Christmas in London - a few tidbits

We've noticed that Christmas here is less commercialized, more muted. Only about one in ten houses hang lights in their window or have some sort of decoration. (At least in the area we live in, maybe others are different). Stores have a bit of fluff but not over-the-top like in -ahem- SOME places;) Hyde Park has a small ice rink (you must make reservations way in advance!) and some carnival rides. Keely and beau went down at night... ...while we went during the day. Here is a "Haunted Mansion" below and Carousel above.
There was a circle of little wooden houses like these, selling gift items from different countries. There was also a place to buy some 'mulled wine' and a sausage or mince pie.
Loved these wooden mobiles! Couldn't get close enough to even find the prices, tho. (Aren't zoom lenses wonderful?) We were there on Saturday afternoon with half the population of London, I'm sure;)
Another English Christmas tradition is the Christmas 'Panto' or 'Pantomime'. It is a fairy tale play (we saw Cinderella) with a twist - there are always one or two women's parts that are played by males. There is audience participation, where you yell when the 'baddie' appears or boo the evil characters and there are lots of gags. Below are the evil stepsisters in Cinderella, played by men.

And even tho we think of pantomimes being silent, these are not at all!
The other little fun surprise is that the school kids all send/exchange Christmas cards and make little mailboxes to receive them. They do not do this at Valentines day like we do, they do it now. Also, many cards have a Robin on them - a common symbol of Christmas here.
Not a cardinal in the lot.
Hope all of you enjoy a healthy and blessed Christmas!
love,
US!