An American expat who has called the United Kingdom home for nearly ten years has opened up about the festive traditions that initially left her utterly bewildered. Kalyn, who runs the popular 'Girl Gone London' YouTube channel, moved to Britain in 2015 and has spent the last decade navigating the nuances of British life.
The Festive Traditions That Caused a Stir
Despite her long residency and deep affection for her adopted country, Kalyn confessed in a recent video that several elements of a classic British Christmas continue to surprise her. She detailed nine specific customs that represent a significant departure from her American upbringing, offering a transatlantic perspective on the holiday season.
First on her list were the enigmatic Christmas crackers. Kalyn explained that for Americans, a 'cracker' is solely a edible biscuit, often served with butter or cheese. The British version, a cardboard tube pulled apart to reveal a paper hat, a terrible joke, and a small trinket, was a complete revelation. She noted the loud 'bang' upon pulling could easily be mistaken for fireworks indoors, and the fact that every British family seems to have its own unique ritual for the event only added to her initial confusion.
The dense, fruity Christmas pudding was another point of cultural divergence. Kalyn described it as an 'acquired taste' that Americans simply do not have an equivalent for, admitting she was unsure what to expect upon her first encounter with the traditional dessert.
Days of Celebration: Eve, Day, and Boxing Day
Kalyn highlighted the stark contrast in how the days surrounding Christmas are observed. In the US, Christmas Eve is typically a quiet family affair, whereas she discovered many Brits opt for a festive gathering at the pub with friends. The concept of Boxing Day on December 26th was a major point of difference. She emphasised that in America, the day after Christmas holds no special status—it is not a national holiday, has no name, and offers no guaranteed day off work, forcing families to cram all celebrations into a single day.
She also pointed to the uniquely British tradition of the Christmas pantomime, or 'panto'. Kalyn described these theatrical shows as delightfully chaotic spectacles that 'do not take themselves too seriously', blending familiar stories with audience participation, cross-dressing actors, and slapstick humour in a way unheard of in American holiday entertainment.
Subtler Shocks: TV, Cards, and Dinner
Beyond the main events, Kalyn noted other traditions that marked a cultural shift. The annual ritual of watching the animated film 'The Snowman' is deeply ingrained in British festive culture but far less known across the Atlantic. Similarly, while both nations send seasonal greetings, she observed that Brits appear to take the tradition of writing and posting Christmas cards 'very seriously', even as the practice wanes in popularity.
Even festive aesthetics differ. Kalyn showed her audience that while American decorations can be extravagantly over-the-top, with gardens filled with inflatables and lights, UK decorations tend to be more understated—though no less spirited.
Finally, the centrepiece of the Christmas meal provided a final surprise. Having typically consumed turkey for Thanksgiving in November, many Americans opt for an alternative like ham on December 25th. The British commitment to a second turkey feast at Christmas was, therefore, a notable difference in festive dining habits she had to adapt to.
Through her decade of experience, Kalyn's observations paint a vivid picture of the small but significant cultural nuances that define the holiday season on either side of the pond, proving that even after ten years, there is always something new to learn about British Christmas traditions.
