II Main part of the lesson
Before Christmas
Some weeks before Christmas the English are busy. They go shopping, buy and send greeting cards to all their friends and relatives. It is suggested to be a family holiday. So, most people who live far away, try to come home at Christmas. That's why it's very hard to catch a train or a bus or any kind of transport before this holiday. And people book tickets in advance.

At this time of the year, streets, shops and buildings are decorated, too. The view is incredible!

Every year there is a very big Christmas tree in the centre of London. It is in Trafalgar Square. This is a present from the people of Norway to the people of Great Britain. They send it to Londoners and the citizens of London decorate it. In the evening the British like to come to the square to look at the tree.

Christmas Eve
English people like Christmas very much. It's the most favourite holiday of the year.They celebrate it for three days. The first is called Christmas Eve. They usually put up a Christmas Tree at their homes. They decorate it with bright balls and little coloured lights.

On Christmas Eve carols are often sung by groups of singers walking from house to house,

and children hang a stocking on the fireplace or at the foot of their bed for Father Christmas to fill.

At night, Father Christmas comes. He always has a big bag of presents for children.

Christmas Day
The next morning is Christmas. It's on the 25th of December. People open their presents on Christmas morning and they are happy with what they get.

For Christmas lunch people eat turkey, potatoes and green vegetables.

Then they have the Christmas pudding.

At five o'clock it's time for tea and Christmas cake.

After feasting on a delicious Christmas Day lunch, many British people watch on TV the Queen’s annual speech.

On Christmas people wish their nearest and dearest a Merry Christmas.
Boxing Day
The day after Christmas is Boxing Day. People usually visit their relatives and friends. They also exchange presents.

It's the happiest holiday for everyone in the United Kingdom.