London goes all out for Christmas. If you follow me on Instagram, you'd see all the lights + decorations the city has displayed since the beginning of October {yes, OCTOBER! Even before Halloween!}. And while people at home are decked out in holiday sweaters for their "ugly Christmas sweater" themed party, the Brits seriously {as one can be} wear their sweaters to work, to the pub, to go shopping, walking around, having coffee, etc. It's an essential part of the winter wardrobe here, so I just had to get the sweater.
Being in London this entire holiday season {I'm missing home!}, I've learned that not only are Christmas sweaters a big deal, but I've also learned a few more cultural differences compared to The States:
1. I'm sure I mentioned this last year, but to reiterate, the city celebrates Christmas and only Christmas. It's Christmas everywhere: Christmas trees + wreaths on private doors, in public squares, restaurants, pubs, schools, etc. People only wish others a "Merry Christmas". I asked a Jewish student of mine if he was offended by this, his reply: "Not at all. Americans are so concerned about what's politically correct. It's absurd." So there you go. Christmas is all around us {cue the Love Actually song}.
And Christmas wreaths hang merrily outside most residences {naturally, we had to put one on ours as well!}.
3. London is LIT! Everything and anything is decorated with glittering lights. Not just the high or main streets, but every little street, every store front, every pub and restaurant...
5. Social calendars seem to fill up since Christmas parties are no joke here, unless of course you work in a school. Businesses seem to have multiple Christmas parties, lunches, and dinners. Ross, for instance, had a full-day Christmas party that started at 10 in the AM and ended until the last person stumbled home and/or the pub closed. He also had a team Christmas dinner the following week. We even went to a celebratory Christmas breakfast with Swedish carolers before work one day.
7. Boxing Day is apparently like our Black Friday and is a national holiday {though, they've adopted this American tradition, as well, yet it seems to be misplaced and confused here}. After doing some research, the history of Boxing Day was truly made for servants who were granted the day off, went home to their families, and took home gift boxes from their employers. Nowadays, I think it's meant to be spent with family. Maybe ours will be spent in a pub ;).
8. Speaking of pubs, most are packed this time of year with holiday dinner specials + parties. Unlike The States where many friends host parties in their homes, the flats here are too small {our 550 sq. ft. place couldn't hold a proper party}. Seems like pubs are a popular party spot in the winter and parks are a popular meeting ground in the spring/summer.
9. Santa Claus is oddly named "Father Christmas" here. I can't get on board with that one.
10. Secret Santa, should a workplace or friend organize the gift exchange, seems to be truly secret {gasp!}. I've participated twice now at school and Ross has participated twice at work, and each time if you don't know your gift giver, it will always remain a secret. I have no clue who gave me some fancy tea maker last year and a blanket this year. As someone who likes to thank the giver {and as someone who doesn't like secrets}, I can't get on board with this either.
So the lesson learned about Christmas in London? Despite the nuances between "our" Christmas + "their" Christmas, it cannot be argued that London is the most jolly + festive during the holiday season, which makes it the best time to visit compared to any other time of year.