Christmas Eve Traditions :-)

Glitzgirl

OldNotWIse wrote: »

Oh yes! We got a catnip egg for our cats and Fat F*ck (the 7kilo lad) chewed through the box and ate the entire thing. Then he lay on the floor playing with the legs of the kitchen chair for about an hour. I actually think he was stoned. He may or may not have had the munchies after. It's hard to tell with Fat F*ck, he never stops eating...

Omg that is hilarious he must really have wanted that food lol

OldNotWIse

Glitzgirl wrote: »

Omg that is hilarious he must really have wanted that food lol

He always wants food. He's large and he seems to have food dementia. Feed him and then 10 minutes later if you open the bag of food again...he'll appear, screeching :pac: feeeeeed meeeeeeee Will tear open the bin at any opportunity too. He's not really fat though, he's "curvy", my little bear

OldNotWIse

Always light a candle and place it in a window on Christmas Eve for animals that we have lost. And I have a decoration with our past dog's name on it. That goes on the top because she's our angel

Glitzgirl

OldNotWIse wrote: »

Always light a candle and place it in a window on Christmas Eve for animals that we have lost. And I have a decoration with our past dog's name on it. That goes on the top because she's our angel

That is so sweet I'm dreading the day when I have to say goodbye to one of my 4 legged babies !

leahyl

OldNotWIse wrote: »

Always light a candle and place it in a window on Christmas Eve for animals that we have lost. And I have a decoration with our past dog's name on it. That goes on the top because she's our angel

That's lovely, might just do that this year for our little baby who went to sleep on 9th July :-(

Witchie

Not a Christmas eve tradition but a now 3 year old tradition in the run up to Christmas in our house. My sister lives in Scotland and my mum and dad are usually in America until about a week before Christmas so the last few years, when my sister flies in for Christmas, my mum and I drive up to the airport (with our big big sign with her as an elf on it and flashing lights) and collect her, then head into the city to have a girly day shopping and stay overnight and shop again the next day before heading for the schticks again for the mayhem of our house on Christmas day.

We booked our hotel last night and we have been "eeeek"ing all day today with excitement. Love Christmas!!!!!!

Oh and have just signed up to Elfster.com to sort out our secret santa!

OU812

We have a copy of "The night before Xmas" here that I bought on the eldest's first Xmas & we read it every Xmas eve before they go to bed. I make them hot chocolate with peppermint canes & whipped cream, we turn off everything & all sit in a circle on the floor & then I read it to them by the light of the tree & the now dying fire [because it has to be out so santa can come down the chimney]...

In my parent's we used to open one gift [not santa, because he hadn't been yet] each on Xmas eve before heading to bed.

I also spend most of Xmas eve doing the ham in either Cider or Coke, as well as all the other *ahem* "stuff" that needs doing...

OldNotWIse

Witchie wrote: »

Not a Christmas eve tradition but a now 3 year old tradition in the run up to Christmas in our house. My sister lives in Scotland and my mum and dad are usually in America until about a week before Christmas so the last few years, when my sister flies in for Christmas, my mum and I drive up to the airport (with our big big sign with her as an elf on it and flashing lights) and collect her, then head into the city to have a girly day shopping and stay overnight and shop again the next day before heading for the schticks again for the mayhem of our house on Christmas day.

We booked our hotel last night and we have been "eeeek"ing all day today with excitement. Love Christmas!!!!!!

Oh and have just signed up to Elfster.com to sort out our secret santa!

That's lovely

Aputernut

Our Christmas traditions have changed over the yrs. when we were a younger married couple still living in the NE and with lot's of family, Christmas Eve was a huge gift exchange and party at our house. But now much older and living in FL. no family here, DH=dear hubby and I enjoy decorating, lighting up outside for others to enjoy, last yr. we had about 600 vehicles drive by, and the inside is decorated and lit for us to enjoy and oh boy do we ever enjoy!! I still make a Xmas ham that evening but not the huge buffet, I used to make and no more baking for weeks prior, those days are over. but in our own way we still enjoy, plus Christmas evening we go to our favorite big dinner theater and then the buffet is on! plus an awesome Broadway Xmas show.

SarahLil

Aputernut wrote: »

Our Christmas traditions have changed over the yrs. when we were a younger married couple still living in the NE and with lot's of family, Christmas Eve was a huge gift exchange and party at our house. But now much older and living in FL. no family here, DH=dear hubby and I enjoy decorating, lighting up outside for others to enjoy, last yr. we had about 600 vehicles drive by, and the inside is decorated and lit for us to enjoy and oh boy do we ever enjoy!! I still make a Xmas ham that evening but not the huge buffet, I used to make and no more baking for weeks prior, those days are over. but in our own way we still enjoy, plus Christmas evening we go to our favorite big dinner theater and then the buffet is on! plus an awesome Broadway Xmas show.

