What are your plans for Christmas?

[Shaker]

OK, before anybody piles in on me for raising the dread spectre of Christmas 2015 too early, in my defence I can only say that as I'm unwell, laid up in bed and bored to boot my mind turned toward all things Christmasular. Does anybody have their own family-specific Christmas traditions which they repeat every year? As a Christmas fan in many (not all) respects I put up the tree and the rest of the decorations on the Sunday as close to December 1st as I can. Up as early as I can get away with, down at the very last moment is my motto. Depending on when that date falls this can mean preparing for Christmas in the last few days of November - I've just checked the calendar and seen that the nearest Sunday this year is November 29th, only three weeks away. Apologies in advance to anyone in the East Midlands who may notice some dimming and flickering of their house lights and interference with electrical items in the late afternoon/evening of that day.

A nice big glass of something (port is a favourite), the Christmas Radio Times and a highlighter is something else I look forward to. (Yeah, sad, I know - but simple pleasures ...).

[Rhiannon]

When I was growing up, post my belief in Santa we'd all gather to open our presents at midnight - my parents always had a houseful and we'd generally be a bit tipsy, so it'd be hilarious and moving by turns.

This year the kids have decided to have a fire pit in the garden on Christmas Eve. The one we did for Hallowe'en ended up with a game of Hallowe'en themed Simon Says that nevertheless resulted in riding round the garden like taun tauns and being Jack and Rose from Titanic.

[Samuel]

Nice. I usually hold off on any Christmas music until the last weekend in November. That's when I nirmally go away with a friend and listen to it in the car. It's become a ritual thing for both of us and I really look forward to it.

I'm actually trying to establish a new tradition of a Xmas eve get together at our house. Usually just a handful if family and friends but the point is to have some nibbles and sing carols together unaccompanied. We are most of us musical in one way or another and it's nice to do things to emphasise the social and celebratory aspects of Christmas, rather than presents etc.

[floo]

OK, before anybody piles in on me for raising the dread spectre of Christmas 2015 too early, in my defence I can only say that as I'm unwell, laid up in bed and bored to boot my mind turned toward all things Christmasular. Does anybody have their own family-specific Christmas traditions which they repeat every year? As a Christmas fan in many (not all) respects I put up the tree and the rest of the decorations on the Sunday as close to December 1st as I can. Up as early as I can get away with, down at the very last moment is my motto. Depending on when that date falls this can mean preparing for Christmas in the last few days of November - I've just checked the calendar and seen that the nearest Sunday this year is November 29th, only three weeks away. Apologies in advance to anyone in the East Midlands who may notice some dimming and flickering of their house lights and interference with electrical items in the late afternoon/evening of that day.

A nice big glass of something (port is a favourite), the Christmas Radio Times and a highlighter is something else I look forward to. (Yeah, sad, I know - but simple pleasures ...).

I have always put our decorations up on December 1st. That job has been down to me since we married 46 years ago. The kids were never overly interested in helping me with the task, including decorating the tree. My husband insisted on a real tree, which was a bit of a pain as I spent most of the next few months picking the needles out of the carpets!

Nowadays our decorations are very minimalist, and definitely no tree. They come down on December 27th, I can't abide Christmas hanging around once it is over.

[Walt Zingmatilder]

OK, before anybody piles in on me for raising the dread spectre of Christmas 2015 too early, in my defence I can only say that as I'm unwell, laid up in bed and bored to boot my mind turned toward all things Christmasular. Does anybody have their own family-specific Christmas traditions which they repeat every year? As a Christmas fan in many (not all) respects I put up the tree and the rest of the decorations on the Sunday as close to December 1st as I can. Up as early as I can get away with, down at the very last moment is my motto. Depending on when that date falls this can mean preparing for Christmas in the last few days of November - I've just checked the calendar and seen that the nearest Sunday this year is November 29th, only three weeks away. Apologies in advance to anyone in the East Midlands who may notice some dimming and flickering of their house lights and interference with electrical items in the late afternoon/evening of that day.

A nice big glass of something (port is a favourite), the Christmas Radio Times and a highlighter is something else I look forward to. (Yeah, sad, I know - but simple pleasures ...).

I'm glad Leicester is cozy these days. As a student I spent part of my Christmas holidays in a freezing terrace off the Narborough Road doing work on my thesis with nothing but condensation on matt silk white walls and two working bars on the three bar electric Pifco fire.
I gave up the Ghost when I discovered my matress had gone mouldy and beat the retreat.

[jeremyp]

OK, before anybody piles in on me for raising the dread spectre of Christmas 2015 too early,

Very clever: Andrew Scott's character in Spectre is called "C" by Bond and "M".

[Hope]

Not sure that we've followed any specific pattern in prep'ing for Christmas for 25-odd years.  Moving to Nepal in 1992 meant that for 9 years we had completely different patterns each year - 1995 was spent in Brisbane, Queensland; 1992-4/96-99 were spent in Pokhara, and the nature of the celebration would be dependent on whether I or my wife were working that day.

Since returning to the UK in 2000, we have been pretty lax about any 'typical' pattern.

[Rhiannon]

Tell you what I used to do for the small people - I'd make tea light holders from foil and make a runway of them on the front lawn so that Santa could see where to park.

[Harrowby Hall]

I want to get a big flashing display to hang over the front of my house which says "Bah Humbug".

[Rhiannon]

I'd buy one.

