Christmas traditions

[Moulin Yarns]

Does anyone else have any unusual things that they do at Christmas?


I'll kick off with always reading a book based around Christmas, often things like a murder mystery, but not just reading it but reading it aloud to my wife.

After dinner we open our advent calendars and I will read a chapter. I can thoroughly recommend Do They Know It's Christmas Yet? Laugh out loud.

[Pretty Boy]

I don't think we do anything particularly unusual but there are things we always do.

Christmas Eve is always the most, for lack of a better word, regimented. We have a Chinese for dinner, go to 'midnight' Mass at 7.30, home for Christmas Eve boxes for the bairns, get them to bed and then my wife always wants to watch Love Actually (which I secretly quite enjoy) with a bottle of something.

[Bridge hibs]

Nothing really, actually quite boring or routine for a better word. Im working Christmas Eve but will reward myself with a couple of low alcohol beers, I will probably be steaming because that will be my reward as I hit 17 weeks without touching a drop of alcohol 👏

Christmas day will be the norm, up at 6 and walk the dog then watch a bit of telly before wakening the dead (my Wife) so she can start her routine of prepping dinner

Wife will collect my Daughters probably early afternoon and by that time I always flap because I want to see what Santa got me but nowt open until I ‘see the bairns faces’ 🙄

Then the usual, dinner, couple of board games, pack the Daughters off home around 6 or 7 then me, Wife and dug chill in front of telly

[Mibbes Aye]

Seven fish pie on Christmas Eve.

Fish on Christmas Eve is commonplace and even a feast of seven fish dishes isn't uncommon I think, putting it all together in the one pie is much easier though!

[Hibrandenburg]

Seven fish pie on Christmas Eve.

Fish on Christmas Eve is commonplace and even a feast of seven fish dishes isn't uncommon I think, putting it all together in the one pie is much easier though!

Very German.

[Pretty Boy]

Seven fish pie on Christmas Eve.

Fish on Christmas Eve is commonplace and even a feast of seven fish dishes isn't uncommon I think, putting it all together in the one pie is much easier though!

I'm quite strict about fish on a Friday generally (more out of habit than strict religious observance) and always abstain from meat on the traditional days like Ash Wednesday and Good Friday but that goes in the bin on Christmas Eve. Absolute gluttony for me.

[Mibbes Aye]

Very German.

I never knew that!


I'm quite strict about fish on a Friday generally (more out of habit than strict religious observance) and always abstain from meat on the traditional days like Ash Wednesday and Good Friday but that goes in the bin on Christmas Eve. Absolute gluttony for me.

:greengrin

[Hibrandenburg]

I never knew that!



:greengrin

Not so much the pie but fish is one of a few traditional Christmas Eve delicacies. Mainly carp 🤮

[pollution]

Not so much the pie but fish is one of a few traditional Christmas Eve delicacies. Mainly carp 🤮


Morrisons were selling carp last week. £24 for one fish.

[McD]

One that’s been passed down through family for generations (at least the last 3) is Dad (my grandfather when my Dad was a boy, then him when we were kids, now all 3 of us do it with our kids) checking to see if Santa has been before anyone is allowed in the living room

[Mibbes Aye]

Not so much the pie but fish is one of a few traditional Christmas Eve delicacies. Mainly carp 🤮

:agree: Carp is a Christmas Day main in the Czech Republic. Must be a mittel Europe thing. I've never tried it - unless it's imported salmon or the like then you only really see pike and trout on the menu in Tschechien.

[He's here!]

Does anyone else have any unusual things that they do at Christmas?


I'll kick off with always reading a book based around Christmas, often things like a murder mystery, but not just reading it but reading it aloud to my wife.

After dinner we open our advent calendars and I will read a chapter. I can thoroughly recommend Do They Know It's Christmas Yet? Laugh out loud.

I'm with you on reading a Christmas-themed book, tho not out loud :-)

[Keith_M]

Close the curtains, switch the lights off, don't watch the telly and pray for the 27th to arrive ASAP.


Bah humbug

[Jones28]

This is an interesting thread - we haven’t really established any traditions as a foursome yet. As a kid we used to listen to the night before Christmas on cassette. We were at my aunties once and it got stuck and was ruined forever more.

This sounds very sad, but I don’t feel that festive until I see the Christmas Coke advert with the trucks.

[Scouse Hibee]

Used to be that me and my laddie went to the cinema every Christmas Eve and the wife stayed at home when he was younger. Now, no matter what time I get in from work on Christmas Eve we have the annual beer pong contest between me and my son.
I love Christmas, watch as many Christmas films as I can, always buy Christmas themed beer from M&S, and above all I still believe in Santa and love the spirit of Christmas.

[Hibby70]

Not so much the pie but fish is one of a few traditional Christmas Eve delicacies. Mainly carp 🤮

I have a photo of a heron with my neighbours prize carp in its beak 🤣

He was raging

[J-C]

No cooking for me this Christmas, going to the son's house this year but taking the taxi as we're collecting the other son, wife and their dog plus my wife and daughter, so soft drinks all day. I will have a bottle of either Drambuie or Baileys depending on what I fancy that year, with loads of ice and a box of Maltesers.

