Birmingham's unique Christmas traditions: Watch as Brummies share their festive stories

This stark contrast reminds us of the global variations of Christmas, even among those who now share Birmingham’s streets.

Each tradition is as unique as the Brummies themselves, coming together to create a mosaic of joy, love, and meaning during the festive season.

Watch the video as we take the streets of Birmingham to ask people about their Christmas traditions

A simple celebration

For some, Christmas is about keeping things low-key. Nina, a local resident, shared how her family skips the religious aspects of the holiday altogether.“We’re not religious at all,” she explained. “The family doesn’t go to church or anything like that. It’s just about spending time together, exchanging a few presents—nothing too extravagant.”

This approach resonates with many in Birmingham, a city known for its inclusive and adaptable spirit, where simplicity and togetherness often take centre stage.

A game of ‘tat and treasure’

Rebecca, a Birmingham mother of two, has turned her family’s Christmas into a playful and slightly unconventional affair with their tradition of “Tat and Treasure.”

“It’s based on the idea that one person’s tat is another person’s treasure,” she laughed. “We pass on well-thought-out but unwanted gifts. There’s a quiz element too—if you answer a question correctly, you can delve into the Tat or Treasure bag. You either keep what you pick or gift it to someone else around the table.”

This light-hearted tradition underscores how families in Birmingham often create their own ways to bring joy and laughter to the holiday.

Faith and festivity

For others, like Bill, Christmas holds a deeper religious significance. “Christmas to me is a religious event,” he said firmly. “As a Christian, I celebrate by going to church. There’s far too much commercialism around Christmas these days, and not enough focus on the true meaning of the holiday.”

Bill’s perspective highlights the importance of faith in the festive season for many Brummies, who prioritise spiritual reflection alongside the celebrations.

A flexible approach

Sheila, another Birmingham resident, values the adaptability of Christmas.“Oh, it’s a lovely time of year when people just stop and take a breath,” she said. “I don’t have any firm traditions. I think Christmas should be flexible - it depends on what’s going on at the time. This year, it’ll probably be a quiet and peaceful one.”

Her approach reflects the essence of Birmingham itself: a city that adapts to the needs of its diverse residents, embracing both tradition and change.

A sun-soaked celebration

Meanwhile, Bill, an Australian who now calls Birmingham home, shared how Christmas is celebrated Down Under. “For us, Christmas is all about family,” he explained. “But it’s the middle of summer, so we spend the day by the swimming pool with barbecues, salads, and fish - not hot roast meals.”