The climate of British Isles is generally mild, not very cold in winter, and never very hot in summer. The rivers seldom freeze in winter, and snow never lies on the ground for long, except in the north, especially in the Highlands of Scotland. Sheep and cattle can graze on the meadows all the year round. All parts of British Isles have a lot of rain in all seasons. In winter, thick fogs occasionally cover many parts of Britain. The mild and damp climate is very good for agriculture, especially for vegetable-farming, sheep- and cattle-farming. But there is always an element of surprise in the British climate. In some countries, people can put away their raincoats for several months and let their fires go out during the burning heat of the summer. Not so in Britain, where we never know from one day to the next what is in store for us. No wonder the most common topic of conversation in British life is the weather.

    Every December 25th the Western countries celebrate the feast of Christmas. This date marks the birth of Jesus Christ who was the founder of the Christian religion. Christmas is the biggest holiday in the year. Two important things, apart form all other: the custom of giving gifts and the habit of spending it with the family. Christmas is a special time for young children. They are the ones who receive most of the presents. The person who brings the gifts is Santa Claus. It is said that he comes to the home about midnight and places the gifts under the family tree and then departs.