Sounds amazing, such a lovely thing to do decorating outside for others sometimes it's just the little things, maybe visiting the outside of your house is anther families Christmas tradition

SarahLil

Witchie wrote: »

Not a Christmas eve tradition but a now 3 year old tradition in the run up to Christmas in our house. My sister lives in Scotland and my mum and dad are usually in America until about a week before Christmas so the last few years, when my sister flies in for Christmas, my mum and I drive up to the airport (with our big big sign with her as an elf on it and flashing lights) and collect her, then head into the city to have a girly day shopping and stay overnight and shop again the next day before heading for the schticks again for the mayhem of our house on Christmas day.

We booked our hotel last night and we have been "eeeek"ing all day today with excitement. Love Christmas!!!!!!

Oh and have just signed up to Elfster.com to sort out our secret santa!

Brilliant tradition if I am ever lucky enough to have children or a daughter I would love to do something like that, enjoy

allym

Yaaaay Christmas

Witchie

SarahLil wrote: »

Brilliant tradition if I am ever lucky enough to have children or a daughter I would love to do something like that, enjoy

It is lovely. Last year my sister dressed up as an elf and walked all around Dublin in her costume. Little kids faces were lighting up everywhere we went! We met my son who lives in Dublin for Dinner and then went back to our hotel and drank a bottle of bubbles, ate some chocs and talked and laughed all night then got up and hit the shops again the next day.

Soooo excited!!!! Roll on the 21st of Dec when we get to do it again!

LynnGrace

Witchie wrote: »

It is lovely. Last year my sister dressed up as an elf and walked all around Dublin in her costume. Little kids faces were lighting up everywhere we went! We met my son who lives in Dublin for Dinner and then went back to our hotel and drank a bottle of bubbles, ate some chocs and talked and laughed all night then got up and hit the shops again the next day.

Soooo excited!!!! Roll on the 21st of Dec when we get to do it again!

This sounds just so lovely!

Our 'big day' is Christmas Eve, and always has been. All the family, together with assorted wives, husbands, children etc, gather at the 'home' house, (i.e where my parents live). .
It's absolutely my favourite day. Everyone in good humour, catching up with one another, the kids looking forward to Santa, aww! We don't have kids, ourselves, (not by choice, just how things turned out), but we love seeing all our lovely nieces and nephews, and hearing about what Santa will bring!

Witchie

My sister and I usually start Christmas eve at the hairdressers then we help with the veg prep and I do the ham (despite being a veggie!) and we all (my parents, my younger brother, younger sister and my 2 adult sons) go to our wee town for a Christmas walk around and all go for dinner in the evening in a local hotel before back to my house for mulled wine and home baked cookies while watching a movie like Elf.

Then early to bed to see what Santa brings!

jezzer

i like to get fluthered on xmas eve, recall nothing, then be too sick to eat the dinner on xmas day, then stay in bed for the day so i am fresh for the pub again on st Stephens day

My husband and I don't have a lot of Christmas traditions as where we are on Christmas eve, and who we're with, can vary. But we do always do two things: go for a special lunch in a nice restaurant and have a bottle of bubbles, and attend a carol service in the evening, both of which we love.

jezzer

i think xmas eve should be a national holiday and everywhere should be shut

baby and crumble

jezzer wrote: »

i think xmas eve should be a national holiday and everywhere should be shut

Ah no, there's such a buzz around on Christmas Eve. All that would happen would be the 23rd becomes what we now know as Christmas Eve!!

Day Lewin

I treat it as a final day of preparation and it has a sort of austere, anticipation feeling: I clean the house.
Lentil soup and bacon for dinner (because from here on in, there will be festive food for weeks!)
At dusk, light a candle beside the crib and put a lighted candle in each window. Christmas is now ON! Open a box of chocolates and pour a drink!
My husband often puts an early little present on my pillow, too.

anothernight

My sister and I start the Christmas season by watching Titanic together.

I think I need to start a new tradition with my boyfriend. Might steal some ideas from this thread!

Hollister11

Usually me, my mum and dad and my brothers get up early, go to town to do some shopping. Come home at around 2pm or go out for dinner and come home at 4/5. If we don't go out we get a chinese. Then we do our kris-kindle.

Even though were all old enough now i'm 19 youngest is 15, my mum still does "Santa". I got a job today in retail so while i may miss town this year, i will be able to buy my parents and brothers decent presents this year.

OldNotWIse

I think I will ask for Christmas Eve off this year. The day is half gone by the time you get home, and there is always so much to do!

