How do you celebrate Christmas?

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   Dedmorozposted 12 years ago

   I can't say I've heard of Christmas till I arrived in NZ 10 years ago. New Years Day was the big celebration and still is for me.
   
   Having said that, today, every christmas we generally do the same routine - pull out the christmas tree, hide those presents and fire up the ovens!
   
   How do you celebrate christmas, if you do?
   
   Is there a special type of food/drink that you only have on this one special day?
   
   Do you have a nice quiet christmas with your family or yourself, or are you more of a party-goer?
   
   Do you go anywhere special?

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      Dave Mathewsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      If you really want my answer to this check out my hubs on the subject.

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      simonsezposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      My Christmases used to be spent working on, practicing for, and performing musicals in our church.  We always put on a big musical with over 100 in the cast, and close to 50 in the orchestra.  At first I helped with the makeup, costumes and props -- fun and interesting being the back of the stage while everyone is out front.  Then I began playing the piano part for the orchestra. Just a little pressure....Performances were held 5 days with 2 on Saturday with over 1500 in attendance each time.  What fun!

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   Joy56posted 12 years ago

   I don't celebrate Christmas, as such, but it is nice to be off work,  and with family..... The telly keeps me company especially if it is cold outside.

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      recommend1posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I would like to celebrate with Joy and happiness - so if you just collect up happiness and pop over here we will have one day off work for it as it is a sunday     How are you keeping ??

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   Joy56posted 12 years ago

   well hello there.  I would love to spend a day with a Panda.....
   
   I am doing o.k. thanks. I have a feeling 2012 is going to be my year.  I have lots of bad health, you dont even want to know about it.... ha ha but i will tell you anyway, maybe not it will wast time.
   
   I decided after not getting work, i would volunteer.  In half an hour, i am going in to a local school, and teaching a group of mums to knit.  English is not their first language, so they have difficulty reading patterns.  I am overwhelmed with the results ..... They are achieving so much.  The school want them to mix, as it will help relationships with teachers, and ultimately help the kids.  It has been a great experience for me.
   
   I have taken after school classes in other schools, non voluntary if you don't mind.  I also help out in a nursing home craft wise, and it has helped me get back on my feet................   and you??????
   
   And i almost forgot to tell, i got a fetac level 3 certificate in computers, I have hub pages to thank for that, i have learnt so much on here.
   
   
   just thought you might like to see my kids.  My oldest son is teaching, emotionally challenged kids World History in Florida.....  My daughter is a special needs teacher.  Lee my middle son, has a wonderful family and little business of his own.  I am so blessed.

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      recommend1posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      That is what Christmas is about
      
      I am doing ok - but busy !  Hope your 'illnesses' dissapear with the new year.

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         Joy56posted 12 years agoin reply to this

         nice to be busy.... my illnesses are minimizing as i speak.

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   lizzieBooposted 12 years ago

   We do the full, Catholic, twelve days of Christmas finishing on the Epiphany (three kings arrival). Much feasting, music and laughter around the fire fills the dark and cold winter days.

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   mel22posted 12 years ago

   I spend X-mas in <redacted>, <redacted>...
   
   but then someone told me that,<re-dacted> was the place I oughta beeeee!...
   
   ...so I loaded up the truck, and moved to <reeeeedaaaaaaaacted>!

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   Bard of Elyposted 12 years ago

   Very quietly with my cat and she doesn't understand it so it's very much a normal day!

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   Gordon Hamiltonposted 12 years ago

   It is only this post that has caused me to think of how many different styles of Christmas celebrations I have enjoyed (or otherwise) throughout my life.
   
   As a child, the focus was of course on Santa Claus visiting but Christmas as I grew slightly older would be brought in by attending the Watchnight Service at church. This is the name for the Church of Scotland's Christmas Eve service. It would consist of the minister celebrating the teachings and the joys of Christmas and a number of Christmas carols being sung. Hot drinks and mince pies would be served in the church hall afterwards. Christmas morning would be about exchanging presents and Christmas dinner would be served after the Queen's speech at 3pm.
   
   As my family fragmented for the usual number of different reasons I used to spend Christmas Day in the pub until I fell in love (with an atheist) and the commercial side of Christmas was all that she would celebrate. That was a further new experience.
   
   These past few years, I make sure I have plenty work to keep me going through the whole period and ensure only that my dog gets something special for his dinner. I prefer it that way at this stage of my life.
   
   No doubt, times will change again - wonder what I'm in for next...???
   
   Great post. Merry Christmas to one and all.

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      simonsezposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for your reply Gordon - I do hope you have a Merry Christmas and find something very special to celebrate!

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   Joy56posted 12 years ago

   good that the cats and dogs play an important part in holiday season......

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      simonsezposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      How are the dogs and cats in your life important to your holidays?

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         Joy56posted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I have no dogs and cats at the moment actually, lots of hubbers where mentioning there pets.......

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   Joy56posted 12 years ago

   what is everyone else up to

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    icountthetimesposted 12 years ago

    We celebrate with family and trends. Our tree is up already and I have just about bought all of the presents too, so there's no stress in that department.

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    2uesdayposted 12 years ago

    I will cook a special dinner for the family and keeping busy so as not to think too deeply about other past Christmas times, that have sad memories attached to them. Boxing day (here that is the day after Christmas day) I will go for a long walk and take photos of the sea or countryside.

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       simonsezposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Keep looking ahead 2uesday... Thanks for your reply, and hope you have a great Christmas to remember this year!

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          2uesdayposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Thank you I will, although it is difficult to remember those who are no longer with us, keeping busy and making the day good helps.

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    Joy56posted 12 years ago

    last year was sad for me too.  I was looking after my dad, and he died in the new year.  I am hoping i can but all sad, and bad things to bed now, and have a brilliant 2012

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    rob_allenposted 12 years ago

    I dont celebrate christmas anymore. I think xmas here in the Philippines is more like a kid-friendly holiday. I guess i will just spend time with my family and friends, have hearty meal together.

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