Religion and Ethics Forum
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Shaker on November 08, 2015, 04:56:00 PM
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OK, before anybody piles in on me for raising the dread spectre of Christmas 2015 too early, in my defence I can only say that as I'm unwell, laid up in bed and bored to boot my mind turned toward all things Christmasular. Does anybody have their own family-specific Christmas traditions which they repeat every year? As a Christmas fan in many (not all) respects I put up the tree and the rest of the decorations on the Sunday as close to December 1st as I can. Up as early as I can get away with, down at the very last moment is my motto. Depending on when that date falls this can mean preparing for Christmas in the last few days of November - I've just checked the calendar and seen that the nearest Sunday this year is November 29th, only three weeks away. Apologies in advance to anyone in the East Midlands who may notice some dimming and flickering of their house lights and interference with electrical items in the late afternoon/evening of that day.
A nice big glass of something (port is a favourite), the Christmas Radio Times and a highlighter is something else I look forward to. (Yeah, sad, I know - but simple pleasures ...).
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When I was growing up, post my belief in Santa we'd all gather to open our presents at midnight - my parents always had a houseful and we'd generally be a bit tipsy, so it'd be hilarious and moving by turns.
This year the kids have decided to have a fire pit in the garden on Christmas Eve. The one we did for Hallowe'en ended up with a game of Hallowe'en themed Simon Says that nevertheless resulted in riding round the garden like taun tauns and being Jack and Rose from Titanic.
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Nice. I usually hold off on any Christmas music until the last weekend in November. That's when I nirmally go away with a friend and listen to it in the car. It's become a ritual thing for both of us and I really look forward to it.
I'm actually trying to establish a new tradition of a Xmas eve get together at our house. Usually just a handful if family and friends but the point is to have some nibbles and sing carols together unaccompanied. We are most of us musical in one way or another and it's nice to do things to emphasise the social and celebratory aspects of Christmas, rather than presents etc.
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OK, before anybody piles in on me for raising the dread spectre of Christmas 2015 too early, in my defence I can only say that as I'm unwell, laid up in bed and bored to boot my mind turned toward all things Christmasular. Does anybody have their own family-specific Christmas traditions which they repeat every year? As a Christmas fan in many (not all) respects I put up the tree and the rest of the decorations on the Sunday as close to December 1st as I can. Up as early as I can get away with, down at the very last moment is my motto. Depending on when that date falls this can mean preparing for Christmas in the last few days of November - I've just checked the calendar and seen that the nearest Sunday this year is November 29th, only three weeks away. Apologies in advance to anyone in the East Midlands who may notice some dimming and flickering of their house lights and interference with electrical items in the late afternoon/evening of that day.
A nice big glass of something (port is a favourite), the Christmas Radio Times and a highlighter is something else I look forward to. (Yeah, sad, I know - but simple pleasures ...).
I have always put our decorations up on December 1st. That job has been down to me since we married 46 years ago. The kids were never overly interested in helping me with the task, including decorating the tree. My husband insisted on a real tree, which was a bit of a pain as I spent most of the next few months picking the needles out of the carpets!
Nowadays our decorations are very minimalist, and definitely no tree. They come down on December 27th, I can't abide Christmas hanging around once it is over.
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OK, before anybody piles in on me for raising the dread spectre of Christmas 2015 too early, in my defence I can only say that as I'm unwell, laid up in bed and bored to boot my mind turned toward all things Christmasular. Does anybody have their own family-specific Christmas traditions which they repeat every year? As a Christmas fan in many (not all) respects I put up the tree and the rest of the decorations on the Sunday as close to December 1st as I can. Up as early as I can get away with, down at the very last moment is my motto. Depending on when that date falls this can mean preparing for Christmas in the last few days of November - I've just checked the calendar and seen that the nearest Sunday this year is November 29th, only three weeks away. Apologies in advance to anyone in the East Midlands who may notice some dimming and flickering of their house lights and interference with electrical items in the late afternoon/evening of that day.
A nice big glass of something (port is a favourite), the Christmas Radio Times and a highlighter is something else I look forward to. (Yeah, sad, I know - but simple pleasures ...).
