Christmas cards are an essential part of the celebrations. We even send them to our direct neighbours.

We used to place the cards on the mantlepiece above the fire in the living room, on empty shelves and on the TV. And when space became rare, they were hung on ribbons on the walls. 

The tradition of Christmas cards began in Britain during the time of Queen Victoria. And they are still a big tradition in the English-speaking world today.

It’s a tradition I still keep today.

Although I send out e-cards, I do like to send real Christmas cards to special friends and family members. But I love to receive them, too—so that I can decorate our living space!

Do you send out Christmas cards? And do you decorate your living space with cards?

Today I have an old English Christmas song for you:

“Christmas is coming and the geese are getting fat.
Please put a penny in the old man’s hat.
If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny* will do.
If you haven’t got a ha’penny, God bless you.”

*halfpenny

A roasted goose at Christmas has been a tradition since ancient times.

According to the British Poultry Council, around 250,000 geese are eaten every Christmas across Britain. With the average bird feeding six people, a roast goose might be the perfect choice for your gathering during this festive period.

Having said that, I must confess, I’ve never eaten goose.

Have you?

Shortly before Christmas, my mother always took my sister and me to one of Santa’s grottos as a special treat. All the big stores in town had one.

They added a little magic to the festive season for us children.

Queuing up to visit Santa was always exciting. 

Once we were in the grotto, we were able to share our wishlist with Santa. And we left with a present—a doll, soft toy or game—under our arms.

Of course, times have changed. Grottos have become more spectacular over the years, as you can see here: 

Ten of the very best places to see Father Christmas in the UK. 

(Amazing. I’ve just seen that LaplandUK is only around the corner from where my parents last lived.)

Would you go along with a child—or is it all too commercialised for your liking?

For me, one of the best parts of the holiday season is the singing of Christmas songs or, what we call, carols.

Without them, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas.

When I lived in England, carol singers came on floats (Festwagen) through the streets singing carols and collecting money for a good cause. 

And we children often went from house to house singing carols and collecting money for charity, too.

Would you like to sing along with some English carols?

You’ll find the music and the lyrics here.