What American Christmas Traditions Would British People Find Strangest?
Going back to work the day after Christmas those Americans hold some weird sh!t. If you're a British person, you might wonder why they think a day is not enough to properly recover from their Christmas celebration.
Elves
While American culture often depicts elves as cute and picturesque characters similar to those seen in movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas, a British counterpart might be more surprised. In America, elves are a crucial part of the Christmas experience, appearing in everything from toy shops to holiday-themed movies. But in Britain, the concept of elves acting as assistants to Santa is often non-existent. Franchise Santas, the real Santas who might work in upscale toyshops, don't require a grotto or any elves at all for help. Even those who would typically assist in crowd control are often found in a security capacity, or with the help of Orcs (just in case), a fierce and more mythical take on crowd control.
Holiday Marketing and the Season's Banner
A British person might be further surprised by the start of holiday marketing as early as July. While in America, stores might start advertising Christmas products as soon as the weather gets cooler, some British businesses might be caught off-guard or even disapproving of such a dramatic marketing shift. This strategy in America is often seen as a way to generate early sales and maintain consumer interest throughout the year, but it might come across as insulting the British sense of occasion and tradition.
No Boxing Day, Please
One of the most striking differences between American and British Christmas traditions might be the absence of a Boxing Day off. While American colleagues might return to work the day after Christmas with little complaint, in Britain, the holiday season often does not end until Boxing Day, a day traditionally reserved for giving charity or having an extra day off. In fact, many people in the building trade might even take two weeks off at Christmas, suggesting a much more extended break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This extended break might seem foreign and unfamiliar to Americans, who might appreciate a few days but might not be willing to give up the option to return to work the next day.
Excessive Decorations: A British View
When it comes to holiday decorations, a British person might be amazed (or perhaps disappointed) at the scale of American homes. In America, it's not uncommon to see homes decorated with thousands of lights, animated displays, and elaborate musical instruments. While this might be seen as a show of enthusiasm and enthusiasm for the holiday season, a British person might view it as excessive. In Britain, while homes might be decorated for Christmas, the approach might be more traditional and less overwhelming. This difference in scale might make British visitors feel they've been transported to a Disneyland of Christmas rather than a home filled with warmth and cozy traditions.
In conclusion, while Christmas traditions in both America and Britain share similar roots, the differences in how these traditions are observed might lead to some amusement, curiosity, or incredulity from one side to the other. Whether it's the concept of elves, the timing of holiday marketing, the extended breaks, or the scale of home decorations, American and British Christmas celebrations offer unique and often contrasting experiences.