Neither of our families has a huge number of "Christmas traditions", except they both share one very important one (aside from the dinner, obviously), namely Avoiding The Queen. Walks, feeding ducks, washing up (if things are really desperate), the age of satellite telly has been the death of this age-old family tradition, because there's always a repeat of a 1970's Christmas Special on somewhere.
So as we didn't really have any family traditions, we decided we'd try to make our own, so that Squeaky will have things she always associates with a family Christmas. First off, the Christmas Pyjamas. It seems to be quite a popular tradition this one, at least round South Wales, so much so, I don't know who I "borrowed" the idea from. Quite simply, everyone in the family receives a brand new pair of pyjamas to wear to bed on Christmas eve night, which they then wear to open their presents the following morning. OK, this is a tradition that involves spending a little bit of cash, but everyone needs pyjamas, so it's a good chance to get everyone in decent condition for at least one night of the year!
Second of our traditions is one that truly is part of a traditional Christmas. After the dinner has been eaten, the pots & pans washed & put away, and at least one round of turkey sandwiches has been made, it's time to break open the cheesy footballs, and gather round the table for a game of cards or two. Good chance to turn the telly off (please!), cards are always a source of entertainment, and someone will have to remind me the rules of almost every game. They're much less prone to arguments than scrabble (my dad is legendary for cheating at scrabble and inventing new words), and it's a great way to get an insight into what people are REALLY like - who is determined to win at all costs (me, usually), who throws a temper tantrum when they're first out (brother-in-law), and who is just not paying attention to their cards? And if you can win actual cash from your nearest & dearest (pennies, admittedly), then all the better! I have an admission though, the Greek Gods, snooker mascot & Bali Beaches cards above are strictly not for playing with. I have a bit of a love for pretty playing cards, these are for looking at, boring brewery corporate cards are for playing with. Cards cost next to nothing, especially compared to the board game du jour, can be tailored to almost any age (snap & happy families spring to mind), they're fab for a budget Christmas.More to follow, another time.
We always have toast and home-made marmalade for breakfast, plus Bucks Fizz. This is a recipe for feeling dreadful by about 9.30, when we start on the Quality Street. I've heard the pyjamas one before somewhere, it's a nice idea. Otherwise I think a Christmas film (possibly delivered by FC) on Christmas Eve might be one to start.
ReplyDeleteOoooh you've inspired me to start some Christmas traditions.
ReplyDeleteMy current ones involve eating too much chocolate, drinking too much wine and generally slobbing around - does that count;-D
Seriously though, I do wonder what my kids will remember of their childhood Christmases.
And I think it's a great idea to have some traditions that are particular to your own family x