I'm glad Leicester is cozy these days. As a student I spent part of my Christmas holidays in a freezing terrace off the Narborough Road doing work on my thesis with nothing but condensation on matt silk white walls and two working bars on the three bar electric Pifco fire.
I gave up the Ghost when I discovered my matress had gone mouldy and beat the retreat.
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OK, before anybody piles in on me for raising the dread spectre of Christmas 2015 too early,
Very clever: Andrew Scott's character in Spectre is called "C" by Bond and "M".
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Not sure that we've followed any specific pattern in prep'ing for Christmas for 25-odd years. Moving to Nepal in 1992 meant that for 9 years we had completely different patterns each year - 1995 was spent in Brisbane, Queensland; 1992-4/96-99 were spent in Pokhara, and the nature of the celebration would be dependent on whether I or my wife were working that day.
Since returning to the UK in 2000, we have been pretty lax about any 'typical' pattern.
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Tell you what I used to do for the small people - I'd make tea light holders from foil and make a runway of them on the front lawn so that Santa could see where to park.
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I want to get a big flashing display to hang over the front of my house which says "Bah Humbug".
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I'd buy one.
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One thing which makes me irritated is that some Christians of the 'born again' sect don't play the Santa game with their kids, because he doesn't exist in reality, therefore it is a naughty lie to pretend he does! However, they are more than happy to state as a fact the less that credible things in the gospels attributed to Jesus like the virgin birth are true! ::) I have a member of my extended family who has four young children, who don't get the pleasure and anticipation of expecting Santa to bring their pressies, which is sad, imo!
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One 'tradition' our family used to have was born of necessity.
As our parents lived some distance from the rest of our extended families* we'd have Christmas Day at home, then travel to see them in between Boxing day and New Year.
During our visit, once all the children were together, the children would all be told that they had to lie down and 'sleep' (in the middle of the afternoon) because otherwise Father Christmas (and always Father Christmas, never Santander Claus+) wouldn't be able to deliver the presents.
At this point Father Christmas would knock on the door and deliver a box of presents that were all labelled To abc from Aunt Sally and Uncle Bob.
* - and, rather selfishly, they lived some distance from us.
+ - good to see my spell checker joining in with the traditional "Christmas is too commercial" rant there...
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I'd buy one.
I'd but two - one for the front and one for the back!
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When I was little I always knew something was up about Santa. My sisters would take me to see him at the malls, and then a few days later dad would bring us all to the Petrofina Christmas bash and I would go up on stage with the rest of the kids and Santa would hand me my own present with my name on it. Best Petrofina Santa gift to me was a set of plastic dinosaurs. I'm sure when I was just a toddler Santa was real, but I quickly saw the con. Didn't stop me from getting my gift from some Petrofina dude in a red suit every year though.
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One thing which makes me irritated is that some Christians of the 'born again' sect don't play the Santa game with their kids, because he doesn't exist in reality, therefore it is a naughty lie to pretend he does! However, they are more than happy to state as a fact the less that credible things in the gospels attributed to Jesus like the virgin birth are true! ::) I have a member of my extended family who has four young children, who don't get the pleasure and anticipation of expecting Santa to bring their pressies, which is sad, imo!
I think you omitted to say they also instal double glazing in their houses so their kid's can't hear the Ice Cream van.
The only Floony in recent times to publicly question teaching fairy tales to the young has been that horseman of the crapocalypse Dr Richard Borekins.
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Anyone doing anything special or different this Christmas?
I am cutting back on everything this Christmas except real Christmas love and cheer.
My Son already had his money and bought what he wanted. My daughters presents still a work in progress.
My ex has given me a clue as to what he wants. Taking friends out for a meal as part of their Christmas box.
Have some decorating to do coming along slowly then I can put decorations up. Not going to be the usual this year just the trees and some choice decorations going up. Cutting back so will
probably sell or give old decorations away. My youngest brother wants me to come up to Wales Christmas Eve afternoon and go out for a meal there. We usually go here.
