What makes Christmas for you?

Hypnobabe · 18 Dec 2006, 13:51

I've been thinking about this, because a lot of my friends have said it doesn't feel like Christmas yet - how do you know it's here?

For me, it's when I cook some sausage rolls - mince pies don't have the same effect 'cos I usually start eating those as soon as the shops start stocking them, I'll usually go through about six boxes... (shameful, I know!) - and when I open the Quality Street tin on Christmas Eve. The other thing that makes Christmas for me is an advocaat snowball - I know they're disgusting but I love them, especially when I hide a glace cherry in the bottom and don't tell hubby, then get to watch him turning interesting shades of blue as he tries to dislodge it.....

*AndyK* · 18 Dec 2006, 13:54

So, it's cooking animal entrails in pastry and trying to murder your husband that makes you feel festive? Hmmm.

For me, it all starts when I put th Christmas tree up after Dec13th (family tradition dictated that we never had anything Christmassy in the house prior to my mum's birthday, and I've kept that going in her memory).

Wrapping the presents with a bottle of wine also puts me in the mood (and heaven help the person who getst the present wrapped that coincides with the last glass from the bottle!)

Finally it's the bacon sandwich and bucks fizz breakfast on Christmas Day morning.

LucyK! · 18 Dec 2006, 14:02

I really wish I had the answer to this question, because if I had the answer I'd know what was missing this yer, and in turn I'd be able to feel Christmassy! I'm very Grinch-like this year!!

For me I always used to get so excited when we put the decorations up with the Christmas music on, and going out shopping for the perfect gifts with the perfect wrapping paper and ribbons ( which all co-ordinate, obviously )...but this year it's just not happening

Ageing Bat · 18 Dec 2006, 14:11

Christmas is here for me when I shut down the computer system, turn all the lights off, set the alarm and lock the factory and office doors until next year! So, Christmas for me will start at 5pm this Thursday

P.S. We don't put decorations up until after 15th December (similar tradition to Andy - after the teenage daughter from hell's birthday).

mszee · 18 Dec 2006, 15:10

Living in Russia there was no such thing as Christmas. It became a New Year and Christmas Tree became New Year's Tree...and still you couldn't take away a spirit of Christmas...although most decorations on our tree were homemade, like walnuts wrapped in foil instead of Christmas tree balls. I have never noticed how poor our tree always looked...always seemed festive to me...only looking back I realize how it really must have looked...

In America people go crazy decorating their houses on the outside as well as inside...

Christmas lights, flying raindeers, blown up snowmen are everywhere...

Most of it is tasteless and garish although once in a while you will see something truly artistic...or as artistic as this kind of thing can be...

This is when I start feeling like Christmas...when I see it all around me...festive house decorations, streets aglow with lights and malls full of people with shopping bags...

Christmas for me is the time to finally get all the people I love often useless presents that they would love to have but would think it's a waste to spend money on.

And most of all...Christmas for me is the time right before the New Year...the time when you're looking into the future, reminisce about the past and hoping for a better New Year...

Merry Christmas, everybody!

Benny · 18 Dec 2006, 15:28

Christmas for me is the smell of the crimbo tree!!! And my over stocked pantry at home, mostly alcohol

Also, 'Only Fools and Horses' on UKTV

Happy Christmas folks

**allrevvedup** · 18 Dec 2006, 16:31

[QUOTE=AndyK;298442]So, it's cooking animal entrails in pastry and trying to murder your husband that makes you feel festive? Hmmm.

for some women I'd imagine that'd be their version of a perfect christmas

Caelan · 18 Dec 2006, 17:59

Christmas has always been different for us because it is moms birthday..so more like a birthday party as christmas to me..but we used to go to curch on christmas eve..then the real feeling starts....mostly for me is the warm feeling of being together having a wonderful dinner..and good music

LucyK! · 18 Dec 2006, 18:47

Just re-read Claire's original post .... Christmas=Quality Street!!! Yes!!!

**The Flying Mouse** · 18 Dec 2006, 18:51

The annual board games association xmas dinner.

