Christmas Traditions

England

The English "Santa Claus" is called Father Christmas.

He wears a long red, green or white robe, and leaves presents in stockings on Christmas Eve. The gifts are not usually opened until the following afternoon.

Christmas in England began in AD 596 when monks brought Christianity to the Anglo Saxons.

Children leave an empty stocking or pillowcase hanging at the end of the bed, for Father Christmas to fill with presents.

In England the day after Christmas is called Boxing Day. It used to be the day that young boys would collect money in clay boxes- when the boxes were full, they broke them open.