It sound particular funny saying "my niece" singular (when I have over 40 nephews and nieces) the eldest who was 40 years old 5 days ago the same age my little sister would have been
in February. Well she has wants us to go for a Christmas meal together Christmas Eve with her mum and the kids. I get a little overwhelmed. My Son out with his dad and grandparents
Christmas Eve. I love midnight mass at Church. As long as I can get to Church Christmas Eve I am always happy. Have done it for years. Started when I was about 11 or 12 and done it whenever possible. Church always packed and a lovely tradition. Starting Christmas with the LORD is the way forward for me.
Now I think it would be good to hear what everyone else is doing whatever they believe. Can we please keep this thread friendly, cheerful and respectful of what others doing regardless of their beliefs.
It would be nice just to share.
When I get back from Church I have my first drink of Christmas and make sure all prepared for morning... ;D
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Child #1 turned 18 this year and has been off at university for the past term, and child #2 turned 16 last week (entirely predictable, obviously, but still somehow caught me by surprise...) so we're doing our last big family holiday this Christmas to Florida for a fortnight.
Disney, swimming with dolphins, a trip to the Kennedy Space Centre, Universal studios and possibly Busch Gardens.
O.
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On Christmas Day our son and eldest daughter will be coming over for Christmas Dinner. On Boxing Day the four of us will go to our youngest daughter and her family for a meal.
I mostly give money as presents, apart from buying pressies for my husband, eldest girl and son as they like something to open.
I have all the cards written and ready to post on December 1st.
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Sowing fear, misery and discord, same as every other year.
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Sowing fear, misery and discord, same as every other year.
:o
Blimey!
You don't really mean you do, do you?
Bah! humbug! ;)
;D
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As little as possible, which is my plan for every day - I shall tackle this plan with the appropriate degree of enthusiasm (which is, of course, the bare minimum needed).
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The chocolate covered Brussel sprouts and small change heated up in a high oven for an hour for the carol singers are Christmas traditions we should all be trying to rescue.
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As little as possible, which is my plan for every day - I shall tackle this plan with the appropriate degree of enthusiasm (which is, of course, the bare minimum needed).
It's good to set yourself goals for the day :)
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The chocolate covered Brussel sprouts and small change heated up in a high oven for an hour for the carol singers are Christmas traditions we should all be trying to rescue.
EWww! Chocolate coated Brussels sprouts :o
The thought ............ :o
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The fun thing is that people don't find out they're Brussel sprouts until the first bite ...
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The chocolate covered Brussel sprouts and small change heated up in a high oven for an hour for the carol singers are Christmas traditions we should all be trying to rescue.
;D
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People often buy brussel sprouts because they are traditional at Christmas, but many are not particularly fond of them like us!
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My daughters used to call sprouts 'fairy cabbages'. Now you can all go off into your days feeling like you've had a sprinkling of pixie dust.
Or feeling slightly queasy, whichever...
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I do not exaggerate when I say that sprouts are my nine year old's favourite veg.
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They're one of mine too - I love 'em. Like a lot of vegetables I suspect a lot of people think they don't like them only because they've had too many bad experiences of them being cooked to death.
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Me too actually - but not overcooked.
I'm never disappointed to have leftovers either for bubble and squeak or veggie bakes.
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I do not exaggerate when I say that sprouts are my nine year old's favourite veg.
My father- and brother-in-law eat them raw.... :-X
We used to visit my in-laws on Christmas eve for a turkey dinner, and my parents on Boxing Day for a Christmas dinner, so we started a tradition of duck at home, roasted veg tray, roast spuds, kilted sausages and stuffing :) Mrs. O. makes cranberry muffins for breakfast, too.
Going to be weird not having them this year.
O.
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I make a veggie crumble which we have with all the trimmings. Last year I downed tools though and we went to a family-run restaurant which was brilliant as the guy who runs it cooked my kids exactly what they wanted - which of course was pasta.
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Incidentally, to our Most Glorious and Munificent Leader, I started a thread on Christmas plans and traditions ('The C word thread') a while back which you may want to merge with this one if you want to keep things tidy.
Or you may not - see if I care :P
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People often buy brussel sprouts because they are traditional at Christmas, but many are not particularly fond of them like us!
