Christmas is the time when homesickness hits hardest for British expats. The traditions, the food, the family gatherings, the cold weather, the smell of mince pies — all of it is deeply embedded in British cultural identity, and all of it feels different when you're thousands of miles from home.
But a proper British Christmas abroad is absolutely possible. Here is how to do it.
The Essential British Christmas Traditions to Recreate
The Christmas Pudding
No British Christmas is complete without a Christmas pudding. The rich, dark, fruit-laden pudding — often made weeks or months in advance, doused in brandy, and set alight at the table — is one of the most distinctively British Christmas traditions. If you're abroad, order one from the UK well in advance of Christmas.
Mince Pies
Mince pies are another non-negotiable. The combination of sweet pastry and spiced fruit mincemeat is uniquely British, and nothing quite like them exists in most other countries. Stock up before Christmas or have them shipped from the UK.
Christmas Crackers
The paper crown, the terrible joke, the small plastic toy — British Christmas crackers are a tradition that confuses most non-British people but is absolutely essential to a proper British Christmas dinner.
Quality Street and Celebrations
The tin of Quality Street or the box of Celebrations on the coffee table, slowly depleting over the Christmas period, is a universal British Christmas experience. These are available in the UK and can be shipped internationally.
The Queen's (now King's) Speech
At 3pm on Christmas Day, the King's Speech. A VPN gives you access to BBC iPlayer from abroad.
Getting British Christmas Products Delivered Abroad
LondonPop Box ships authentic British Christmas products to over 80 countries worldwide. Our Christmas collection includes Christmas puddings, mince pies, Christmas confectionery, gift boxes, and hampers — all beautifully presented and shipped with full tracking.
Important: Order early for Christmas delivery. We recommend ordering by December 8 for the USA and Canada, December 5 for Australia and New Zealand, and December 12 for Europe.
Browse our British expat Christmas gifts and make this Christmas feel like home, wherever you are.