Honestly, it's a trial

You can't even get in the place, everyone just stands in the entrance talking about how well they've played throughout the year.

But, nothing says chrismas like...................

Chess nuts boasting round an open foyet

*AndyK* · 18 Dec 2006, 18:52

You been opening the Christmas Crackers early Neil? That was worth a groan!

Jeanie · 18 Dec 2006, 20:06

My hubby loves to play chess.. so he'll get a good laugh, when I share this with him later. :)

Thanks, Neil.

Christmas starts for me (Dec. 16th this yr) once I start baking xmas goodies to share with friends & family over the holidays. :)

J.

mszee · 18 Dec 2006, 20:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeanie

My hubby loves to play chess.. so he'll get a good laugh, when I share this with him later. :)

Thanks, Neil.

Christmas starts for me (Dec. 16th this yr) once I start baking xmas goodies to share with friends & family over the holidays. :)

J.

Will it possible to e-mail some to me???

Chris · 18 Dec 2006, 21:01

Christmas for me is a funny time of year as all my presents are done early due to work hours and everything at work starts turning festive the Monday after halloween when i change the displays.

Much as i love this time of year (guess who hs the rudolph socks, musical tie, santa hat and mistletoe on!) it feels really really festive about two days before the big day when customers start coming in the shop with port and mince pies. the boss likes mince pies adn i like port - last year by locking up time on xmas eve, i was legless adn he was feeling sick and bloated.

That is also the day we get the invites to the church candle mass and all the village festivities come together.

sunneke · 18 Dec 2006, 23:53

This year christmas is a bit early. I will be with good friends that i have not seen in more then a year, 2 days before x-mas. We got a lot to talk about, and will eat there. Afcourse i'v got some presents. Christmas day i will spend with my family, we have present under the tree, and my brother cooks dinner.
2nd christmas day i will do nothing at all

ChoccyBat · 19 Dec 2006, 01:15

[I'll usually go through about six boxes... (shameful, I know!) - and when I open the Quality Street tin on Christmas Eve. ]

All I can say is, keep up the Quality Street! I work in york for the swiss company that makes them (!) and I have been planning production, distribution, storage and finally sales to customers, since May! You wouldn't believe the amount of work that goes into Xmas from a manufacturer's point of view, and the stories I could tell you about Quality Street....!!!

Enjoy!

mszee · 19 Dec 2006, 01:23

What is Quality Street? Candy?

JanT · 19 Dec 2006, 01:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by mszee

What is Quality Street? Candy?

Chocolates "made for sharing"

mszee · 19 Dec 2006, 01:25

ALRIGHT...is anybody willing to share then???

Thanks, Jan...

JanT · 19 Dec 2006, 01:30

If I were given chocolates, I would share with everyone. I really really really really don't like chocolate

mszee · 19 Dec 2006, 01:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by JanT

If I were given chocolates, I would share with everyone. I really really really really don't like chocolate

Speechless...

Jeanie · 19 Dec 2006, 02:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by mszee

Speechless...

Me too... Mszee

I guess Jan can always send any chocolates she gets to us, eh Mszee??

Btw.. I'll try emailing you some treats Mszee.. maybe if you had a fax machine.. that might work better.

J.

mszee · 19 Dec 2006, 02:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeanie

Me too... Mszee

I guess Jan can always send any chocolates she gets to us, eh Mszee??

Btw.. I'll try emailing you some treats Mszee.. maybe if you had a fax machine.. that might work better.

J.

I'll take chocolates...hey, I'll take any treats...but better in the e-mail...better for the figure...

JanT · 19 Dec 2006, 02:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeanie

I guess Jan can always send any chocolates she gets to us, eh Mszee??

lol

tinkerbell · 19 Dec 2006, 23:11

Christmas day when all the family get together, we have plenty to eat, drink, loads of laughs and of course poker.