[floo]

One thing which makes me irritated is that some Christians of the 'born again' sect don't play the Santa game with their kids, because he doesn't exist in reality, therefore it is a naughty lie to pretend he does! However, they are more than happy to state as a fact the less that credible things in the gospels attributed to Jesus like the virgin birth are true! I have a member of my extended family who has four young children, who don't get the pleasure and anticipation of expecting Santa to bring their pressies, which is sad, imo!

[SqueakyVoice]

One 'tradition' our family used to have was born of necessity.

As our parents lived some distance from the rest of our extended families* we'd have Christmas Day at home, then travel to see them in between Boxing day and New Year.
During our visit, once all the children were together, the children would all be told that they had to lie down and 'sleep' (in the middle of the afternoon) because otherwise Father Christmas  (and always Father Christmas, never Santander Claus+) wouldn't be able to deliver the presents.

At this point Father Christmas  would knock on the door  and deliver a box of presents that were all labelled To abc from Aunt Sally and Uncle Bob.



* - and, rather selfishly, they lived some distance from us.

+ - good to see my spell checker joining in with the traditional "Christmas is too commercial" rant there...

[Owlswing]

I'd buy one.

I'd but two - one for the front and one for the back!

[OH MY WORLD!]

When I was little I always knew something was up about Santa. My sisters would take me to see him at the malls, and then a few days later dad would bring us all to the Petrofina Christmas bash and I would go up on stage with the rest of the kids and Santa would hand me my own present with my name on it. Best Petrofina Santa gift to me was a set of plastic dinosaurs. I'm sure when I was just a toddler Santa was real, but I quickly saw the con. Didn't stop me from getting my gift from some Petrofina dude in a red suit every year though.

[Walt Zingmatilder]

One thing which makes me irritated is that some Christians of the 'born again' sect don't play the Santa game with their kids, because he doesn't exist in reality, therefore it is a naughty lie to pretend he does! However, they are more than happy to state as a fact the less that credible things in the gospels attributed to Jesus like the virgin birth are true! I have a member of my extended family who has four young children, who don't get the pleasure and anticipation of expecting Santa to bring their pressies, which is sad, imo!

I think you omitted to say they also instal double glazing in their houses so their kid's can't hear the Ice Cream van.

The only Floony in recent times to publicly question teaching fairy tales to the young has been that horseman of the crapocalypse Dr Richard Borekins.

[Sassy]

Anyone doing anything special or different this Christmas?
I am cutting back on everything this Christmas except real Christmas love and cheer.
My Son already had his money and bought what he wanted. My daughters presents still a work in progress.
My ex has given me a clue as to what he wants. Taking friends out for a meal as part of their Christmas box.


Have some decorating to do coming along slowly then I can put decorations up. Not going to be the usual this year just the trees and some choice decorations going up. Cutting back so will
probably sell or give old decorations away. My youngest brother wants me to come up to Wales Christmas Eve afternoon and go out for a meal there. We usually go here.
It sound particular funny saying "my niece" singular (when I have over 40 nephews and nieces) the eldest who was 40 years old  5 days ago the same age my little sister would have been
in February. Well she has wants us to go for a Christmas meal together Christmas Eve with her mum and the kids. I get a little overwhelmed. My Son out with his dad and grandparents
Christmas Eve.  I love midnight mass at Church. As long as I can get to Church Christmas Eve I am always happy. Have done it for years. Started when I was about 11 or 12 and done it whenever possible. Church always packed and a lovely tradition. Starting Christmas with the LORD is the way forward for me.

Now I think it would be good to hear what everyone else is doing whatever they believe. Can we please keep this thread friendly, cheerful and respectful of what others doing regardless of their beliefs.
It would be nice just to share.

When I get back from Church I have my first drink of Christmas and make sure all prepared for morning...

[Outrider]

Child #1 turned 18 this year and has been off at university for the past term, and child #2 turned 16 last week (entirely predictable, obviously, but still somehow caught me by surprise...) so we're doing our last big family holiday this Christmas to Florida for a fortnight.

Disney, swimming with dolphins, a trip to the Kennedy Space Centre, Universal studios and possibly Busch Gardens.

O.

[floo]

On Christmas Day our son and eldest daughter will be coming over for Christmas Dinner. On Boxing Day the four of us will go to our youngest daughter and her family for a meal.

I mostly give money as presents, apart from buying pressies for my husband, eldest girl and son as they like something to open.

I have all the cards written and ready to post on December 1st.

[Shaker]

Sowing fear, misery and discord, same as every other year.

[Bubbles]

Sowing fear, misery and discord, same as every other year.

 

Blimey!

You don't really mean you do, do you?

Bah! humbug!   

 

[Gordon]

As little as possible, which is my plan for every day - I shall tackle this plan with the appropriate degree of enthusiasm (which is, of course, the bare minimum needed).

[Shaker]

The chocolate covered Brussel sprouts and small change heated up in a high oven for an hour for the carol singers are Christmas traditions we should all be trying to rescue.

[Shaker]

As little as possible, which is my plan for every day - I shall tackle this plan with the appropriate degree of enthusiasm (which is, of course, the bare minimum needed).

It's good to set yourself goals for the day 

[Bubbles]

The chocolate covered Brussel sprouts and small change heated up in a high oven for an hour for the carol singers are Christmas traditions we should all be trying to rescue.

EWww! Chocolate coated Brussels sprouts 

The thought ............

[Shaker]

The fun thing is that people don't find out they're Brussel sprouts until the first bite ...