Glitzgirl

Not a Christmas eve tradition but one that means a lot to myself and mr glitzgirl is that one weekend in December (usually the second weekend in Dec ) , we arrange for the kiddies to be minded and we go up early on the luas to Dublin, and just stroll around. Look at the lights, get a nice lunch, pick up small random things that catch our attention. Definitely visit the Disney store too I love being out watching people rush around panic buying, knowing I have my shopping well done it gives me a chance to stand back and actually enjoy the atmosphere minus the stress ! We don't go up to Dublin that often on days out together without the kids so it's become a real special treat for us and our chance to have some couple time admiring the lights etc. can't wait !

Grandeeod

Moved back to Ireland this year so its gonna be a bit different to the last few years!

The tradition abroad was very unlike here, so we have been talking about it since June! The OH has come up with a little idea for Christmas Eve. She wants to make Christmas Eve boxes. The basic idea is that the three of us (mammy, daddy and 7 year old daughter) get a box that evening. All wrapped. Our daughters box has been decided. Inside will be Christmas pyjamas, a Christmas hot water bottle, a Christmas DVD and a Terrys chocolate orange. The boxes will be presented around 5pm or so. So our daughter can put on the PJs, watch the movie and scoff the chocolate orange. Then bed with the reindeer hot water bottle.

We are still working on the contents of Mammy and Daddys boxes.:D I'd be happy with a brandy, cheese board and cigar, but I'm not sure that will work!

OldNotWIse

I have so much to do on Christmas Eve. I'll have to clean the cats house and walk the dogs. I'll be making a huge turkey pudding for all the animals and cooking a leg of lamb for the neighbours dog (couldn't get it into the oven last Christmas day because of the turkey!). Also midnight mass and the usual mad rush of wrapping presents and then the mulled wine with Dad. I'll miss the ham sandwiches this year as I have given up meat, trying to find an alternative!

onasis

OldNotWIse wrote: »

I have so much to do on Christmas Eve. I'll have to clean the cats house and walk the dogs. I'll be making a huge turkey pudding for all the animals and cooking a leg of lamb for the neighbours dog (couldn't get it into the oven last Christmas day because of the turkey!). Also midnight mass and the usual mad rush of wrapping presents and then the mulled wine with Dad. I'll miss the ham sandwiches this year as I have given up meat, trying to find an alternative!

I'm interested to know how your make the turkey pudding - I think my dogs would love it,

OldNotWIse

onasis wrote: »

I'm interested to know how your make the turkey pudding - I think my dogs would love it,

It's always a hit with the dogs and cats (and occasionally drunk people too lol).

Throw a few packs of turkey mince into a basin and grate in a couple of potatoes and parsnips. The parsnips apparently help to sweeten it Then mix in a few eggs and a jar of Bovril. I don't have actual measurements but you kind of know as you go how much is needed. Then grease a big baking tin and cook in the oven for around 40 minutes.

Although, I am not sure but I seem to recall there being something in the news about giving turkey to dogs and pancreatitis. Never affected mine but you could look into it. I did the same recipe one year with beef mince (there was a run on turkey mince and I couldn't get any) and the result was pretty much the same

Glitzgirl

OldNotWIse wrote: »

It's always a hit with the dogs and cats (and occasionally drunk people too lol).

Throw a few packs of turkey mince into a basin and grate in a couple of potatoes and parsnips. The parsnips apparently help to sweeten it Then mix in a few eggs and a jar of Bovril. I don't have actual measurements but you kind of know as you go how much is needed. Then grease a big baking tin and cook in the oven for around 40 minutes.

Although, I am not sure but I seem to recall there being something in the news about giving turkey to dogs and pancreatitis. Never affected mine but you could look into it. I did the same recipe one year with beef mince (there was a run on turkey mince and I couldn't get any) and the result was pretty much the same

Thanks for sharing! I may have to try that this year for my dogs sounds like they would love it! although to be fair one particular fat little terrier here will just have to get a smaller portion before he implodes on himself :pac:

Glitzgirl

Grandeeod wrote: »

Moved back to Ireland this year so its gonna be a bit different to the last few years!

The tradition abroad was very unlike here, so we have been talking about it since June! The OH has come up with a little idea for Christmas Eve. She wants to make Christmas Eve boxes. The basic idea is that the three of us (mammy, daddy and 7 year old daughter) get a box that evening. All wrapped. Our daughters box has been decided. Inside will be Christmas pyjamas, a Christmas hot water bottle, a Christmas DVD and a Terrys chocolate orange. The boxes will be presented around 5pm or so. So our daughter can put on the PJs, watch the movie and scoff the chocolate orange. Then bed with the reindeer hot water bottle.

We are still working on the contents of Mammy and Daddys boxes.:D I'd be happy with a brandy, cheese board and cigar, but I'm not sure that will work!

