Christmas rituals

benjii · 16 Nov 2014 at 11:44

I was discussing this with someone recently, as in, the things you do each year for Christmas.

One that has sort of stuck for me as of late is I prepare all the food after breakfast and have taken to enjoying a large glass of single malt whiskey as I do it. Then once the food is done, I take my whiskey to the other room and enjoy a nice cuban cigar.

What do you lot do?

SexyBetty · 16 Nov 2014 at 16:16

Always put the tree up listening to South Parks Xmas album whilst drinking White Grape Shloer.

And always have one present to open Xmas Eve, it's always new pyjamas

Danthus · 16 Nov 2014 at 16:17

Shepards pie for dinner on Christmas Eve.

benjii · 16 Nov 2014 at 16:18

SexyBetty said:
South Parks Xmas album

I take it you don't have young children?

cainer · 16 Nov 2014 at 16:18

worst OcUK secret santa please buy me single malt whiskey and a cuban cigar post EVER!

Squark · 16 Nov 2014 at 16:21

It's not a ritual, but I go to church every Christmas morning.

benjii · 16 Nov 2014 at 16:21

cainer said:
worst OcUK secret santa please buy me single malt whiskey and a cuban cigar post EVER!

Ha! I think that's a little outside the £15 limit.

SexyBetty · 16 Nov 2014 at 16:34

benjii said:
I take it you don't have young children?

I have a (nearly) three year old and a 9 month old.

What's your point?

benjii · 16 Nov 2014 at 16:36

SexyBetty said:
I have a (nearly) three year old and a 9 month old.

What's your point?

Good luck explaining to the preschool teacher why your child is singing about a festive poo.

Ahleckz · 16 Nov 2014 at 17:00

Growing up, we always had to be fully dressed and breakfast eaten before being allowed to open any presents under the tree. Something I still insist on.
Morning cocktails are Margaritas. I don't know why, but that's tradition!

benjii said:
Ha! I think that's a little outside the £15 limit.

Suggested limit

. I too like whisky and cigars....

benjii · 16 Nov 2014 at 17:11

Ahleckz said:
Growing up, we always had to be fully dressed and breakfast eaten before being allowed to open any presents under the tree. Something I still insist on.
Morning cocktails are Margaritas. I don't know why, but that's tradition!

Suggested limit . I too like whisky and cigars....

I like that, it brings a little civilisation to the whole affair. My girlfriend's family tradition, which I guess has now become ours, is having freshly made sausage rolls for breakfast. Which, to be honest, I don't offer any complaints. I like making them and I like eating them!

HecFam · 16 Nov 2014 at 17:16

My family usually bang out the Bellini's straight off the mark. I usually have a Galliano or many. Any Holiday period is spent with a horrific number of bevs.

'Harry · 16 Nov 2014 at 17:26

Lot's of food and lots of wine. First to pass out gets tied to the fir tree on the east lawn until they wake up.

benjii · 16 Nov 2014 at 17:39

'Harry said:
Lot's of food and lots of wine. First to pass out gets tied to the fir tree on the east lawn until they wake up.

How cruel! When my guests pass out after a little too much Dom Perignon, I prefer to use the west lawn as at least they get the warmth of the setting sun.

memyselfandi · 16 Nov 2014 at 17:39

Generally it's always been ...

Stocking presents first thing Christmas morning followed by breakfast (croissants). Then during the morning everyone other than me goes off to church for the Christmas morning service. Whilst they are there I sort out the under Christmas tree presents into piles for each person and then we open them all when they get back before lunch.

KIA · 16 Nov 2014 at 17:50

The Office complete collection.

glenimp617 · 16 Nov 2014 at 18:27

well I pretty much do exactly the same every Christmas so I guess it's tradition now. The follow is what never changes.....

Christmas Eve - Chinese Takeaway, lots of alcohol and a film

Christmas Day

Terrys Chocolate Orange and Bottle of Beer whilst opening the presents after we all wake up (an old office tradition we came up with about 15 years ago)

Full English Breakfast (2 x bacon, 2 x sausage, 1 x fried egg, pile of scrambled eggs, beans, mushrooms, black pudding, hash brown, tomatoes, 2 x toast) with champagne

Mince Pie and various chocolates mid morning (usually those shell things) - arguing about who forgot the batteries for the kids new toys

Christmas Dinner is at one of the parents houses (prawn cocktail, turkey, Christmas pudding with tons of whipped cream, cheese and biscuits, chocolates, wine) - Sherry, followed by a few vodka and cokes

Christmas Supper is usually turkey/stuffing rolls with either trifle or Christmas cake, followed by a good few vodka and cokes

When we get back to our house I usually stick band of brothers on for some reason and start picking at the quality streets. This is after I have spent ages taking all the kids presents out of the car boot

Late Christmas night I have a quick go on the xbox

Boxing Day is spent at someones house, always turkey curry for dinner

randomshenans · 16 Nov 2014 at 18:49

Champagne/ bucks fizz with smoked salmon, bacon, cream cheese and bagels. That's a traditional start to the day.

'Harry · 16 Nov 2014 at 18:55

benjii said:
How cruel! When my guests pass out after a little too much Dom Perignon, I prefer to use the west lawn as at least they get the warmth of the setting sun.

Cosimo · 17 Nov 2014 at 07:35

Rituals, ah yes, we have Christmas dinner and open presents....