[Oscar T Grouch]

I don't celebrate Christmas at all, no traditions, no special plans just head down and get through it, I suppose that is a bit unusual, even among my non Christian friends.
Also my Polish mate had Carp every Christmas eve, it is a funny fish to eat as it is a mud dweller and tends to taste of earth and mud rather than fish, I believe there is a flushing out thing they can do to carp to stop this and it does taste nice when flushed out properly, but then I am a veggie and will never know :greengrin

[Stairway 2 7]

I think every Polish person I've spoke to about Christmas says they don't really like carp, but all say you have to have it. Polish lass at my work has to make 12 different dishes on every day of advent and she's not looking forward to it

[Jakhog1]

My granny always gave me a wee advocaat at Christmas from probably about 13 years old, maybe even younger, over 30 years on I still buy a bottle every Christmas, takes me right back.

[Hibrandenburg]

I have a photo of a heron with my neighbours prize carp in its beak 🤣

He was raging

Turn it into a Christmas card for him :wink:

[Hibby70]

Turn it into a Christmas card for him :wink:

Carp the heron angels sing.

[Pretty Boy]

My granny always gave me a wee advocaat at Christmas from probably about 13 years old, maybe even younger, over 30 years on I still buy a bottle every Christmas, takes me right back.

My granny used to let me have a couple of shandies every Christmas, like you probably from about 12 or 13. We had to go through this big charade when I was 16/17 that this was still a big treat and that I wasn't out bevvying every other weekend.

She also had this beautiful bone china tea and coffee set that only got brought out at Christmas, New Year and Easter. It was given to my Grandads Mum and Dad as a wedding present and got handed down to my grandparents.

[Hibrandenburg]

Carp the heron angels sing.

:greengrin

[Moulin Yarns]

Carp the heron angels sing.

😂😂😂

[silverhibee]

My granny always gave me a wee advocaat at Christmas from probably about 13 years old, maybe even younger, over 30 years on I still buy a bottle every Christmas, takes me right back.

Snap, got a bottle the other day.

[Aldo]

One that’s been passed down through family for generations (at least the last 3) is Dad (my grandfather when my Dad was a boy, then him when we were kids, now all 3 of us do it with our kids) checking to see if Santa has been before anyone is allowed in the living room

I am always the first person downstairs to see if Santa has been. My daughters are 18 and 13 and still insist that this is the case.

[Santa Cruz]

Not a tradition as I only done it the once to break with tradition. I made my own Christmas crackers cos got really sick each year of buying them as everything that came with them went straight in the bin the next day.

I went to a fancy dress/joke shop in Victoria Street and bought those fake rotten teeth, dodgy glasses that make eyes look weird, and stick on moustaches and sideburns. Once everyone had put on their new face we had a different looking family group photo for the first time. It was a bit more costly but worth the laughs.

[grunt]

I have a photo of a heron with my neighbours prize carp in its beak 🤣

He was raging
I'll bet the neighbour wasn't very happy either.

[Bridge hibs]

Not a tradition as I only done it the once to break with tradition. I made my own Christmas crackers cos got really sick each year of buying them as everything that came with them went straight in the bin the next day.

I went to a fancy dress/joke shop in Victoria Street and bought those fake rotten teeth, dodgy glasses that make eyes look weird, and stick on moustaches and sideburns. Once everyone had put on their new face we had a different looking family group photo for the first time. It was a bit more costly but worth the laughs.I love that shop, I worked nearby a few years ago and visited regularly and funnily enough I also bought the rotten teeth and a few stink bombs for good measure 🤣

[overdrive]

Always watch Santa Claus the Movie on Christmas Eve.

[Santa Cruz]

My granny always gave me a wee advocaat at Christmas from probably about 13 years old, maybe even younger, over 30 years on I still buy a bottle every Christmas, takes me right back.

I used to buy a bottle of Advocat, was quite fond of a Snowball or two. Problem was after a few I'd get sick of it and the bottle would lay there so long I was never sure if it had turned. Moved on to a bottle of Bailey's now (or Lidl's equivalent), it's really nice with Sambuca.

[nonshinyfinish]

Our tradition is to watch Cool Runnings, no idea why.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Our tradition is to watch Cool Runnings, no idea why.

Surely it's all downhill from there!😀

[stu in nottingham]

A few years ago when confronted by the situation of spending Christmas alone for the first time I found it a daunting thought and prospect and feared it being a very upsetting time with all too many unpleasant memories from the past. I discussed this beforehand with an understanding and trusted friend and she ventured that deep down, it was just another day and that it couldn't hurt me. Although a person with a strong faith, I decided that this would be much the least painful way to deal with that time of year - to not 'build it up' - and have abided by that to this day.

I will certainly make an appearance at the Cathedral in Nottingham and also have a habit of streaming events from St Peter's Square in Rome on Christmas Day. These things give me warmth and strength.

