From the time we eat our Christmas day feasts to the fun-filled activities we choose to enjoy on the big day, we all have our own family Christmas traditions. From the conversations we’ve been having in the office about our own festive habits, it’s clear that we love Christmas as much as we love food. Read on to find out more…
Taryn’s Christmas tradition is…
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas for me, without a Christmas Eve light walk. One of my earliest memories of Christmas is being wrapped up in a big hat and scarf, and walking around the neighbourhood with my cousins, looking at the different Christmas lights. We were incredibly lucky growing up, as where I lived always went above and beyond with the Christmas decorations - as we got older, the walks got longer as more and more people joined the tradition of decking their house with as many lights as possible! Even now, I will still go out on Christmas Eve and look at the lights and even though last year wasn’t the traditional Christmas we wanted, I still made sure I fit in that 30-minutes allowed walk to look at the lights on my estate – in fact, last year felt even more special as I knew my family, who I couldn’t be with, were doing the exact same thing! It’s a tradition I definitely hope to pass down to my kids, grandkids and beyond…
Kathryn’s Christmas tradition is…
When William, my first son (now 19!) was born, his Grandma used cross stitch to embroider an advent calendar which each year she took back after Christmas and throughout the year bought 24 little gifts, which were individually wrapped in tissue paper and added to the calendar. On the 1st December it then took pride of place on the wall in our kitchen, William used to sit on the working top to open it, he’s way too big for that now! Then when Harry was born 4 years later the boys alternated days and we now had two colours of tissue paper. Fast forward 19 years and yes, we still have the calendar, but my husband has taken on the role of present buyer – and this time there are now three colours of tissue paper, one for William, one for Harry and one for me… I hope that one day it’s handed down and the tradition will continue for many years to come.
Emily’s Christmas tradition is…
Hosting the family Boxing Day quiz! This is a fairly new tradition but one that has become highly anticipated. I spend the entire year gathering notes on big (and little) events that have taken place throughout the year – like who won celebrity Master Chef, who had a scandalous affair in parliament, what was the most liked image on Instagram, as well as some family orientated questions – and test the family. It’s so easy to forget about everything that happened over the last year, so it is a great way to remember – it sparks laughter, reflection, conversation and some friendly competitive banter. We spilt into two teams, so that no one is left out and all topics are covered across the generations. Each team has a form of buzzer, which is quite funny in itself, and is awarded with chocolates – although, as we missed last year, I may consider a prize this year…
Naomi’s Christmas tradition is…
For me, Christmas just isn’t Christmas without a blustery walk along the beach on Boxing Day, as we make our way to my hometown’s traditional Boxing Day Pram Race. With a 70-year history, the race sees participants in full fancy dress take on a three-mile route, drinking a pint at each of the three village pubs it passes, with all monies raised donated to local good causes.
It’s been one of my favourite days of the year for as long as I can remember, spending time with family, bumping into neighbours and old school friends along the route… and of course marvelling at the array of fancy dress costumes and amazing old prams and modern creations taking part in the race – from mankinis to Star Troopers, we’ve seen it all! And maybe a festive tipple to cheer on the runners too!
Joe’s Christmas tradition is…
My favourite Christmas tradition is the morning of Christmas day; it commences with my family sitting around the table — each with a warm bagel and as much smoked salmon that could possibly fit. Then there's a mad dash to get into our finery, with my siblings and I battling for our turn in the bathroom, like we're due any minute to appear on a catwalk. We're each given an important task to help mum with the Christmas roast (I'm always on basting duty). Then the true signifier that the Christmas festivities are in full force is the arrival of my grandma (who is always the best dressed). My family has near enough stuck to the same schedule every Christmas morning, and I wouldn't change a single thing.
David’s Christmas Tradition is…
Christmas Day with close family; Boxing Day with the wider family. As a child Christmas Day was usually spent at home, with grandparents joining as they had usually travelled down to spend a few days with us (either my Dad or I would end up sleeping in the lounge as we shuffled rooms). But Boxing Day was a chance to meet up with aunts, uncles and cousins – which meant a lot of food (Boxing Day curry - see more of this in our previous blog - vol-au-vents, cheese and bean pie, and, as this was the late 80s and 90s, inevitably a Sara Lee Double Chocolate Gateaux), festive fun (my aunt was always brilliant at organising quizzes and nothing is ever as funny as watching your Nan play Pass The Bomb!) and of course, more presents. As everyone has got older, and have their own families, it’s harder and harder to get everyone together in one place so I don’t always see my cousins at all in the festive break, but this year the kids will be seeing theirs as new traditions begin.
