Differences between British and American Christmas
‘How do they celebrate Christmas there?’ My American grandmother once asked me this question during our weekly phone call several years ago.
He was really curious about the differences between British and American Christmas. And, through my decade of living in London as an American, I’ve learned that many other people do too.
Most Americans have visions created by Charles Dickens dancing in their heads. They thought Christmas celebrations in London involved British people eating goose and hoped Jacob Marley wouldn’t knock on their door.
So, to keep things real, after the phone call, I asked my London-born husband to explain what he thinks Americans do at Christmas. His response, “Watch stupid television. Have pancakes, syrup and bacon that isn’t actually bacon for breakfast. Dinner is roast turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy like you get at KFC and corn, like creamed corn.”
He also added, “As an American, you probably don’t drink as much, like us Brits.”
In that case.
To learn more about what he means about British drinking habits at Christmas, watch this video on London pubs at Christmas.
This article is an update of the original article published in 2014.
Christmas- Difference between British and American:
Santa Claus?
Firstly, the British call Santa Claus ‘Father Christmas’. This is a very difficult thing for me to remember when I am having a conversation with my English friend. Next, they say ‘Merry Christmas’, not Merry Christmas.
OK then, that’s settled.
If you want to watch more, here’s a roundup of Christmas videos for you!
Christmas- Difference between British and American:
On Your Sign!
I still don’t know when Christmas starts in England. There was a member of staff at a London pub who approached me to book a work Christmas party in July! They started planning the celebration from then on! In October, #Christmas was trending on social media in London. And this year I’ve seen a lot Things to Do in London Christmas video right away!
Americans are known for excessive advertising and greed, but we always have a formal line to start the Christmas celebrations. Thank you, Gratitude.
In America, once the dinner dishes are cleared on the Thanksgiving table, it’s time to put on your Christmas gear.
That previously meant battle gear to beat the crowds at the mall. (You’ve seen the video!) Until a few years ago, Black Friday was just an American shopping phenomenon. It doesn’t really exist in England. However, for some reason the UK experienced an onslaught of sales and super deals the day after ‘Thanksgiving’ in 2014 which was the first year I lived here. I still don’t know why, but now it has become commonplace.
In fact this year, I felt the Black Friday deals lasted the entire month of November in London.
Christmas in London
Don’t ruin your London trip with bad itineraries! Your dream Christmas in London starts here.
From sparkling lights to the perfect itinerary, self-guided walks and everything in between, it’s our newest product Christmas in London This guide is packed with festive magic! (and Mr. Sunny’s holiday sausage roll recipe)
Don’t spend your Christmas like watching a movie!
Christmas- Difference between British and American:
Decor
You’ve probably all seen National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Most Americans decorate their homes entirely with lights and other festive ornaments. It’s not just a Hollywood picture.
In suburban America, great competition occurs during the holidays to see who can put on the grandest Christmas display in their homes and yards. It can be a very competitive atmosphere. And, there are some who take the opportunity to decorate to raise money for charitable causes. Check out this YouTube video featuring ‘The Best Star Wars Musical Christmas Lights Show’
In the suburbs of London, I rarely see decorated houses on the side of the road. Usually 2-3 houses on either side of the street have several lights. The lights seemed to have been thrown haphazardly around the tree.
However, if you travel just 20 miles outside of London, you can check out Hogwarts in the Snow, which is a Warner Bros Studio Tour (AKA Harry Potter Tour) filled with Christmas decorations. This is one of the things you’ll want to book in advance if you’re planning on being in London over Christmas.
Christmas- Difference between British and American:
Television
One of the most difficult Christmas differences between the UK and America for me is television. When I first moved here, I struggled to find Christmas specials on TV in London, apart from the occasional channel offering. Movies24 runs old Hallmark Christmas movies. Netflix has been in production for a few years now. But, I need clay shows and old school Christmas shows on constant reruns to really lift the spirits.
In America, the title below (
Christmas- Differences between England and America: Christmas Crackers
I learned about Christmas cakes on the first Christmas I spent in London. The concept is similar to a Thanksgiving wishbone but much prettier.
Christmas crackers are cardboard tubes that contain gifts inside. The tube is wrapped in festive colorful paper. Inside the cracker is a banger, two pieces of chemically impregnated paper that react with friction so that when the cracker is pulled by two people the cracker makes an explosive sound. This causes a loud snapping sound. The person holding the larger end gets to keep the prize inside.
Note- because this is an ‘explosive’, you cannot put it in your suitcase. So, unless you buy them in the US, you can’t bring home Christmas Crackers as a souvenir if you’re visiting from America.
These are some of my favorite themed Christmas Crackers:
Christmas at the Pub
It is a tradition to go to your ‘local’ in England on Christmas Day. When I visited our local pub at Christmas it was absolutely packed. People bring their kids and dogs for a few hours to celebrate the holiday. Open around 12-2pm.
No, children and dogs do not drink. Yes, the dogs may get a little beer here and there, but please don’t think the British freely give beer to their children. However, the whole family attended and this was encouraging. The beer also flows pretty steadily.
In the previous video, I showed you the most iconic London Pubs to visit at Christmas and told you everything you need to know about drinking parties in London. (As if today is different from any other day!)
Boxing Day
I still don’t understand Boxing Day. Traditionally, December 26 is the day when servants receive gifts. Literally, they would receive boxes filled with gifts from their employers.
As far as I know, because it’s a Bank Holiday, not much is open. Yes, the pub is open. Oh, and slowly more and more shopping is being done here this ‘Bank Holiday’.
In America, post-holiday sales start on this day.
Christmas- Similarities between England and America:
Despite these differences, there are also some things that are actually the same on both sides of the pond.
- There are big sales after Christmas. In London, these sales are referred to as ‘January sales’ and last a little longer than retail sales in America.
- The store plays Christmas music throughout the season. In the UK, it seems like Paul McCartney’s ‘Wonderful Christmas Time’ and George Michael’s ‘Last Christmas’ are on loop with every other song. I’ve never heard Madonna’s ‘Santa Baby’. I’m grateful for that.
- All those ‘happy holidays’ tend to overwhelm some of us. Family quarrels reached their peak in England and America during this time period.
- Ugly sweaters/jumpers are everywhere.
- We all love opening presents for Christmas.
- The arrival of the red ‘Starbucks’ cup is a highly anticipated event of the holiday season in the UK and USA.
I often write about Things to Do at Christmas in London on my blog.
Learn About What’s Happening in London
If you don’t want to miss famous events in London or need help on what to book in advance for your trip to London, you can’t miss my weekly email. The Sunny News shares Mr Sunny’s weekly pub of the week and discount codes for London’s most popular experiences too.
If there’s a specific topic or question you’d like addressed, you can always request it in the comments section below or in the video comments
What can you add to the differences in Christmas between the UK and the US? What do you think of Mr Sunny’s suggestion that there is more alcoholic drink in England at Christmas than in America?
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