Christmas, December 25th:

It is the most popular holiday in Britain. Central streets are beautifully decorated. Every year the people of Norway give the city of London a present. It is a big Christmas tree and it stands in Trafalgar Square.

Before Christmas, groups of singers go from house to house. They collect money for charity and sing carols, traditional Christmas songs.

The fun starts the night before, on the 24th of December. Traditionally this is the day when people decorate their trees. Children hang stockings on their beds for Santa Claus to put sweets and toys in them. During the day the family meets for the traditional dinner (turkey and special pudding).

Boxing Day, December 26th:

People usually gave "Christmas boxes", or gifts of money, to servants on this day. Today it is an extra holiday after Christmas. This is the time to visit friends and relatives or perhaps sit at home and watch TV.

New Year's Day, January 1st:

This holiday is less popular in Britain than Christmas. But in Scotland, Hogmanay is the biggest festival of the year. On New Year's Eve the Scotts begin to enjoy themselves. All shops are closed on the New Year's Day. People invite their friends to their houses. They see the old year out and the New Year in. Greetings and presents are offered.

Good Friday:

It is the Friday before Easter when the church marks the death of Christ. On this day people eat hot-cross buns marked on top with a cross.