I like freshly cooked sprouts as opposed to frozen ones, but it was the thought of them in chocolate that put me off.
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My favourite veggie is probably runner beans ".......... :)
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My favourite veggie is probably runner beans ".......... :)
Never liked them. I favour peas and carrots.
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I intend to spend this Xmas day sitting outside my nearby massive shopping centre protesting with a large banner that the shops are closed.
It is absolutely outrageous that I have to wait till Boxing day to hit the sales.
Bah humbug indeed.
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I intend to spend this Xmas day sitting outside my nearby massive shopping centre protesting with a large banner that the shops are closed.
It is absolutely outrageous that I have to wait till Boxing day to hit the sales.
Bah humbug indeed.
;D
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I do not exaggerate when I say that sprouts are my nine year old's favourite veg.
However, when Ray Mears (Bushcraft chap of course) was asked what was the most disgusting thing he'd ever eaten - and he being well known for eating some pretty way-out stuff - he answered "A Brussels sprout".
I'm inclined to agree.
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Not sure that we've followed any specific pattern in prep'ing for Christmas for 25-odd years. Moving to Nepal in 1992 meant that for 9 years we had completely different patterns each year - 1995 was spent in Brisbane, Queensland; 1992-4/96-99 were spent in Pokhara, and the nature of the celebration would be dependent on whether I or my wife were working that day.
Since returning to the UK in 2000, we have been pretty lax about any 'typical' pattern.
My brother lives in Brisbane Hope he was teaching in their local uni about the time you were there, got nephews great nephews, friends, one friend's a local copper, some people on Bribie as well.
Brisie's a lovely place.
Christmas, the usual family all come over to our house, my wife loves to cook, I keep the kitchen clean, I'm always in trouble for washing things up and putting them away when they're still using them.
We all get on well the scrabble comes out and a little time is spent playing cards we all have a drink as well as all of the various foods, nobody has ever got drunk just merry, my wife's mother will be sorely missed this year, the first time without her, she's 92 and dementia has taken it's toll.
Really looking forward to having all of these lovely people here over christmas.
Got my turntable back in action so that I can transfer my vinyl to CD, so out comes my long missed Mancini plays Sousa marches recording, it's well worth playing it, it puts a smile on every bodies face you cant help it, it' so inappropriate.
A sleep and trying to not to get caught farting after dinner, two fingers to Betty and put anything else on the TV.
So overall an enjoyable christmas together if not a spectacular one. That's our christmas pretty ordinary I guess.
ippy
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I might give one of these a go as a tipple over Christmas:
https://www.ocado.com/webshop/product/Nils-Oscar-God-Lager/45923011
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The fun thing is that people don't find out they're Brussel sprouts until the first bite ...
In view opfmy current health situation, I'd have the sprouts without the chocolate. There is nothing like a properly cooked Brussels Sprout. As a family, we probably eat far more Brussel Sprouts at times other than Christmas than at Christmas.
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Well, the little weeny tree is up in the porch as of ten minutes ago - the big one will have to wait until tomorrow.
One house in the neighbourhood which every year decorates the smallish tree in the front garden with lights has already done so as of last night. That's the spirit :)
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Our family never put up the tree etcetera until Christmas eve. The tree was usually sourced from a plantation up the hill and came complete with its roots.
The pressies were put under the tree whilst I was in bed, with a main one left at the bottom of the bed along with a "stocking" full of treats, fruit and nuts, with a Cadbury's chocolate selection box to countermand the healthy option.
Christmas day involved lots of food and drink, with boxing day reserved for visiting family and friends and the exchanging of their gifts.
Everything was removed on 6th of January, the trees were planted along the fence line in the back garden for several years. Which recently had to be chopped down because they had turned into a forrest.. (if 10 years + count as recent.)
Traditions I still adhere to, to this day. Except the tree thing, artificial all the way now!!
