History of New Year's Eve in the UK

In the UK, Christmas is usually celebrated in the home with the family and is a time for the whole family to be together. Every year, people start preparing for Christmas very early by mailing Christmas cards and dressing up the Christmas tree in a prominent place in the house. Nowadays, dressing the tree has become a regular tradition in British homes. The tradition was introduced to Britain in 1840 by Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, from his native Germany and popularized. Some houses are decorated with evergreens (trees that don't lose their leaves in winter); a wreath of holly boughs is placed on the front door, and the interior is decorated with holly wreaths, ivy and fir. In addition to this, a bunch of parasols (a plant whose twigs are often used as Christmas decorations) is often hung over the doorway, and any couple passing underneath is expected to kiss each other! The traditional foods are already prepared: sweet fruit mince pies, beautifully ornate Christmas cakes and Christmas puddings. Although the flavors vary, there is a variety of sauces, nuts, dried fruit and brandy. During the Christmas season, presents are bought, carefully wrapped and hung on the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. Christmas is both a popular and religious holiday. Many families choose to celebrate by going to midnight services in church on Christmas Eve, or going to church on Christmas morning.

New Year's Eve is what China calls New Year's Day, which is Christmas on the other side of the world. There is no such concept as New Year's Eve.