Just Recruitment
Call us on 01206 656656
Just Recruitment
Call us on 01206 656656

Have a very merry Christmas with these seven great British traditions

Have a very merry Christmas

Want to enjoy the magic of Christmas in a quintessentially British fashion? Here are seven seasonal traditions to inspire you

By Lizzie Fletcher

Christmas is a magical time for many people across the world: the perfect occasion to bring families together in festive cheer.

In Britain, we go especially big on Christmas, with many of our traditions dating back centuries.

Here are seven of our finest seasonal traditions, to get you in the Christmas spirit.

1. Leave a tipple and a nibble out for Father Christmas

It is tradition across the world to leave items of food and drink out for Father Christmas and his reindeers, helping sustain them for their nighttime circuit of the globe.

In the UK, we favour a mince pie and a glass of sherry. And don’t forget a carrot or two for Rudolph and company.

Have a very merry Christmas2. Indulge in a roast turkey dinner

Rich food is the best thing about Christmas, right? The gathering of friends and family is the perfect excuse for over-indulgence.

When it comes to the main Christmas meal, most families opt for turkey with all the trimmings. There are a variety of dishes you can serve alongside, but most people go for roast potatoes, carrots, pigs in blankets (sausages wrapped in bacon), stuffing, gravy and, of course, the sprout.

No item of food dominates a truly British Christmas like the humble sprout. Loathed by many, it’s a Christmas tradition to serve these divisive mini cabbages at the table.

3. Scoff some Christmas pud

After you’ve stuffed yourself silly with turkey, you might feel as though you couldn’t eat a thing more. But as any Brit will tell you, you’d be wrong. There’s a separate tummy for pudding, after all.

A traditional British dessert is a Christmas pudding, which is made up of a variety of dried fruits and spices. There are lots of Christmas pudding recipes to use or, alternatively, you can buy a premade one from any supermarket.

Don’t forget to pour brandy over the top and light your pudding when you bring it to the table. It’s a show-stopping way to end your Christmas meal.

In among the eating, drinking and present opening the original message of Christmas often falls by the wayside.  

4. Pull some Christmas crackers

Christmas crackers are a traditional favourite in the UK. We’re not talking about the kind you might have with your cheese. These crackers are usually placed on the table as festive decorations, and make a snapping sound when pulled open.

While you can purchase some extremely luxurious crackers for your table, the best, and most typically British ones, contain a cheap plastic toy and an even worse joke.

5. Attend Midnight Mass

In among the eating, drinking and present opening the original message of Christmas often falls by the wayside. While you don’t have to be religious to celebrate the day, it is probably worth remembering that, for some, it is a chance to rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ.

Midnight Mass services typically begin at around 11.30pm on Christmas Eve, and are a jubilant celebration for those who attend.

For those who prefer to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas after the sun has risen, there are plenty of late-morning church services on Christmas Day.

Have a very merry Christmas6. Watch the Royal Christmas Message

The reigning monarch gives a speech every Christmas Day at 3pm, reflecting on the events of the past year. It’s an important part of the day for many households, and families through the ages have gathered to watch it on TV.

Most people put the King/Queen on in the background while they enjoy a post-lunch snooze or play charades. 

7. Boxing Day

A tradition originating in the UK, Boxing Day falls on 26 December (also St Stephen’s day). The name derives from the giving of Christmas “boxes”, which were traditionally used to collect money for the poor.

Nowadays, Boxing Day in the UK is associated with the huge post-Christmas sales held by retailers. And let’s face it, nothing says “quintessential British Christmas” like getting up at the crack of dawn the morning after Christmas and queuing outside your nearest shopping centre in the hope of landing a bargain.

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may like:
How to enjoy Christmas without breaking the bank
Six things to do in the office between Christmas and New Year

 

Published: 21 November 2024
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2024

Jobs currently available

New job
Production Operative
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £13.75 per annum
Location: Clacton-on-Sea
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-CL-PO-0225
About the role

Just Temps seeks multiple Production Operatives to join a prestigious company based in Clacton-on-Sea.

This is a temp-to-perm opportunity role!

Working hours:
You will be working on day shifts for approx. 6 weeks whilst being trained.
Following training you will be on a 4 on 4 off shift pattern, working 2 days and 2 nights then 4 days off.

