With Christmas right around the
corner, I have become aware of several cultural differences between Yankees and
English folk, simply about how we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Now, let
me clear my name by stating that my observations may be skewed, since I am only
half Christian (Catholic, to be specific). In fact, I have spent the last ten
years going to my cousins’ “What’s a Jew to do Today?” party every December 25th
in Hamilton, Massachusetts. Further, I need to remind you that I am generalizing
here. I am sure that many Americans perform these rituals I have found funky
and fresh here in England. I also do not doubt that many British people adhere
to a more modern, Americanized Christmas. That being said, allow me to share
some noteworthy differences between Christmases here versus back home in the
good ol’ U.S. of A.
1.
Lights. In the States, families cannot WAIT to
string lights all across the outside of their homes. Around trees, across the
house itself, and some include flashing giant reindeer or the big man himself
waving from his sleigh. The British reserve most decoration for the inside of
their houses. They find public lighting garish and unattractive.
2.
Television. Sure, the content that gets
broadcast is actually similar in terms of what both countries show on Christmas
Day (It’s a Wonderful Life, anyone?).
However, I watched a hilarious show called “Grumpy Old Men” about the overall mundane
and anticlimactic nature of Christmas time. This episode (‘Grumpy Guide to
Christmas’) featured a play-by-play of how a typical English Christmas occurs.
The narrator covered everything from awkward gifts (such as candle holders) to
how hung-over everyone is because they drank so much on Christmas Eve in
stressful anticipation of the big day. Very British. I also enjoyed the
Christmas Special of Morecambe and Wise (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morecambe_and_Wise).
3.
Christmas Crackers. I personally think these are
really fun, albeit quite lame. They are cardboard cylinders wrapped in festive
paper that you pull apart with a partner. The ripping sets off a popping noise
and out pours a collection of paper crowns, small plastic figurines, and a joke
(Example: What do you get when you cross a skeleton and a detective? Sherlock
Bones).
4.
Food. Despite my lack of cooking skills, I have
been learning in the kitchen for the past 48 hours, making a variety of stews,
gravies, a cabbage dish, and roast turkey. We have snacked on sausage rolls. I
ate some haggis for breakfast recently (a pudding that contains sheep’s organs)
and I love the zesty flavoring, as long as I don’t think about what it is I’m
ingesting. I also find mince pies delicious, and observed Tom’s brother gather
the ingredients that go into mincemeat (meat not being one of them). Mince pies
contain currants, dried fruit pieces, almonds, citrus peel, cinnamon, and
sugar. There are endless British desserts that I am sure I’ll soon write about.
This is my list I’ve concocted thus far. I will be able to embellish
further after an exciting Christmas day tomorrow!
No comments:
Post a Comment