How to Have a British Christmas

YouTube Link

Siobhan Thompson, host of the BBC America series Anglophenia, compiled this humorous look at British Christmas traditions that "never made it to America." Although the fun of Christmas crackers is pretty common in the U.S., at least in my experience. I often see them for sale in stores, and my family has been popping them and putting on the silly hats for years now. What's your take on the British Christmas traditions highlighted in the video? -Via Laughing Squid 


Comments (2)

Newest 2
Newest 2 Comments

Growing up, we always wrote letters to Santa and then sent them to the north pole by way of the fireplace. I wanted to continue this tradition with my kids but I live where fireplaces aren't necessary so I haven't had a working chimney to do it. It's just not the same putting a letter to Santa on the barbecue. Though the rib roast I got in my stocking that year was fantastic.
The last several years we have had the Doctor Who Christmas invasion as part of our tradition so we have sat through the Queen's speech as well.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
I never knew that the British Christmas pudding was that close to an American fruitcake. We just leave out the awful parts, like boiling it and burning it.

Last year, my SIL brought crackers to the family gathering. POP, confetti, funny hats -it was almost like New Years Eve.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
When they do those kind of videos, they could at least reveal what % of those interviewed had correct vs. incorrect answers. Editing obviously can skew our opinion of those folks being asked.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
As said above, knowing the percentages would help, since at some point you have a small percentage that will say anything to be on TV or to make a joke.

And the only time I've bumped into people do something similar, both on a camera and for a written survey, they seemed to not have the greatest scruples/work ethic/understanding of what they were doing. They wanted to asked if I knew who my senator and representative was, or who was the Lt. governor. The problem was both times I was on a trip out of the state I live in, but neither surveyor seemed to care. When I told them who was "my" representative, they marked it as wrong one the written survey (the video one I didn't bother sticking around for). I also saw them pestering foreign tourists to answer their questions too.

That said, a lot of people I've met from countries other than the US asked why people and education in the US is so obsessed with history, and talked of how wars and history before the 20th century was rarely covered in their schools, as civics and contemporary issues were more valued. This varies a lot from country to country, but for some they don't see videos like this as a big deal (at least without being told that some of this should have been in just about every student's curriculum at some point).
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
  1 reply
Don't worry, they all know who Kim Kardashian and Nicki Minaj are (I had to check spelling on both of those).. so they've got all the really important things in life covered.

Besides, they don't need to know any "common man" items/issues, they're *all* going to be wildly rich and famous and not have to deal with "normal" life when they grow up.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.
Email This Post to a Friend
"How to Have a British Christmas"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More