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Xmas - History - Legends - St. Nick - 12th Night - Carols - Games - Rings - E-Cards

British Isles Customs:   Evergreen wreaths are placed on the front door. A Christmas Yule log is brought in and children hang stockings over the hearth fire. Father Christmas brings gifts and they are placed under the Christmas tree decorated with ribbons, cards, candles, and tiny satin wrapped presents. Victorian illustrators show him as either a pagan figure with icicles or ivy around his head or a saint. He fills the stockings with small gifts, food, apples, Sevilla oranges, and nuts. Christmas crackers, foil wrapped party favors with treats, are very popular. (4)

Caroling: On Christmas Eve people go caroling. A Carol: love song is sung to a harp or sometimes a violin. In Welsh this is called eisteddfodau: session. (4)

Divining: If a spinster on Christmas Eve pours melted lead into cold water, it will turn into the shape of the tools her future husband will use. A doctor will be represented by a lancet, a writer by a quill, a surveyor by a chain, a mason by a mallet, and so on. – Emma Mary Thomas