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OK, before anybody piles in on me for raising the dread spectre of Christmas 2015 too early, in my defence I can only say that as I'm unwell, laid up in bed and bored to boot my mind turned toward all things Christmasular. Does anybody have their own family-specific Christmas traditions which they repeat every year? As a Christmas fan in many (not all) respects I put up the tree and the rest of the decorations on the Sunday as close to December 1st as I can. Up as early as I can get away with, down at the very last moment is my motto. Depending on when that date falls this can mean preparing for Christmas in the last few days of November - I've just checked the calendar and seen that the nearest Sunday this year is November 29th, only three weeks away. Apologies in advance to anyone in the East Midlands who may notice some dimming and flickering of their house lights and interference with electrical items in the late afternoon/evening of that day.
A nice big glass of something (port is a favourite), the Christmas Radio Times and a highlighter is something else I look forward to. (Yeah, sad, I know - but simple pleasures ...).
Our decorations go up on 11th December, which is the day of the earliest sunset (it then stays the same for ten days then begins to get later again). I would like to take them down on 2nd January, but Mrs B likes to keep them up until Epiphany.
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Our decorations are up it took me about 15 minutes. I posted the cards today, we received our first yesterday.
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Fortnight to go - still not got my Radio Times yet :-\
Best Christmas films? My nominations:
1. The Muppet Christmas Carol - surprisingly faithful to Dickens's book. And I mean, come on; it's the Muppets (and Michael Caine doing a good turn as Scrooge).
2. Scrooge - the 1970 musical version with Albert Finney (only 35 or so at the time). I'm not usually a fan of musicals at all but I make an exception for this, for me the very best of all the many adaptations of The Greatest Story Ever Told and AF as the best Scrooge.
3. The Polar Express - superb animation and a charming story. I'm not usually one to be so sickeningly twee as to use a phrase like "Ideal for children of all ages," but what the hell, it's Christmas.
4. Elf - just a sweet, charming, funny film.
5. Family Guy: Road to the North Pole - as a big FG fan, Brian and Stewie's trip to the far north in search of Santa is one of the best longer episodes ever made. As with FG generally not for the little ones, obviously, but the grownups will get the gags.
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The Sherlock Christmas special is the most eagerly anticipated thing in the Rhi household - my eldest has been avidly glued to the fan sites and twitter feeds for months.
Film-wise, my kids love Arthur Christmas and Merry Madagascar.
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I'll agree on the Muppets Christmas Carol, and in Scrooged, Meet me in St Louis (only partly Christmas), A Christmas Story and The Nightmare Before Christmas
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Best Xmas song. Can't find it to download anywhere. :(
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pZiadb3bpOI
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The Sherlock Christmas special is the most eagerly anticipated thing in the Rhi household
One of the most eagerly anticipated at Shaker Towers, I might add.
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Fortnight to go - still not got my Radio Times yet :-\
Best Christmas films? My nominations:
1. The Muppet Christmas Carol - surprisingly faithful to Dickens's book. And I mean, come on; it's the Muppets (and Michael Caine doing a good turn as Scrooge).
2. Scrooge - the 1970 musical version with Albert Finney (only 35 or so at the time). I'm not usually a fan of musicals at all but I make an exception for this, for me the very best of all the many adaptations of The Greatest Story Ever Told and AF as the best Scrooge.
3. The Polar Express - superb animation and a charming story. I'm not usually one to be so sickeningly twee as to use a phrase like "Ideal for children of all ages," but what the hell, it's Christmas.
4. Elf - just a sweet, charming, funny film.
5. Family Guy: Road to the North Pole - as a big FG fan, Brian and Stewie's trip to the far north in search of Santa is one of the best longer episodes ever made. As with FG generally not for the little ones, obviously, but the grownups will get the gags.
I am surprised that you include the musical version of Scrooge, since it is not generally considered to be that good. Whilst Finney cannot sing, that is not a problem because the rest of the cast are fine, the problem is not the singing, but the weak score.
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Not generally considered by whom? I love it - and if anybody wants to make up their own mind, it's on Channel 5 tomorrow, Sunday 13th, at 7:35pm.
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Not generally considered by whom? I love it - and if anybody wants to make up their own mind, it's on Channel 5 tomorrow, Sunday 13th, at 7:35pm.
