British Christmas Traditions: The Wholesome, Whimsical and Peculiar
Mince pies and paper crowns, crackers and Christmas puddings, we Brits do love a good pastime, and at Christmas, it’s no different. We all have our very own festive traditions, perhaps some that are a little quirkier than others, and here at Hattingley, we wouldn't miss the opportunity to celebrate them all with you! Join us as we embrace the merriment of the season and recount our favourite Christmas traditions in all their whimsical, British charm.
Leaving a Treat for Santa
This particular tradition has many origins; some say it began in the Netherlands when children would leave their shoes out for St Nicholas to fill with treats. However, it was Victorian England that popularised the tradition of leaving sherry and a mince pie for Father Christmas. Of course, back then, sherry was a popular choice, with British trade influencing the increased demand for the drink across the globe.
Today, however, we prefer to toast the festive season with something from a little closer to home. So this year, why not swap that glass of sherry for a flute of premium English sparkling wine from Hampshire? We think Santa would love our Classic Reserve NV, with its wonderfully invigorating bubbles, it's perfect to keep his spirits high as he navigates those rooftops!
A Glass of Fizz on Christmas Morning
Nothing says Christmas morning quite like a celebratory glass of fizz. Whether you add a splash of orange juice is entirely up to you, but here at Hattingley, we prefer ours straight up and English of course!
We think our Sparkling Rosé 2020 is the perfect choice, delicately crisp with notes of freshly picked strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of tart pink grapefruit. It’s the ideal first sip to kickstart your festive celebrations.
The King’s Christmas Day Speech
A beloved tradition in many households, the monarch’s Christmas Day speech is a moment of reflection and unity. King George V began this tradition in 1932 when he delivered the first Christmas broadcast via radio, bringing the nation together with a message of hope and resilience.
Every year, the speech resonates with the spirit of the festive season, offering a thoughtful reflection on the year gone by. And what better way to toast this heartwarming tradition than with a glass of our Kings Rosé 2015? It’s rich and complex flavours and wonderfully oak aged character make it the perfect tribute to Royal occasions like this one!
Wassailing
The tradition of Wassailing is one of those curious customs that might raise an eyebrow or two, but it’s a truly joyous celebration rooted in the English countryside. Originating from Old English 'waes hael' meaning 'good health,' Wassailing was a way to share goodwill (and good cheer) during the festive season. Traditionally, wassailers would turn up at your door, singing for a sip of your finest drink.
Now, while we don’t recommend filling your punch bowl with “lamb’s wool” (a historic wassail concoction involving warm ale, crab apples, sugar, eggs, and cream), we do think a glass of Hattingley fizz is a wonderful modern substitute! Whether you share it with friends, neighbours, or those unexpected carollers, we think our English Gent 2020 is the perfect wine for all. It's refreshing fruity character, with notes of elderflower, hedgerow and green apple are sure to spread joy and keep spirits bright. It's currently out of stock, but keep your eye out during the festive period, as it is coming your way soon!
The Pantomime
No British Christmas would be complete without the wonderfully peculiar tradition of the Christmas pantomime. Every December, theatres across the UK are transformed into vibrant worlds filled with exaggerated characters, slapstick comedy, and audience participation that includes plenty of booing, hissing, and shouting “He’s behind you!”.
The Pantomime is a true celebration of British eccentricity and what better way to enjoy a pre-show tipple or toast the end of an evening at the theatre than with a glass of our show stopping Blanc de Blancs 2015? This premium English sparkling wine, with its crisp notes of green apple and citrus, is the perfect companion for an evening filled with laughter, cheers, and a touch of festive whimsy.
The Christmas (Or New Years!) Day Swim
For those seeking a truly invigorating way to celebrate Christmas, look no further than the Christmas Day swim! Every year, brave souls across the UK take the plunge into icy waters, from the freezing seas of Cornwall to the chilly lakes of the Lake District. This tradition is a true test of British fortitude (and perhaps a dash of madness), with swimmers often donning festive costumes ranging from Santa hats to reindeer antlers.
The Christmas Day swim is thought to date back over a century and has grown in popularity as a charitable event, with participants raising funds for various good causes. There’s something undeniably British about embracing the cold and the thrill of an icy dip before warming up with a well-deserved drink.
Whether you decide to take the plunge or simply cheer from the sidelines, a glass of Hattingley is the perfect way to toast the resilience of such a pastime. If you are feeling generous of course, you could bring along one of our Magnum bottles! With around 12 glasses in each bottle, they are perfect for sharing among the brave swimmers!
A Merry British Christmas from Hattingley Valley!
So, whether you’re sipping on a glass of bubbly on Christmas morning or enjoying the warmth of family traditions, we at Hattingley Valley wish you a holiday season filled with joy, laughter, and exceptional English sparkling wine.
From our beautiful vineyards in Hampshire to your festive celebrations, we’re proud to be part of your Christmas traditions. Here’s to making every moment special, raising a glass to the best of British, and celebrating the quirks that make Christmas so wonderfully unique.
Merry Christmas from all of us at your favourite English winery!
