According to Friends of Scotland.gov.uk, “The Vikings stuffed their faces with vast quantities of food and drink after which they stumbled off into the winter night to light a huge bonfire in the goddess’ honour. Today, fire and light plays a major part in Yule celebrations in many areas of Scotland from Biggar to Shetland.

When William of Normandy conquered England in 1066 the English Princess Margaret fled north and was shipwrecked on the Scottish coast. Her Christian influence helped turn the previously pagan Yuletide season into a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.”

Scottish Santa

They celebrate the Traditional Scottish Christmas on the 25th December.The day before is* called Christmas Eve, and the day after (26th December) is called Boxing Day (also known as St. Stephen’s Day (when Good King Wenceslas looked out). ‘Good King Wenceslas looked out, On the Feast of Stephen………..’ This day is a National Holiday, not just in Scotland but in the whole of the UK.***

The Traditional Scottish Christmas Day Menu

Seeing a beautifully-laid table for Christmas Dinner is a sight to behold. One tradition we still have is the use of Christmas Crackers. These are pulled, and create a wee ‘bang’ and inside is a variety trinkets such as a joke, a wee toy or gift (depends on the quality of the cracker) and the inevitable paper hat.

EVERYONE (yes, I think almost everyone) sits through Christmas Dinner wearing a silly paper hat! (see the picture of the Christmas Cracker with the mince pies) Over the years many main dishes have become traditional for Christmas Dinner. Roast Turkey is still in my opinion the most popular, but whether in a family home, restaurant or Hotel, many other dishes are often on the menu. Starters: Perhaps it’s because of the cold weather, but soup is often served as a starter. It could be Cock O Leekie Soup.