18 Dec 2006, 13:51	#1
Hypnobabe mszee's Mistress with sexy goddess boots Join Date: 13.07.2005 Location: Hitting the highway like a battering ram... Posts: 7,686	What makes Christmas for you? I've been thinking about this, because a lot of my friends have said it doesn't feel like Christmas yet - how do you know it's here? For me, it's when I cook some sausage rolls - mince pies don't have the same effect 'cos I usually start eating those as soon as the shops start stocking them, I'll usually go through about six boxes... (shameful, I know!) - and when I open the Quality Street tin on Christmas Eve. The other thing that makes Christmas for me is an advocaat snowball - I know they're disgusting but I love them, especially when I hide a glace cherry in the bottom and don't tell hubby, then get to watch him turning interesting shades of blue as he tries to dislodge it.....

18 Dec 2006, 13:54	#2
AndyK Relentless Join Date: 21.11.2003 Location: Over the top..... seeing what's on the other side Posts: 18,694	So, it's cooking animal entrails in pastry and trying to murder your husband that makes you feel festive? Hmmm. For me, it all starts when I put th Christmas tree up after Dec13th (family tradition dictated that we never had anything Christmassy in the house prior to my mum's birthday, and I've kept that going in her memory). Wrapping the presents with a bottle of wine also puts me in the mood (and heaven help the person who getst the present wrapped that coincides with the last glass from the bottle!) Finally it's the bacon sandwich and bucks fizz breakfast on Christmas Day morning.

18 Dec 2006, 14:02	#3
LucyK! The Monster Is Luce Join Date: 14.04.2002 Location: Posts: 7,547	I really wish I had the answer to this question, because if I had the answer I'd know what was missing this yer, and in turn I'd be able to feel Christmassy! I'm very Grinch-like this year!! For me I always used to get so excited when we put the decorations up with the Christmas music on, and going out shopping for the perfect gifts with the perfect wrapping paper and ribbons ( which all co-ordinate, obviously )...but this year it's just not happening

18 Dec 2006, 14:11	#4
Ageing Bat Young at heart. Slightly older in other places. Join Date: 20.11.2003 Location: Here! Posts: 1,311	Christmas is here for me when I shut down the computer system, turn all the lights off, set the alarm and lock the factory and office doors until next year! So, Christmas for me will start at 5pm this Thursday P.S. We don't put decorations up until after 15th December (similar tradition to Andy - after the teenage daughter from hell's birthday).

18 Dec 2006, 15:10	#5
mszee Mega Loafer Join Date: 29.03.2006 Location: And you think you're down under??? Posts: 26,252	Living in Russia there was no such thing as Christmas. It became a New Year and Christmas Tree became New Year's Tree...and still you couldn't take away a spirit of Christmas...although most decorations on our tree were homemade, like walnuts wrapped in foil instead of Christmas tree balls. I have never noticed how poor our tree always looked...always seemed festive to me...only looking back I realize how it really must have looked... In America people go crazy decorating their houses on the outside as well as inside... Christmas lights, flying raindeers, blown up snowmen are everywhere... Most of it is tasteless and garish although once in a while you will see something truly artistic...or as artistic as this kind of thing can be... This is when I start feeling like Christmas...when I see it all around me...festive house decorations, streets aglow with lights and malls full of people with shopping bags... Christmas for me is the time to finally get all the people I love often useless presents that they would love to have but would think it's a waste to spend money on. And most of all...Christmas for me is the time right before the New Year...the time when you're looking into the future, reminisce about the past and hoping for a better New Year... Merry Christmas, everybody!

18 Dec 2006, 15:28	#6
Benny Massive Loafer Join Date: 07.09.2005 Location: Posts: 3,084	Christmas for me is the smell of the crimbo tree!!! And my over stocked pantry at home, mostly alcohol Also, 'Only Fools and Horses' on UKTV Happy Christmas folks

18 Dec 2006, 16:31	#7
allrevvedup "Most things that i worry about, never happen anyway" Join Date: 29.11.2003 Location: Liverpool Posts: 5,351	[QUOTE=AndyK;298442]So, it's cooking animal entrails in pastry and trying to murder your husband that makes you feel festive? Hmmm. for some women I'd imagine that'd be their version of a perfect christmas

18 Dec 2006, 17:59	#8
Caelan life is one big adventure Join Date: 23.06.2005 Location: some town in Alberta called Leduc Posts: 5,550	Christmas has always been different for us because it is moms birthday..so more like a birthday party as christmas to me..but we used to go to curch on christmas eve..then the real feeling starts....mostly for me is the warm feeling of being together having a wonderful dinner..and good music

18 Dec 2006, 18:47	#9
LucyK! The Monster Is Luce Join Date: 14.04.2002 Location: Posts: 7,547	Just re-read Claire's original post .... Christmas=Quality Street!!! Yes!!!

