LP Lotion: 2006 Christmas - Epcot's World Showcase Storytellers
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Many wonderful Christmas traditions originated in the countries of the United Kingdom. Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales each
have unique holiday customs, and many of these have been shared worldwide. Well-known Christmas carols such as "Deck the Halls" and
"Here We Come a Wassailing" were first sung in the United Kingdom.
The Christmas card tradition also began in the United Kingdom. In 1843, John Calcott Horsley sent a card depicting an English family brimming with
cheer to his friend Sir Henry Cole- This original card caught the attention of a British giftbook company; which published a thousand lithographed copies
and sold them for a shilling each.
Not surprisingly, the hanging of the mistletoe is one of the United Kingdom's oldest and most popular traditions, dating back to the Druidic ceremonies of the winter solstice. Each time a kiss was claimed under the mistletoe, a young man would pick off one berry. The kissing would end when all the berries were gone.
For children, Father Christmas with his long white beard, green robe, and crown of holly, is; still treasured as the jolly gift-bearer who brings holiday joy to the well-behaved.
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Video: The United Kingdom Storyteller (7 minutes, 25 seconds)
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