designs on the top and are a very popular treat in England around the Christmas season.  

Advent calendars are another popular and sweet way to celebrate the season. These chocolate calendars count down the days from 1 to 25 December and offer a piece of chocolate for each day that passes. They’re a great way to start the day with a sweet treat! 

Another Christmas tradition in the UK is the big Boxing Day walk. Boxing Day, 26 December, is another bank holiday meaning lots of people have the day off. Many families use this day to go for a big walk and munch on the leftovers of yesterday’s feast.  

Although Christmas may have some of the most widely seen traditions, the UK is home to so many multicultural communities and families that have their own beautiful traditions.  

Whatever the season means to you, Christmas is a wonderful time of year to spend time with family, make memories, and create your own traditions, whatever they may be.  

Merry Christmas!

LBSU x