Christmas and New Year are two of the most celebrated holidays in both the United States and the
United Kingdom. Although both countries share a lot of common traditions during these holidays, there are also some differences in how people celebrate. From food to family activities, let’s take a look at the similarities and differences between Christmas and New Year celebrations in the US and the UK.
Christmas Similarities:
One of the biggest similarities between Christmas in the US and the UK is the way people decorate
their homes. In both countries, many people put up Christmas trees in their homes, decorating them with lights, baubles, and tinsel. The Christmas tree is often the central decoration of the holiday season.
People also put up Christmas lights on the outside of their homes and in city centres, creating a festive atmosphere. Americans often have more lights and decorations outside their homes.
Another common tradition is the exchange of gifts. In both the US and the UK, families and friends give presents to one another on Christmas Day. Children often leave out stockings for Santa Claus, hoping to find toys and sweets when they wake up on Christmas morning.
Santa Claus is known by the same name in both countries but many British people call him Father Christmas. and he is said to visit homes on Christmas Eve, delivering gifts to children who have been good.
Singing Christmas songs in groups (Christmas carols) is also a popular tradition in both countries.
Groups of people sing Christmas songs, often going door-to-door in their neighbourhoods. In the US, this tradition is most common in schools, churches, and local communities. In the UK, it is more traditional for people to visit homes and sing carols, sometimes raising money for charity.
Christmas Differences:
Although Christmas traditions are quite similar in both countries, there are some differences in how Christmas is celebrated.
1. Christmas Dinner:
In the UK, Christmas dinner is a big event. Most people have a meal with their family, which often includes roast turkey, roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts, stuffing, and gravy. A traditional British dessert is Christmas pudding, a rich and fruity cake that is often served with brandy butter. Another popular food is mince pies, small pastries filled with spiced fruit.
In the US, Christmas dinner can be different depending on the region or family tradition. Roast turkey is also common, but some families may have ham, roast beef, or other dishes. Popular side dishes in the US include mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Desserts like pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and cookies are common in the US, but Christmas pudding and mince pies are not as widely enjoyed.
2. Boxing Day:
In the UK, Christmas is followed by a holiday called Boxing Day, which is celebrated on December 26th. On this day, many people relax and enjoy time with family, and some go shopping for post-Christmas sales. Boxing Day is an important part of the holiday season in the UK and is a public holiday, meaning many people get the day off work.
In the US, Boxing Day is not celebrated. Christmas Day is the main holiday, and the day after Christmas is often just a regular day for many people, although some may enjoy post-Christmas sales or spend time with family.
3. Christmas Crackers:
A unique British tradition is the Christmas cracker. This is a decorative tube that is pulled apart by two people, creating a small “pop” sound. Inside the cracker, there is usually a small gift, a paper crown, and a joke. This tradition is part of the Christmas dinner in the UK, and people wear their paper crowns while eating and sharing jokes.
New Year
Similarities in New Year Celebrations:
Both the US and the UK celebrate the arrival of the New Year with fireworks, parties, and special
events. In both countries, people often count down the final seconds of the old year and celebrate when the clock strikes midnight.
In the UK, the New Year’s Eve celebration in London is especially famous, with a huge fireworks
display over the River Thames. People gather in Trafalgar Square and other public places to watch the fireworks and join in the celebrations. In the US, New York City’s Times Square is known for its large New Year’s Eve celebration, where a huge ball drops at midnight, and people celebrate with music, confetti, and dancing.
Another similarity is the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions. In both the US and the UK, many people make promises to themselves to improve their lives in the coming year. Common resolutions include exercising more, eating healthier, or saving money. This tradition of self-improvement is a big part of both American and British New Year celebrations.
Differences in New Year Celebrations:
While New Year’s celebrations in both countries are similar, there are some differences in how the
holidays are spent.
In the UK, New Year’s Day (January 1st) is a public holiday, and many people enjoy a relaxed day with family and friends. Some people even attend “Hogmanay” celebrations in Scotland, which are large parties and events to welcome the New Year.
In the US, New Year’s Day is also a public holiday, but there is less of a tradition of large gatherings or parties on the day itself. People may watch the Rose Parade in California or enjoy a quiet day with family. Some people in the US also enjoy the “polar bear plunge,” where they jump into cold water to start the year with a refreshing experience.
Christmas and New Year celebrations in the US and the UK are filled with joy, family, and fun. While there are many similarities in how the holidays are celebrated, such as the Christmas tree, gift-giving, and fireworks on New Year’s Eve, each country has its own unique traditions, from the Christmas cracker in the UK to the Times Square ball drop in New York. Despite the differences, both countries come together to celebrate the spirit of the season and welcome the new year with excitement and hope.