A Kentish Christmas

Posted by Joseph Allen McCullough Dec 22, 2007

I’m often asked by my American friends how English Christmas differs from American Christmas. Although the two are certainly more similar than they are different, there are a few things that the Brits have that haven’t made it across the pond. The first thing I noticed on my first British Christmas was the tree. At first glance it is very similar to most American ones I’ve seen, however, there are a couple of decorations which stand out. One common decoration that I have never seen in the US, but which appears over here are golden scrolls. I’m not sure the meaning of this rolled up paper, and no one has been able to tell me, but it does look quite classy. The other is that British trees rarely have candy canes, instead, the Brits hang little bags of chocolate coins. This does have the unfortunately drawback that it can start a mad rush of children at the tree.

The other main difference lies in the Christmas feast. This consists of a turkey or goose. Goose used to be the most common, but turkey has taken over because it is so much cheaper. Apparently turkeys can be raised on farms, geese cannot. This is backed up by large helpings of roast vegetables. Let me tell you America, you are missing out on roast potatoes which has quickly become my favourite way to eat spuds.

Finally, the Brits have these great little mince pies. They are everywhere at Christmas and you can expect to be offered them at any gathering. Mince is some kind of squashed up fruit and berry matter. It is stuffed into cookies sized pies, topped with sugar. Yum.

I hope all my readers have a wonderful holiday and I’ll talk to you all in the new year.