Christmas traditions

Albus_Scope

As the weather is getting colder and the evenings are creeping in quicker, our minds often suddenly focus on the holiday season and Christmas.

In my family, we have always had the tradition of opening a small gift on Christmas eve. This has gone on since I was knee high to a grasshopper, as a way of stopping a very inquisitive young me from rattling all of the other gifts under the tree. 

We also love a yearly visit to a garden centre,  just to lose ourselves in all the Christmas decorations, but usually never actually buy anything. For us it's all about getting into that Christmas spirit.  

So my question to you is; Do you have any fun Christmas traditions in your family or with your friends? Do you insist on watching certain films every year?

Let me know, I'd love to hear all about them.  

Rosie_Scope

Me and a good friend like to go and see some Christmas lights each year. Either a proper light display or just going out to see some of the lights in the city where we live while chatting about nothing in particular. We don't see each other all that often so it's always a really nice night of catching up and getting the festive feeling going.

My family have a "Christmas Tree Present" that we only open after The Queen/King's Speech. It's only ever something cheap and always something really silly or jokey that we can mess about with into the evening. Last year I got a slug that you squeeze and it's eyes pop out

We also definitely have to watch Muppets Christmas Carol in my house! It's necessary for the Christmas feeling!

Steve_in_The_City

I had a dog, Fluff, she was a total mutt but everyone loved her. At Xmas she always knew a pressie under the tree was for her. She would sniff it, lick the paper, run it around on the end of her nose but would never open it. On Xmas morning we would give her the pressie. She would rip it apart in great excitement.

My tradition now is a bit naff, but for what it is worth I listen to Liza: Two weeks at Carnegie Hall. I saw her perform this show at the Palladium. She was absolutely magical. Now, on Xmas day when I have done everything I have to do and I can sit back and relax I listen to Liza, CD No:2. I can sing it by heart. I really don't care if it is a bit naff, 'cos I can also do a few numbers from CD No:1! Happy Xmas everyone, whatever your traditions are!

MW123

Much like Biblioklept, there was no sign of presents on Christmas Eve in our house. However, the anticipation of the festive season kicked in as we were allowed to indulge in fizzy drinks and sweets, on Christmas Eve, a luxury reserved for high days and holidays in our house in the 1960s. 

 Heading to bed with empty stockings, the magic unfolded on Christmas morning, our stockings were filled with small gifts, all stockings contained a small orange and chocolate coins at the bottom left by none other than Father Christmas himself. 

Downstairs we always understood the presents under the tree were from family and friends and my mother would keep a note of who sent what present to each child and we would sit and write thank you letters to friends and relatives just before we returned to school.

Albus_Scope

Biblioklept said:

I've seen lots of people say they do this but I never understood because where do those presents come from?? Growing up there were never gifts under the tree until Christmas morning. 
Is it gifts from extended family? Parents? Who are they from and who decides which one you open??

My parents always said they bought some gifts as the tree would look sad otherwise.  Then Santa would drop the main gifts off in the wee small hours of Christmas morning. 

Steve_in_The_City

@woodbine You have made me laugh over the sprouts, thank you. It made me recall the amazing moment when The Vicar of Dibley pushed that one last sprout into her mouth.

I think I will enjoy this Xmas. It will be the first time since 2018.

Sandy_123

As a kid presents arrived xmas day,  I was the 1st one up and shouting he's been. 
Now with my own family the same applies, also we all eat Xmas Dinner together. If one person is working we rearrange the Xmas meal day.  

Albus_Scope

@Rosie_Scope Muppets Christmas Carol must be watched at least 3 times in December in our house. 

@Steve_in_The_City there's absolutely nothing wrong with a lot of Liza! And I hope you find all the joy this year.  

@MW123 Those sounded like some lovely Christmas traditions. Especially the choccy coins. 

@woodbine did you ever learn to like sprouts? Or are you still only managing one? 

@Sandy_123 So is it you waking everyone up on Christmas day each year then?   

Sandy_123

It was @Albus_Scope i used to wake every hour asking has he been yet lol. 
I tell my grandkids every year...that rudolph has pooed on my roof. There like how do you know. 

Albus_Scope

I'm the same @woodbine though I'd eat them so my older sister looked bad. 

There's a few good sprout recipes on the BBC website, they actually made them pretty tasty. 

66Mustang

I used to love sprouts as a child and still do but I have always been a bit weird

Sandy_123

I love sprouts I would eat them all year round 

66Mustang

Similar to the kids with sprouts ... 

I really don't like Christmas Pudding, but since I was about 8 I have always tried to eat a mouthful of it, just to say I have had some.

I don't know why I make myself go through with that ... but I have done it since I was 8 so will carry on doing it.

Tradition is a funny thing isn't it!!

WhatThe

A drop of brandy in mummy's tea, a drop of rum in daddy's coffee to wake them up and we never had to wait long for them to come down so we could open our presents   

Albus_Scope

Scope does not condone drugging your parents for xmas gifts.   

WhatThe

You did as you were told in those days!  

66Mustang

I saw a news story several years ago about a boy who opened his Christmas present before Christmas (a games console) and started playing with it. His Mum called the police (bit harsh) and they came out.

The most surprising thing about that story, for me, is that the police came out. Now they only come out if someone has a gun...or worse...if someone calls someone a nasty name on FaceBook.

Hannah_Alumni

We have a few Christmas traditions as a family. Like watching The Muppets Christmas Carol on Christmas Eve, watching the Harry Potter movies on Boxing Day  

We also do a sweet table, where we have all the tubs of chocolates and biscuits on the side unit, with bowls of fruit, nuts and small individual bars in between. 

I have a personal tradition each Christmas. On December 1st I read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. I had to buy a new copy last year because my other one was well read!  

cheekylittlekoala

We open new PJ's on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Day my Daughter opens her present from Father Christmas First.

Also watch Scrooge the one with Patrick Stewart or Alastair Sim.

Albus_Scope

Oh you cannot beat a bit of Patrick Stewart @cheekylittlekoala, I do love his acting.  

JW77

Christmas traditions in my house used to be making decorations, and more involvement with the church and then in later years a mad last minute rush to get food cos no one could be bothered!  As well as the cake, when we all lived together.  

I'm half Dutch, where Xmas is celebrations & gift giving is on the 5th December St Nicholas Day, I personally love this. Christmas day in Holland is a much quieter celebration.

I quite enjoy finding out about Christmas in other countries.

Some traditions are in January, not December

https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/

I'd hoped to go and see the local lights 'turn on' this year. Sadly completely out of spoons!

Best way to cook Brussel sprouts is the french way. Fried with bacon, and a bit of boiled egg, & breadcrumbs.  Much tastier. Many variations on this recipe online.

My favourite film has always been, Bernard & the Genie. 

3 great actors, Alan Cummings, Rowan Atkinson & Lenny Henry.

These days I tend to aim for a minimalist Christmas. Good food, some phonecalls to family, maybe a walk after eating.