I love doing this with my family too! It's such a nice tradition and one that kids will always remember. our elf (the elf on the shelf ) leaves on Christmas eve and always leaves a good bye / christmas box for mammy daddy and (now ) both boys ! we just fill ours with things we can use as a family new pjs, slippers, maybe a little mug filled with drinking chocolate and marshmallows, and a dvd we can watch as a family. Getting all excited thinking about it! Good luck with the boxes !

iguana

I need to go have a discussion with my husband about what Christmas eve traditions we want to start. S will be 3 so it's time to get some magical fun locked in. Chinese take-away sounds good or maybe a restaurant would be better. We went out for dinner one Christmas eve (my mum was 8 months pregnant so it was mainly for her to take a break) and I have such great memories of it.

I'm curious about the PJs. When I was younger we always got new PJs for Christmas eve but they were just normal PJs as Christmas ones hadn't been invented/weren't available in Ireland. But now Christmas PJs exist and if you only get them for your child on Christmas eve are they a size big so they will be worn all the next December or are they only worn for a few days? I have a tradition of getting a few Christmas PJs in November and they come out for the Toy Show and they are worn then until the 5th.

anothernight

iguana wrote: »

I'm curious about the PJs. When I was younger we always got new PJs for Christmas eve but they were just normal PJs as Christmas ones hadn't been invented/weren't available in Ireland. But now Christmas PJs exist and if you only get them for your child on Christmas eve are they a size big so they will be worn all the next December or are they only worn for a few days? I have a tradition of getting a few Christmas PJs in November and they come out for the Toy Show and they are worn then until the 5th.

I will happily wear Christmassy PJs in the middle of June, if the weather calls for it.

iguana

anothernight wrote: »

I will happily wear Christmassy PJs in the middle of June, if the weather calls for it.

When I was a child I used to find Christmas stuff a bit extremely depressing once Christmas was over and school was back. It was like salt rubbed in the wounds, Christmas was gone and a month is an eternity to a child never mind the whole year it's going to take for it to come back. It almost physically hurts.

Toto Wolfcastle

I wear my Christmas jammies all the time. I love them. But as a kid I'd I'd worn them all year round it may have taken some of the magic out of wearing them at Christmas.

Posy

I won't be working this Christmas Eve for a change.

I will really have to make it special!! There will definitely be baileys hot chocolate and mallows and Christmas films.

Hollister11

Posy wrote: »

I won't be working this Christmas Eve for a change.

I will really have to make it special!! There will definitely be baileys hot chocolate and mallows and Christmas films.

Just get gargeled. It's what Christmas is about

Toto Wolfcastle

Christmas Eve being at the weekend this year is going to make it even better. Glad you'll be off, Posy!

touts

And we're off and running for 2016. Woo Hoooo

Holidays are coming...Holidays are coming.....Holidays are coming..........

kitten_k

Seen these on a page on facebook called SnugglePuff Crafts:

Loughc

Oooh I love the box! Great idea.

Glitzgirl

Omg that is so cute !!!

Glitzgirl

I love that this thread has popped up on my notifications

Loughc

Glitzgirl wrote: »

I love that this thread has popped up on my notifications

Me too. I was so excited to see it back in my unread threads haha.

Toto Wolfcastle

If anyone wants to to try making their own, it turns out you can get signs like this on ebay.



You could make a box for the fraction of the price of that one. (Of course you could make it without the sign but I think the sign is nice!)

Lollipops23

I've only recently started looking in on this forum- I'VE FOUND MY PEOPLE!!!!!

I was just saying to a colleague that, despite not working in retail since 09, I still haven't gotten used to the novelty of not working Xmas Eve.

And I'm 28 (29 on Tuesday) and my mam still gets me Xmas Eve jammies, as she did throughout my childhood

amen

Ahh Christmas eve jammies. A tradition in our house. Great craic.

DavyD_83

First Christmas Eve I won't be working in the 8 years I have been with my wife (9th Christmas).
And we'll have a 2 year old and couple of week old to share it all with.
Woop woop!!

Thank you thread for getting me so excited about this already.

Gotta get to work on defining the Christmas Eve traditions;
Loving the Christmas Eve presents ideas (debating the actual box...), we'll definitely get some family Christmas jammies and hot chocolate in.

Oh, and have just realised I should actually be home to watch the Toy Show with them this year too. :D:D:D:D:D:D

Metmaster

Family breakfast fry up in the morning with the xmas music playing in the back.. go visit a few relatives for the day..grab a chinese on the way home...by the time were home its dark so we flick on the outdoor lights,tree,put the candles by the window etc, eat the dinner watching elf or christmas vacation...kids usually like to track santa. Showers fresh pjs and bed. Love it.

Hollister11

Love this thread. It should be a sticky.

SteJer

It would be great to read everyone's Christmas traditions. What you do on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Maybe you have some childhood memories you want to share.