Shifts run from:
7am - 7pm / 7pm - 7am - working 2 days / 2 nights.

Main duties to include:

  • Running lines and working on compound materials.
  • Machine minding.
  • Select, check and apply the correct material recipes and equipment set-up conditions.
  • Carry out grade changes and periodic equipment cleaning to the required standards in a safe and timely manner.
  • In accordance with procedures, make necessary changes to set-up conditions and or recipe to maintain both quality standards and target output rates.
  • Periodically undertake full stripping and cleaning of extrusion equipment and other related plant as required.
  • Undertake visual inspections and first-line maintenance tasks within the scope of the role.
  • Monitor feed stock levels and ensure sufficient material to maintain production.
  • Loading and unloading of goods, using, Fork Trucks, Grab Trucks, and Pedestrian Operated Lift Trollies etc.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Technical Artworker
Sector: Creative Arts and Design
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913606
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a vibrant and market-leading organisation based on the outskirts of Colchester seeking to add a Technical Artworker to their team.

The key purpose of this role is to look at technical drawings and work closely with the production team to ensure the correct items are manufactured in line with company guidelines.

Key duties include:

  • Where required, create artwork visuals for approval according to guidelines
  • Carry out amends to existing concepts including resizing artwork
  • Prepare files for production
  • Construct master templates for use throughout the organisation
  • Interpret survey information and understand any design changes required
  • Produce technical drawings based on survey dimensions for production and install

Role requirements include:

  • An interest in design, technical and construction drawings with some experience in product design as well as a strong interest in how things work and are made
  • Being meticulous in detail
  • Knowing the whole Adobe Creative Suite and programs, including Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator
  • Strong retouching and visualisation skills
  • Strong layout and typographical skills
  • Strong communication skills and able to collaborative skills to work closely with all departments
  • Strong organisational skills
  • Ability to work well to deadlines

This role is based in the office (Monday to Friday) and offers an excellent benefits package and free on-site parking.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Forklift Driver (Counterbalance)
Sector: Warehouse
Location: Earls Colne
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913605
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to support a transport and logistics business seeking to add a Forklift Driver to their team based in Earls Colne — due to an increase in workload, on a continuous basis.

This is a permanent opportunity!

To be considered for this role, you must have a Counterbalance Licence (valid and in date) — previous experience is required.

This role can be busy and varied, you could spend all day in the yard or moving goods or stock checking and unloading or loading of trucks.

This is a great company to be part of, offering further progression and development, overtime is also available (subject to business requirements).

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 8pm.

This role offers company benefits and there is free parking available on-site.

Please note due to the company’s location you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Artworker
Sector: Creative Arts and Design
Salary: £11.50 - £15.00 per hour
Location: Hadleigh, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: JT-AR-HAD-0225
About the role

Just Temps seeks an Artworker to join a prestigious design company based in the picturesque village of Hadleigh, Suffolk.

This is a temp-to-perm opportunity role.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm (flexible on hours), 40 hours a week.

You must be proficient in Adobe Photoshop.

Working within the design team you will be responsible for taking designs that have been created and preparing them for production, this involves checking the design and making changes or corrections to text, images and or layout.

You will be considered if you have experience or just basic experience and are looking for an opportunity.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Assembly Operatives
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £11.44 per hour
Location: Witham, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-WI-AO-0224
About the role

Just Temps seeks motivated and reliable Assembly Operatives to contribute to the production of high-quality products for a company based in Witham on a temp basis.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Assemble products using provided tools and materials according to specifications.
  • Operate machinery and equipment safely and efficiently.
  • Inspect finished products for quality and ensure they meet company standards.
  • Handle materials and components with care to prevent damage.
  • Maintain a clean and organised work environment.
  • Always follow health and safety guidelines.

Skills and experience required:

  • Previous experience in assembly or a similar production role is advantageous but not essential as full training will be provided.
  • Basic knowledge of hand tools and equipment.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
  • Physically fit, as the role involves manual handling.

This role offers:

  • A supportive and friendly work environment.
  • Opportunity to gain experience in a manufacturing setting.
  • Weekly pay during the temporary assignment.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more