Reviews at the time were not that good, and I have to say that I have never known an amateur society perform the same. Still, there are only two kinds of music, after all. If it keeps the kids quiet for a couple of hours I may well change my mind.
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Wishing all the atheists a very merry Christmas!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA87aGEXNTk
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Me,log fire,Richard, Chocolate liqueurs, copy of The God Delusion and mistletoe..............know what I'm sayin' ?
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Never mind some dewy-eyed old git on a park bench on the moon (actually an elderly actor on a back lot with little work who needs the dough); Terry's star turn is the best Christmas advert this year:
https://youtu.be/Vs8LcEkBfTc
I want a Terry for my back garden (if I had the space ... :( ) this year and every year. In the words of Mr. Benjamin Zephaniah:
Be nice to yu turkeys dis christmas
Cos' turkeys just wanna hav fun
Turkeys are cool, turkeys are wicked
An every turkey has a Mum.
Be nice to yu turkeys dis christmas,
Don't eat it, keep it alive,
It could be yu mate, an not on your plate
Say, Yo! Turkey I'm on your side.
I got lots of friends who are turkeys
An all of dem fear christmas time,
Dey wanna enjoy it, dey say humans destroyed it
An humans are out of dere mind,
Yeah, I got lots of friends who are turkeys
Dey all hav a right to a life,
Not to be caged up an genetically made up
By any farmer an his wife.
Turkeys just wanna play reggae
Turkeys just wanna hip-hop
Can yu imagine a nice young turkey saying,
'I cannot wait for de chop',
Turkeys like getting presents, dey wanna watch christmas TV,
Turkeys hav brains an turkeys feel pain
In many ways like yu an me.
I once knew a turkey called........ Turkey
He said "Benji explain to me please,
Who put de turkey in christmas
An what happens to christmas trees?",
I said "I am not too sure turkey
But it's nothing to do wid Christ Mass
Humans get greedy an waste more dan need be
An business men mek loadsa cash'.
Be nice to yu turkey dis christmas
Invite dem indoors fe sum greens
Let dem eat cake an let dem partake
In a plate of organic grown beans,
Be nice to yu turkey dis christmas
An spare dem de cut of de knife,
Join Turkeys United an dey'll be delighted
An yu will mek new friends 'FOR LIFE'.
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I went to the supermarket first thing this morning when it was reasonably quiet. I have no wish to go near a shop again until next week!
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I've been to the shops a couple of times over the past few days at what I thought would be quiet times.
Bzzzzzt, wrong! Still have the last few bits and bobs to get tomorrow too :'(
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I'm being collected Christmas Day morning and will be brought home in the evening.
Shaker, I hope you are - well, not so much back to your old self, rather that you are a new, improved and fully recovered - self.
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I've been to the shops a couple of times over the past few days at what I thought would be quiet times.
Bzzzzzt, wrong! Still have the last few bits and bobs to get tomorrow too :'(
Tesco on Sunday morning was a breeze. However, I'm doing the main shop tomorrow at stupid o'clock...
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I'm being collected Christmas Day morning and will be brought home in the evening.
Shaker, I hope you are - well, not so much back to your old self, rather that you are a new, improved and fully recovered - self.
Thanks SD - I'm not exactly firing on all cylinders and I very much doubt that I'm new and improved! But compared to how I was for most of October I'm nearly back to normal - just have too much stuff to do at the end of the day and too much month left at the end of my money, same as always :)
Best wishes to you for a wonderful Christmas and a happy, healthy and peaceful new year :)
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A very Happy Christmas and a good 2016, to you all. :)
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If you're still here at present (9:30 on Christmas Eve), be sure to get to bed nice and early tonight so that Father Christmas can bring you your presents - assuming you've been good of course.
Merry Christmas everyone :)
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Another Christmas on it.s way. Does anyone actually celebrate the whole 12 days of Christmas anymore?
I am always glad when Christmas dinner is over. Now I am going to go shopping today and spent my vouchers at M&S God willing.
Hope everybody had a good Christmas and all members have a peace, healthy and prosperous new year.
Love.
Sassy.
Try not to eat too much chocolate... :P :-*