“Happy Christmas” is what people say in England in situations where Americans would say “Merry Christmas”, for example, on the last day at school or work before the holiday begins, or on Christmas cards.
At the trivia night party at the Faculty of Education, one question all English people knew the answer to was: “List the three things you leave out for Santa before going to bed Christmas Eve”. The answers are: (1) mince pies, (2) a carrot, (3) a glass of sherry.
Actually I’m not sure the question said “Santa” because the English also often refer to him as “Father Christmas.” At a toy store shopping for Graham, one 3-year-old and his mother were shopping for a present for the kid’s best friend. The child pointed to a rather large present and his mom said “That’s a bit big for us to get for him, I think Father Christmas might be bringing that for him.”
One of the coolest things they have in England that Americans have never heard of are Christmas Crackers. Every person here grew up with them, and they always have them at adult-only dinner parties too (the two that I went to anyway). Too complex to describe but Google it if you like. (Hint: You’re not allowed to have them in your checked luggage or carry-ons although some people manage to sneak them through 
This is my last posting on this blog! I’m now safely home and unpacked. It was sad to leave but it’s wonderful to be back with my family. Happy Christmas!
We have crackers at Christmas – they are around. We have pictures with us in silly hats reading bad jokes.
Well, those photos are definitely PROOF that crackers were all around! My son Graham loved the ones I brought back from England, we’ll definitely find them somewhere for next Christmas.