18 Dec 2006, 18:51	#10
The Flying Mouse Armed ba$tard and Jo's other half. Join Date: 06.08.2002 Location: In the middle of nowhere near the end of the line. Posts: 16,104	The annual board games association xmas dinner. Honestly, it's a trial You can't even get in the place, everyone just stands in the entrance talking about how well they've played throughout the year. But, nothing says chrismas like................... Chess nuts boasting round an open foyet

18 Dec 2006, 18:52	#11
AndyK Relentless Join Date: 21.11.2003 Location: Over the top..... seeing what's on the other side Posts: 18,694	You been opening the Christmas Crackers early Neil? That was worth a groan!

18 Dec 2006, 20:06	#12
Jeanie Super Loafer Join Date: 09.07.2003 Location: Canada Posts: 996	My hubby loves to play chess.. so he'll get a good laugh, when I share this with him later. :) Thanks, Neil. Christmas starts for me (Dec. 16th this yr) once I start baking xmas goodies to share with friends & family over the holidays. :) J.

18 Dec 2006, 21:01	#14
Chris Mega Loafer Join Date: 14.04.2002 Location: Somewhere in the real world. Posts: 7,527	Christmas for me is a funny time of year as all my presents are done early due to work hours and everything at work starts turning festive the Monday after halloween when i change the displays. Much as i love this time of year (guess who hs the rudolph socks, musical tie, santa hat and mistletoe on!) it feels really really festive about two days before the big day when customers start coming in the shop with port and mince pies. the boss likes mince pies adn i like port - last year by locking up time on xmas eve, i was legless adn he was feeling sick and bloated. That is also the day we get the invites to the church candle mass and all the village festivities come together.

18 Dec 2006, 23:53	#15
sunneke Mega Loafer Join Date: 17.01.2006 Location: Amersfoort Posts: 2,263	This year christmas is a bit early. I will be with good friends that i have not seen in more then a year, 2 days before x-mas. We got a lot to talk about, and will eat there. Afcourse i'v got some presents. Christmas day i will spend with my family, we have present under the tree, and my brother cooks dinner. 2nd christmas day i will do nothing at all

19 Dec 2006, 01:15	#16
ChoccyBat Yorkie Join Date: 28.07.2002 Location: York Posts: 415	[I'll usually go through about six boxes... (shameful, I know!) - and when I open the Quality Street tin on Christmas Eve. ] All I can say is, keep up the Quality Street! I work in york for the swiss company that makes them (!) and I have been planning production, distribution, storage and finally sales to customers, since May! You wouldn't believe the amount of work that goes into Xmas from a manufacturer's point of view, and the stories I could tell you about Quality Street....!!! Enjoy!

19 Dec 2006, 01:23	#17
mszee Mega Loafer Join Date: 29.03.2006 Location: And you think you're down under??? Posts: 26,252	What is Quality Street? Candy?

19 Dec 2006, 01:25	#19
mszee Mega Loafer Join Date: 29.03.2006 Location: And you think you're down under??? Posts: 26,252	ALRIGHT...is anybody willing to share then??? Thanks, Jan...

19 Dec 2006, 01:30	#20
JanT Mega Loafer Join Date: 22.06.2006 Location: Blackpool Posts: 2,232	If I were given chocolates, I would share with everyone. I really really really really don't like chocolate

19 Dec 2006, 23:11	#25
tinkerbell Mega Loafer Join Date: 16.09.2006 Location: N. Ireland Posts: 4,562	Christmas day when all the family get together, we have plenty to eat, drink, loads of laughs and of course poker.