Christmas is traditionally the time when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. Most Christmas traditions in the Britain are based on this.
A nativity play is usually the first type of play children perform when they start school.
In schools all over the country, children participate in a variety of Christmas themed plays. Children in Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 classes (ages 4-7) usually perform Nativity plays which tell the story of Jesus' birth.
In schools, children learn lots of Christmas songs - especially Christmas carols.
In schools, children learn lots of Christmas songs - especially Christmas carols.
Christmas Trees
The most famous Christmas tree in Britain stands in Trafalgar Square, London.
Christmas trees are a popular decoration found in most homes in December. The tradition of the Christmas tree came to England from Germany in 1841, when Prince Albert (husband of Queen Victoria) erected one in Windsor Castle. A picture of the Royal Family standing around the tree appeared in a national newspaper and this is what made Christmas trees fashionable in this country.
Some families like to have a real Christmas trees, but artificial ones have become increasingly popular in recent years.
The most famous Christmas tree in Britain is put up in Trafalgar Square every year. It is a gift from the people of Oslo, Norway, as a thank you for Britains support during the Second World War. The gift has been given each year since 1947.
Pantomimes
Some characters from 'Jack and the Beanstalk'. From left to right - Fairy Godmother, Principal Boy (Jack), the Dame (Jack's mother), Daisy the cow (played by two actors!)
Pantomimes are a uniquely British artform aimed at the whole family. They are traditionally performed during the Christmas season. Performances are held all over the country - both professional and amateur productions.
Pantomimes have their origins in the 'Mummers Plays' of the mediaevel period. These plays were performed by all male casts (it was illegal for a woman to be an actress at that time) and the story-line always featured good overcoming evil. This remains the underlying theme of the modern pantomime.
If you attend a pantomime you can expect to experience some, or all, of the following features:-
Pantomimes have their origins in the 'Mummers Plays' of the mediaevel period. These plays were performed by all male casts (it was illegal for a woman to be an actress at that time) and the story-line always featured good overcoming evil. This remains the underlying theme of the modern pantomime.
If you attend a pantomime you can expect to experience some, or all, of the following features:-
The Pantomime Dame - The "Dame" is probably the most loved of all the pantomime characters. She is a female character in the play, but the role is played by a male actor. The "Dame's" costumes are usually the most elaborate and humorous of the performance. In most pantomimes the "Dame" plays a poor widow (usually the hero's mother) although, in Cinderella, there are usually two of them playing the parts of the 'Ugly Sisters'.
One of the most popular and famous pantomime dames is an actor named Christopher Biggins. He is known as 'Biggins' for short.
One of the most popular and famous pantomime dames is an actor named Christopher Biggins. He is known as 'Biggins' for short.
The Principal Boy - This is a male character (usually the Prince) but is played by a relatively young and attractive woman. The Principal boy is usually the hero of the story.
The 'Baddy' - this is almost without exception a male character. When he comes onto the stage, the audience is actively encouraged to 'Boo' and 'Hiss' (us Brits do this instinctively as part of the pantomime tradition!). However, by the end of the performance the character is reformed as he sees the error of his ways. He often ends up marrying the 'Dame'!
Audience participation - Audience participation is encouraged during various parts of the performance. As previously mentioned, the audience will jeer at the 'baddy' but in other parts of the play you might be expected to call out "He's behind you!" or enter into an argument with a character on stage which is likely to follow the following script:-
"Oh yes, he/she/it is"
"Oh, no, he/she it isn't"
Don't worry if you are not sure what to do - just do the same as everyone else in the theatre!
Usually towards the end of the pantomime, there will be an opportunity for community singing (often a competition between various parts of the audience) and some children may be invited to join some of the cast onto the stage.
A Grand Finale - The end of the performance is always the grandest part - often a wedding - and the cast will reappear in a new set of costumes.
If your family is in the U.K. for Christmas or New Year, a pantomime is certainly something you should experience.
The 'Baddy' - this is almost without exception a male character. When he comes onto the stage, the audience is actively encouraged to 'Boo' and 'Hiss' (us Brits do this instinctively as part of the pantomime tradition!). However, by the end of the performance the character is reformed as he sees the error of his ways. He often ends up marrying the 'Dame'!
Audience participation - Audience participation is encouraged during various parts of the performance. As previously mentioned, the audience will jeer at the 'baddy' but in other parts of the play you might be expected to call out "He's behind you!" or enter into an argument with a character on stage which is likely to follow the following script:-
"Oh yes, he/she/it is"
"Oh, no, he/she it isn't"
Don't worry if you are not sure what to do - just do the same as everyone else in the theatre!
Usually towards the end of the pantomime, there will be an opportunity for community singing (often a competition between various parts of the audience) and some children may be invited to join some of the cast onto the stage.
A Grand Finale - The end of the performance is always the grandest part - often a wedding - and the cast will reappear in a new set of costumes.
If your family is in the U.K. for Christmas or New Year, a pantomime is certainly something you should experience.
Christmas Crackers
Have you ever wondered why us Brits wear a paper hat while eating our Christmas meal? If so, read on, as it is all down to the humble Christmas Cracker!
A Christmas Cracker is a kind of "interactive" table decoration. It is a colourful paper tube which is twisted at each end. When the table is laid for the Christmas meal, a cracker is placed at each place-setting to decorate the table.
Once everyone is seated, and before the meal begins, the crackers are pulled. In order to pull the cracker you need two people (one at each end). Some people cross hands while holding one end of the cracker and use their spare hand to hold the cracker belonging to the person next to them. That way, everyone sitting around the table makes a circle and can pull at the same time.
When a cracker is pulled, you will hear a small 'bang'. A small strip inside the cracker causes this to happen. The cracker will tear when you pull it and the contents will fall out. The contents usually include the following:-
A Christmas Cracker is a kind of "interactive" table decoration. It is a colourful paper tube which is twisted at each end. When the table is laid for the Christmas meal, a cracker is placed at each place-setting to decorate the table.
Once everyone is seated, and before the meal begins, the crackers are pulled. In order to pull the cracker you need two people (one at each end). Some people cross hands while holding one end of the cracker and use their spare hand to hold the cracker belonging to the person next to them. That way, everyone sitting around the table makes a circle and can pull at the same time.
When a cracker is pulled, you will hear a small 'bang'. A small strip inside the cracker causes this to happen. The cracker will tear when you pull it and the contents will fall out. The contents usually include the following:-
- a paper crown (which is worn during the meal)
- a joke (Christmas cracker jokes are usually terrible!)
- a small gift - gifts vary considerably according to the price paid for the crackers.