The United Kingdom offers an abundance of cultural traditions and historical conventions. Formally established in the early 18th century, the UK consists of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland — countries that, while unique in their own right, share many similarities in terms of values, beliefs, and cultural conventions.
Host families who hire an Au Pair from the UK may have concerns about how their guests will adapt to life in America or whether or not they’ll feel at home in their new country. These questions are valid. After all, despite being made up of English-speaking countries, there are cultural differences between the UK and the United States.
Familiarizing yourself with popular traditions in the UK is an excellent way to prepare for the arrival of your Au Pair and extend a warm welcome. It allows you to incorporate little bits of their culture into your family traditions and experiences, creating comfort for your Au Pair and a learning experience for your children.
Ready to get started? Let’s explore a few of the most cherished United Kingdom traditions that you can celebrate with your family:
8 English Traditions to Make Your Au Pair Feel at Home
We’ve compiled a list of beloved rituals, festivities, and traditions in England that have captured the hearts of generations:
1. Afternoon Tea
Few British traditions are more widely known or commonly practiced than afternoon tea. This daily ritual dates back to 1840, when the Duchess of Bedford kept getting hungry in the late afternoon. At that time, dinner wasn’t served until 8 pm, creating a sizable time gap between lunch and dinner. To stave off her appetite, the Duchess asked that a tray of tea, bread, butter, and cake be brought to her room each day around 4 pm — and thus, the ritual was born!
Hundreds of years later, Brits consider afternoon tea an integral part of their daily lives. It serves as an opportunity to rest, engage in conversation, and treat the taste buds to a sweet confection or two. You can incorporate this tradition into your own routine by making cucumber sandwiches, brewing a pot of your favorite tea, and taking a small break mid-day.
2. Bonfire Night/Guy Fawkes Day
Interested in English traditions that offer a bit more excitement? Bonfire night, also known as Guy Fawkes Day, is sure to impress. It’s a popular celebration that commemorates the Gunpowder Plot failure in 1605 when Guy Fawkes and 12 others planned to blow up the Parliament building in London.
The best way to partake is to gather friends and family for a bonfire. You can tell stories, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the warmth of the fire together. Just be sure to follow local regulations and safety guidelines for outdoor fires.
3. Christmas Crackers
Maybe you’ve had the pleasure of popping open a Christmas cracker around the dining room table. They’ve risen in popularity here in the United States and can often be found in well-known chain stores leading up to the holiday season. But did you know these treat-filled tubes were invented in London nearly 200 years ago?
It’s true. A British confectioner and baker by the name of Tom Smith came up with the idea as a promotional strategy after sales of his candy began to decline, and it worked.
The decorative pull-apart treats are now a staple holiday item in households across the UK and the world. Why not include them in your festive dining table setting to bring even more Christmas cheer?
4. Pantomime
Some traditions in the UK haven’t quite gained traction here in North America. Pantomime is one such tradition. It’s a type of performance characterized by slapstick comedy, extravagant costumes, and silly, over-the-top expressions. But don’t mistake pantomime for a simple silliness! It also features impressive dancing, acting, and singing numbers — making for a spectacular show.
Pantomime is an excellent form of entertainment for host families seeking UK traditions that are fun for all ages. Why not have your children plan and star in their own production? Start by gathering props and costumes from around the house to enhance the theatrical experience. Then set the stage by arranging seating for your audience and creating a designated performance area.
Your Au Pair is sure to be delighted when they realize you’ve recreated this beloved British art form here in America!
5. Sunday Roast
5. Sunday RoastWho doesn’t love an excuse to share a hearty, delicious family meal on Sundays? That’s exactly what England’s tradition of Sunday roast delivers. It’s a generous, super-satisfying meal of roasted meat, such as beef, lamb, or chicken, accompanied by roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and seasonal vegetables, all served with a rich, savory brown gravy.
Bring a little extra warmth and joy to your family gatherings by preparing your own Sunday roast. Your Au Pair will love bonding over a meal they know and love, and your family will gain a new tradition that celebrates togetherness and gratitude
6. Fish and Chips Night
Many Brits would consider it an unforgivable offense to overlook fish and chips on a list of traditions in the United Kingdom. Almost every establishment in the UK offers its version of this menu mainstay, including pubs, fine dining restaurants, and casual eateries. In fact, it’s estimated that Brits spend roughly $1.5 billion on fish and chips every year!
Want to know the secret to making your own authentic, English-style fish and chips? It’s all in the batter. British fish batter is all about simplicity and texture.
To make it, combine equal parts all-purpose flour and cold sparkling water in a bowl, along with a pinch of salt and a dash of baking powder for lightness. Whisk the mixture until smooth and free of lumps, then let it rest for about 30 minutes to allow the bubbles to develop. Dip the fillets into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly coated, then carefully lower them into hot oil for frying until golden and crispy.
7. Cream Tea
The British love a sweet course in the middle of the day, hence their affection for afternoon tea. But there are days when there just isn’t enough time to prepare finger sandwiches and cakes. In these instances, the people in the UK enjoy a cream tea — a simple scone served with clotted cream (also called Devonshire cream), jam, and a steaming cup of tea.
Sometimes, it’s the smallest of English traditions that are most heartwarming for expats. Preparing cream tea for your Au Pair is the perfect way to bring a little touch of home to their day.
8. Easter Egg Rolling
8. Easter Egg RollingThink of Easter egg rolling as a mini-Olympics for eggs. Family members gather in a park or on a grassy hill, each with their own festively decorated hard-boiled egg, which they all roll down a hill. The goal is to see whose egg travels the furthest without cracking!
It’s one of the most popular shared traditions in the UK with Scotland, England, Ireland, and Wales all being known to partake in the festivity.
Give it a try by decorating your own Easter eggs with markers or dye. Then find a suitable outdoor spot for your race; a gentle slope in your backyard or a nearby park works perfectly.
Find an Au Pair with Go Au Pair
That concludes our exploration of unique British traditions. We hope you’ve been inspired to incorporate these charming customs into your family life and share the experiences with your Au Pair.
Interested in welcoming an Au Pair into your home? Go Au Pair guides you through the process and helps make the most of this opportunity to enrich your entire household.
Sign up for free to find an Au Pair. Still have more questions? Learn more about Au pair host family requirements to get an affordable, in-home solution for child care that your whole family will love.
