Mumming plays" with traditional plots have been enjoyed at Christmas time in Europe since the Middle Ages.  In England, the central character is usually:

Mumming plays were passed down through generations.  Some bits seem to have nothing to do with the overall plot but are demanded by tradition.  In England, St. George fights a Turk, who defeats him, to much booing and hissing from the audience.  A Good Doctor then comes and saves St. George, to wild cheering.