For many British families Christmas is the most important holiday of the year.It is a combination of the Christian celebration of the birth of Christ, and the traditional winter holidays.On the Sunday before Christmas many churches hold a carol service where special hymns are sung. Most families decorate their houses with coloured paper or holly, and they usually have a Christmas tree in the front room. It is decorated with coloured lights and beautiful toys.The most important and pleasant tradition of Christmas is the giving of presents. People wrap up their gifts and leave them at the bottom of Christmas tree to be found on Christmas morning. Children leave long socks near their bed hoping that Father Christmas will come at night and bring them small presents, fruits and nuts. Children also write to Father Christmas letters and say what presents they want to get.In the evening the family will sit down to a big turkey dinner followed by Christmas pudding. Then they may watch the Queen on television as she delivers her traditional congratulations to the United Kingdom.