Regards the social side of things, I like to see people through December, especially one or two friends that I don't see too often but no special plans. Christmas Day and Boxing Day will be quiet days for me but that's okay. I'll be warm, well-fed and watered and have the excellent company of my wee pal, Gigi the Cat

Many of the Christmas traditions - the songs, programming, films and etc. leave me a bit cold. I find it all a bit dreary and have little interest. It is though a great time to do what the heck you want to so that appeals!

[Pretty Boy]

A few years ago when confronted by the situation of spending Christmas alone for the first time I found it a daunting thought and prospect and feared it being a very upsetting time with all too many unpleasant memories from the past. I discussed this beforehand with an understanding and trusted friend and she ventured that deep down, it was just another day and that it couldn't hurt me. Although a person with a strong faith, I decided that this would be much the least painful way to deal with that time of year - to not 'build it up' - and have abided by that to this day.

I will certainly make an appearance at the Cathedral in Nottingham and also have a habit of streaming events from St Peter's Square in Rome on Christmas Day. These things give me warmth and strength.

Regards the social side of things, I like to see people through December, especially one or two friends that I don't see too often but no special plans. Christmas Day and Boxing Day will be quiet days for me but that's okay. I'll be warm, well-fed and watered and have the excellent company of my wee pal, Gigi the Cat

Many of the Christmas traditions - the songs, programming, films and etc. leave me a bit cold. I find it all a bit dreary and have little interest. It is though a great time to do what the heck you want to so that appeals!

Not enitrely related to your post but I attended a Rorate Mass at 7am this morning in the extraordinary/old rite/Tridentine form. It was simply brilliant. Quiet, lighting only by candle and both the usage of Latin and the calm reverence makes a perfect setting for quiet contemplation. I'm not someone who has any real beef with the new Mass but the traditional Mass does have it's place imo.

I do think it's quite telling that so many still feel drawn to a place of worship at Christmas. For all I enjoy the festivities and the frivolities there is a place for just sitting for some time of prayer, meditation, reflection or whatever else suits the individual and drawing strength or inspiration from it.

[Hiber-nation]

Game of stop the bus after Xmas dinner with shops as one of the categories so my daughter can always win 😁

[Allant1981]

Always watch Santa Claus the Movie on Christmas Eve.

The original one with Dudley Moore? Watch it every year

[overdrive]

The original one with Dudley Moore? Watch it every year

That's the one. :thumbsup:

[Hibrandenburg]

We let our son choose when he gets to open his Christmas presents, either Christmas eve after our meal (German) or on Christmas morning (British). He's now 13 and has only chosen the German version once. The only real stick on tradition we have is the carrots for Santa's reindeer and a wee dram for Santa and his elf before he goes to bed. I always take photos of him dishing out our dram and looking at them all together just gives a great visual timeline of him growing up.

[JeMeSouviens]

We’re a muppets xmas carol family. My younger son recently bought me tickets to see it with a live orchestra playing it as a surprise present. Brilliant.

[Santa Cruz]

This is an interesting thread - we haven’t really established any traditions as a foursome yet. As a kid we used to listen to the night before Christmas on cassette. We were at my aunties once and it got stuck and was ruined forever more.

This sounds very sad, but I don’t feel that festive until I see the Christmas Coke advert with the trucks.

The Coca Cola truck is arriving at Fort Kinnaird on Sunday 18 Dec at 11.30am according to the EEN. Not something I've ever seen, but younger kids enjoy it. (not suggesting you're a bairn for enjoying the adverts btw) :greengrin

[Jones28]

The Coca Cola truck is arriving at Fort Kinnaird on Sunday 18 Dec at 11.30am according to the EEN. Not something I've ever seen, but younger kids enjoy it. (not suggesting you're a bairn for enjoying the adverts btw) :greengrin

😂😂 excellent thanks Santa Cruz.

I’m not going to go though as I do think it would be a bit of a “never meet your heroes” situation.

[Stairway 2 7]

I like watching planes trains and automobiles at some point even though its a thanksgiving film. The usuals it's a wonderful life, muppets, home alone, scrooged get an airing. Is die hard a Christmas film, I'm in the yes camp

[J-C]

I like watching planes trains and automobiles at some point even though its a thanksgiving film. The usuals it's a wonderful life, muppets, home alone, scrooged get an airing. Is die hard a Christmas film, I'm in the yes camp

Die Hard released 9th February 89, so not released for Christmas but takes place Christmas Eve, I'd argue its a Christmas film.

[The Modfather]

I like watching planes trains and automobiles at some point even though its a thanksgiving film. The usuals it's a wonderful life, muppets, home alone, scrooged get an airing. Is die hard a Christmas film, I'm in the yes camp

Planes Trains & Automobiles, now you’re talking. In my top 5 films. Although I watch it all all year round as on fairly frequently. There’s been a few deleted scenes that have only just surfaced recently which are quite good. Wonder if the original 4 hour cut will ever be found/released.