## American YouTuber Shares ‘Culture Shocks’ About British Christmas
An American YouTuber, who has lived in Britain for nearly 10 years, has revealed nine cultural differences she has experienced during Christmas in the UK. Kalyn, known for creating travel-themed content on the Girl Gone London YouTube channel, recently posted a video titled ‘9 Ways British Christmas Was a Huge Culture Shock (to an American)’, where she explores the unique traditions of British Christmas celebrations.
The first shock Kalyn mentioned was the concept of Christmas crackers, explaining how Americans might expect a cracker you eat, but in the UK, it is a festive item that is cracked open on Christmas Day to reveal trinkets, toys, games, and jokes. She noted the varying techniques families use to pull crackers, from pairs to individuals and even crossing arms while pulling them.
Another surprise for Kalyn was Christmas pudding, which she described as a dense fruit cake that Americans typically do not indulge in. She shared her honest opinion that the traditional British dessert was not to her taste.
In her video, Kalyn discussed how Boxing Day in the UK differs from the US, where it is not a significant holiday like it is in Britain. She highlighted how people in the UK use Boxing Day to visit the other side of their family, contrasting with the American practice of not having a designated day after Christmas for such visits.
Kalyn also touched upon British pantomimes, describing them as shows that do not take themselves too seriously and are a quirky British holiday tradition that initially left her feeling confused but now appreciative.
The American YouTuber noted the Snowman, a classic British children’s cartoon, as a cultural feature that is less familiar in the US. She highlighted the distinctiveness of the film, considering it a quintessential part of British culture.
Additionally, Kalyn compared the attitudes towards Christmas cards in the UK and US, noting that Brits take the tradition more seriously. She also discussed the difference in celebrating Christmas Eve, where in the UK, it can involve socializing at a pub with friends, contrasting with the American emphasis on family gatherings.
Regarding decorations, Kalyn pointed out that the UK’s festive decor tends to be more understated compared to the elaborate displays often seen in the US. She showcased images of American homes adorned with inflatable decorations, indicating the differences in decorating styles between the two countries.
Lastly, Kalyn mentioned the variation in Christmas food between the US and UK, with Americans less likely to have turkey on Christmas Day due to its association with Thanksgiving. She noted that some Americans might opt for Christmas ham instead, showcasing the diverse culinary traditions surrounding the festive season.
In conclusion, Kalyn’s insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural variations between American and British Christmas celebrations, shedding light on the diverse traditions that make the holiday season unique in each country. Her experiences highlight the richness of cross-cultural experiences and the joy of discovering new traditions during the festive season.