Do you have any Xmas Traditions?

[lukeofyorkshire]

I have a few things I have to do every Christmas otherwise it's just not the season to be jolly.

For me these are a trip to the German Market in Leeds for a Bratwurst and a Stein of lager. Then it is a case of watching certain films such as Die Hard, Die Hard 2, Bad Santa and my faves The Snowman and Father Christmas which I have just watched.

Merry Christmas to you all!!

[Foggy]

Once again this year I have to ferry family around for their Christmas dinner on THE day -- and again on Boxing day. So very little merry making for me.

[Pandy]

I always watch Scrooge (Patrick Stewart version) around November to get me Christmassy,
We do the German Market as well but the Bristol one.[:D] and it is my job to take the grandchildren to see Father Christmas, my son in convinced I enjoy it more than the kids do, apart from that no other traditions.

[Skippy]

No real traditions here, other than me getting stressed every year and breathing a sigh of relief when our mothers go home and I know we've survived another year!

[Shining]

I'm not traditional but we do always have a chinese on Xmas eve. Daughter is 19 now and not happy as her presents are under the tree whereas other years we've brought them down after she's been in bed and Santa's been! She really doesn't want to grow up!

[lukeofyorkshire]

If this cheers any of you up I am working my usual 12 hour shifts Monday to Friday next week and yes that includes Xmas Eve, Day and Boxing Day. Plus having to walk to and from work 25th and 26th due to no buses at 50 mins each way [:(]

That said I am looking forward to my 'Xmas Day' with the missus which is taking place on New Years Day (A wonderful colleague is doing my NY Day shift for me).

No family squabbles for me Xmas Day as I live alone so there is that to be thankful for lol.

[luluj]

We always go to the Crib Service at church on Xmas eve and then have a buffet at my sisters. Christmas Day .....no presents until after dinner !!!

[lukeofyorkshire]

Wow luluj I don't think my missus would have the discipline to not open her pressies until after Xmas Dinner [:D]

She'll be calling me at 06:30 I expect as soon as I start work so she can open hers lol. I will not be opening mine until at 20:00 when I get home!!

[Shining]

We open ours after we're dressed and had breakfast...not that I've got anything to open I don't think. My two daughters went halves on a Robbie ticket for me and me and hubby don't bother. One son is in Guatemala until mid Jan and the other is having christmas with his in-laws so won't see him until after the day.

Going to daughters for the day though and her 4 children will no doubt keep me busy!

[Skippy]

I open mine when I get up in the morning - not that I've got many to open!

[Niobe]

We're always up and dressed and same as you Skip - not many to open as there is not much we want or need. I have my concert tickets for February and can't wait!!

Parents are round today until the 27th (thankfully I'm at work Boxing Day so I have a bit of respite) and daughter, son in law and baby will be going to his parents so it will be relatively peaceful.

[lukeofyorkshire]

My missus and I agreed a budget of £50 on each other so has been quite a challenge!

[Skippy]

We agreed a budget of £20 for presents (which I managed to go over!) and £50 each towards paying for our holiday in May - not easy buying on a limited budget! And before anyone suggests I make anything that ain't going to happen!

I've also got my tickets for next year - Meatloaf in April and Bruce Springsteen in July. I can't wait!

[lukeofyorkshire]

Budgets are hard but it makes it all so much more worth it. Spending lots of money is easy and I look at people around me spending crazy money at this time of year and I despair. Especially when I know how much (or rather little) some of these people earn and you know it is probably going on the credit card.

[Shining]

I've not even been out today and don't intend to until I go to my daughters for a meal tonight. Hubby went to collect the meat this morning and said town was busy and I'm sure that people will be paying a lot of money about and I remember it well myself money I could ill afford.