Christmas Customs
Mince Pies
Mince Pies, like Christmas Pudding, were originally filled with meat, such as lamb, rather than a dried fruit mix as they are today. They were also first made in an oval shape to represent the manger that Jesus slept in as a baby, with the top representing his swaddling clothes.
Now they are normally made in a round shape and are eaten hot or cold. I like mine hot with some ice cream!
A custom from the middle ages says that if you eat a mince pie on every day from Christmas to Twelfth Night (6th January) you will have happiness for the next 12 months!
On Christmas Eve, children in the U.K. often leave out mince pies with brandy or some similar drink for Father Christmas, and a carrot for the reindeer.
If you'd like to know more about Mince Pies and where to get the best ones, please visit the UK based Mince Pie Club.
Here's a recipe for Mince Pies.
