The Growing Popularity of Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the UK

Black Friday

In recent years, the UK has witnessed a shopping phenomenon that’s been steadily on the rise—Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Originally an American tradition, these two days of epic discounts have made a substantial splash in the UK retail scene. At Find US Made, we keep a keen eye on trends that traverse the Atlantic, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday are no exception. In this blog, we’ll look at what Black Friday and Cyber Monday are, why they gained popularity in the US, their impressive growth there, and their increasing influence in the UK. Plus, we’ll make some predictions about their future until 2030.

What are Black Friday and Cyber Monday?

Black Friday is the day following Thanksgiving in the United States, traditionally marked by the start of the Christmas shopping season. It’s characterised by retailers offering massive discounts, and it often involves shoppers queuing outside stores in the early hours of the morning.

Cyber Monday, on the other hand, is the Monday after Thanksgiving and focuses on online deals. This trend emerged with the rise of e-commerce, enticing shoppers with deep discounts on various products available online.

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Halloween Celebrations & Traditions in the UK & US

Halloween

As the leaves begin to change color and a chill creeps into the air, anticipation builds among Halloween enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic. In the United Kingdom and the United States, October 31st is not just another date on the calendar; it is a day filled with spooky celebrations, age-old traditions, and an undeniable clash between consumerism and cultural heritage.

From elaborate costumes to intricately carved pumpkins adorning doorsteps, it has become an iconic holiday that ignites excitement in hearts from late summer onwards. But what are the origins of this beloved festivity? Let us delve into these questions as we unravel the captivating celebrations and traditions in two distinct yet interconnected cultures.

UK Traditions

In the UK, Halloween is not just about costumes and candy. It is a time when ghostly tales come alive. The tradition of sharing spooky stories dates back to ancient Celtic customs, where it was believed that on the night of Samhain – the boundary between the living and spirit worlds became blurred. This eerie belief has been kept alive through generations, with families gathering around a cozy fire to share bone-chilling tales of ghosts and ghouls. From haunted castles to mysterious apparitions, these stories have become an integral part of British festivities.

Celebrations in the UK have long been influenced by a merging of traditions with another popular holiday: Bonfire Night. While Halloween typically brings to mind images of spooky costumes and trick-or-treating, the Guy Fawkes Night festivities on November 5th also play a significant role in the country’s fall celebrations. This blending creates a unique atmosphere during this time of year, where mystical creatures and fireworks intertwine to create an unforgettable experience.

One fascinating aspect of these combined celebrations is the incorporation of bonfires. Bonfires have been integral to both holidays for centuries, dating back to when they were originally lit in commemoration of Guy Fawkes’ failed attempt to blow up Parliament on November 5th, 1605. Over time, these bonfires became increasingly linked as people began hosting their own private firework displays and parties during this period. The vibrant glow from these fires adds an extra layer of enchantment, evoking a sense of warmth and harmony amidst the eerie ambience.

Another noteworthy tradition that merges with Halloween is penny for the guy, which has its roots in Guy Fawkes Day but has become common during both holidays. Children create effigies resembling Guy Fawkes himself or other mythical characters and parade them through the streets requesting spare change from passersby. The guy is then burned on the bonfire during the festivities.

US Traditions

Trick or treating

One of the most beloved traditions in the United States is undoubtedly trick-or-treating. Children dress up in costumes and go door to door, collecting candy from their neighbours. But while this tradition may seem like a simple act of soliciting treats, it actually has its roots in ancient Celtic customs. In ancient times, people believed that on the night of Halloween, the veil between the world of the living and the dead was at its thinnest. To appease wandering spirits, people would leave out food and treats for them. Over time, this evolved into children going door to door asking for candy.

Another iconic symbol in America is pumpkin carving. Every year, families gather around to choose the perfect pumpkin and skillfully carve out faces or intricate designs on its surface. However, many people do not realize that pumpkin carving has ties to an Irish legend about a man named Stingy Jack. According to folklore, Jack tricked both God and Satan before his death and was condemned to wander aimlessly with only a lit coal inside a carved-out turnip for light. When Irish immigrants arrived in America during the 19th century, they quickly discovered that pumpkins made for much better lanterns than turnips. Thus began the tradition of carving eerie faces into pumpkins.

These two traditions have become synonymous with Halloween celebrations in America over time but are rooted in fascinating origins that often go unnoticed during contemporary festivities.

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Britain Vs America – The Christmas Special

As we already know, there are a huge number of differences when it comes to the cultures of the United Kingdom and the United States. The festive season is just another topic that differs considerably, despite what you might expect. On the surface there are many similarities, but some of the differences are less subtle than others.

Interestingly, in the UK it’s fairly common to wish people a “Happy Christmas” which has much the same effect as the traditional “Merry Christmas”. In America, this simply doesn’t happen! In fact, it’s not uncommon for British English to offer two different ways of saying exactly the same thing, to the confusion of other English speakers around the world.

Father Christmas might be similarly perplexed, as in the US he would normally be referred to exclusively as Santa Claus, but in the UK we’re happy to switch between the two. His home also has a tendency to change depending on who you ask. Americans simply say Santa lives at the North Pole, while Brits tend to point out that Lapland is where you can actually visit him.

Food typically differs between the two counties, too. Traditionally in America, the turkey we usually eat in Britain is more suited to Thanksgiving. At Christmas a different meat would probably be on the menu, such as beef or ham. For dessert, Americans would swap mince pies, Christmas cake and Christmas pudding for a different winter classic such as pumpkin or apple pie.

When it comes to drinks, many Brits think of snowballs (whether you love them or hate them). The name won’t be recognised in much of the USA, but for whatever reason, egg-based beverages are still associated with Christmas. Egg nog aside, though, you’re not likely to find an American substitute for another British tradition: Christmas crackers. Surprisingly enough, these are exclusively found in the UK for the most part. Horrifyingly, even Boxing Day is absent from the US holiday schedule, and is simply treated as the day after Christmas.

You might be forgiven for wondering where the classic American attitude of doing everything bigger and better has gotten to. It sounds like Brits have a lot more traditions to enjoy over the festive season, doesn’t it?

Of course, we’re forgetting one major area – the decorations! What the US might lack in subtle touches, it more than makes up for with lights, trees, more lights, elaborate shrines dedicated to Santa Claus, and even more lights. You’ll need sunglasses to take a walk through many American neighbourhoods around Christmas. You’ll probably get an even bigger dose of festive spirit by visiting a big city or a shopping mall, since the tradition of gift buying is still even bigger than it is in the UK.

Overall, it’s worth remembering that no two households celebrate Christmas the same way, so it’s no surprise there are plenty of differences between countries an ocean apart from each other. The most important thing is to relax and enjoy the festive season!