While the great traditions of the Yule log and boar's head are no longer commonly observed in England, in the minds of many they are an integral feature of the old-fashioned British Christmas. Dyed-in-the-wool traditionalists may substitute roast pig for the boar's head, but the modern fireplace is far to small to accommodate the massive Yule logs of times past. Even the great British roast beef has been replaced by turkey. Mince pie and plum pudding are still favorites however, and the land that gave us the Christmas card is still sending them to millions.
In England, the Christmas tree has been widespread since Prince Albert introduced the custom in 1841. Caroling and bell ringing are very popular, as well. Father Christmas, very similar to the American Santa Claus, leaves gifts for children. Letters to him are not mailed, but rather, they are thrown in the fire; if they fly up the chimney, the desired gift is considered as good as bought.
Children hand up their stockings on Christmas Eve. After the children are in bed, parents decorate the tree and fill the house with holly, ivy, and mistletoe. Afterward, many go to a midnight Christmas service. In the morning children open gifts, and all sit down to that turkey dinner in the afternoon.
An additional observance at this time of year is Boxing day, held on December 26. The name is taken from the old custom of opening the alms boxes in church the day after Christmas to give the money to the needy.
About the Author...
Born and raised in the state of New York, R.M. Villoria began his writing career as a prolific songwriter. After two back-to-back tours as a Marine in Vietnam, Villoria spent the next few years owning and operating a myriad of businesses and in 1992 returned to writing, this time appeasing his appetite for suspense and horror fiction.
Born and raised in the state of New York, R.M. Villoria began his writing career as a prolific songwriter. After two back-to-back tours as a Marine in Vietnam, Villoria spent the next few years owning and operating a myriad of businesses and in 1992 returned to writing, this time appeasing his appetite for suspense and horror fiction.
Years in the making, his ghostly tales touching on the underpinnings of quantum physics and the paranormal are now ready for the public. As his first published work, Villoria presents readers with Volume One of his series “Tales From the Mind Field.”
Villoria has a son and daughter and lives in Las Vegas with his Wife.
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