Yolanda's blog

A little history lesson Hogmanay is Scottish New Year, a celebration providing a unique combination of both traditional and modern customs. The exact origins of Hogmanay are unknown, but it is thought that it was introduced in the 8 th  or 9 th  century by invading Vikings. The Vikings originated from further north, so it is possible that they paid more attention to celebrating the winter solstice than to Christmas. The shortest day was a good reason for them to have a party. For nearly 400 years, from the 17 th  Century until the 1950’s, Christmas wasn’t celebrated at all in Scotland. Christmas day therefore was just a normal working day and the big celebrations were saved for winter solstice holiday, which became Hogmanay. There is a lot of debate over the origins of the word “Hogmanay”. Some linguists say it comes from the Scandinavian word “Hoggo-nott”, which was the name of the feast before the mid-winter Yule festival. Other people believe it might origin...

From explosives at the dinner table to burning letters to Santa, Siobhan Thompson looks at 10 ways Christmas differs in Britain. (Notably, they don't call them the holidays.) 1.     What do British and American people do with their letters to Father Christmas? 2. Where do British and American people put their stockings? 3. What do they leave for Father Christmas? 4. What’s a Christmas cracker? 5. What does a typical Christmas dinner in the UK include? 6. Typical desserts for Christmas in America and the UK. 7. When is Boxing Day? 8. Nowadays Boxing Day is similar to_____________. 9. What are pantomimes? 10. When is the Christmas tree taken down in the UK? Why?

It's a time of celebration, but Christmas day with the family can be nerve-wracking and depressing. We offer some tips on how to cope. Visiting the extended family for the holidays? Here’s how to keep your sanity in the face of all  that good cheer. How to avoid family arguments at Christmas. Watch this video: How to behave at the office Christmas party: And finally an article from THE GUARDIAN

In most countries, Christmas begins and ends on 25th December. But in England and other Commonwealth nations, the good times  roll on  into  the next day,  known as  Boxing Day. Writer Cat Allen shares some traditions and  memories  from her  childhood .  CLICK HERE TO READ AND LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE.

How to change negative things into positive ones this Christmas. This amazing new Scrabble film will warm your heart and improve your vocabulary.