What does Christmas mean to you?
Father Christmas – do I believe in Santa, you bet I do! Don’t you? We have a tradition in our house where, if you’ve been good, Santa leaves you an early Christmas present, under your pillow, on Christmas Eve. He’s not forgotten me in 6o years. With the latest technology we can easily track Santa as he begins his present giving journey on Christmas Eve. According to his flight plan for December 24th he is due to leave the North Pole at 6.00am heading West, due over Europe about 2.00pm.
Presents – we do go a bit mad when it comes to buying Christmas presents. If you look on the netmums website you will see it varies quite a bit. Some parents are spending a staggering £200, £300 even £400 per child. I wonder if children nowadays maybe get too many presents? You will certainly see many parents chasing around at the last moment trying to track down that ‘most popular’ toy this year. It just shows that slick marketing aimed at young children works. I always find that, whatever toy you buy a young child, always put it in a big box. I bet that by Christmas afternoon they are having more fun with the empty box than the toy that was inside it!
Family – have you noticed how people always say that Christmas is a time for families. True, up to a point. How many of you have dreaded Christmas Day or Boxing Day because it’s ‘your turn’ to have the relatives over? Those aunts and uncles you haven’t seen all year, or your brother or sister and their badly behaved kids. Then, of course, you’ve got to invite the in-laws, even though you don’t like them and they hate you. But you will smile, wear silly hats, exchange gifts that will probably end up as a tombola prize in some Church Fete before long and drink too much wine. If you are really lucky the day will end without too many tears, but you are not hopeful. In the mean time you pray that the snow will get worse and they wont be able to come.
Food – it’s that time of the year when we all eat the same thing. Turkey, roast potatoes and sprouts on Christmas Day, whether you like them or not. Why do we buy such big turkeys? We know that we will be trying to think of different ways of serving it for days to come. If Christmas pudding is so great why do we only eat it once a year? As a child I used to get excited about Christmas pudding – not because I liked it, but because my mum used to put sixpenny bits in it. We will spend far too much on food this Christmas, waste a lot and eat more than is good for us. At least we have the New Year in sight when we can make that annual resolution to lose weight.
Nativity – how many of us will have the time to go to a Christingle Service or Nativity Play this Christmas? It will be difficult – so much to do, buying the last of the Christmas presents, getting in some extra food and drink, making sure all the presents are wrapped, last-minute additions to the decorations, checking that the outside lights are better than his down the road. I mean that’s what Christmas is all about – isn’t it?
Random Thoughts 
Yes you would think so, Mike, that’s what Christmas should be all about.., going to Church, singing Carols…but how many promise themselves then don’t bother…I hold my hand up…I do try, every year, but end up swamped by preparations… (I know, any excuse, but that’s what I tell myself)…
I followed the link for tracking Santa, and I didn’t realise Rudolph’s red nose was an infra red light beacon , no wonder he’s at the front!!
As to Turkeys, I’ve decided to have Chicken instead, (I know…spoil sport) but I dislike turkey meat, seems too dry to me…. and I’ve dropped the Christmas Pudding.. ( not literally just off my list!! ) but sprouts, and parsnips and small sausages wrapped in bacon, and stuffing…and I feel bloated already… 😉
have a GreaT ChristmaS, I hope Santa brings you just what you wanted. and a Happy New Year to you and yours… xPenx
Thanks for dropping by Pen. All this talk of food is making me hungry!
I hope that you have a lovely Christmas.
Thanks for dropping by Mike, and yes, I never knew the humble Marrow was so versatile… Rum for goodness sake?… couldn’t believe it when I found that link!!…
I hope you and yours had a good Christmas, and Santa brought you all you wished … (not me though! JD wouldn’t get in the sack!! 😉 ) xx
Greetings again to you Mike! … May your world be filled with warmth and good cheer this Holiday Season and throughout the coming new year. Some people celebrate Christmas and some do not. Despite one’s own beliefs and traditions, I find that at this time of year, it’s almost as if ‘something or someone’ waves a magical wand over most of the world… and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. Cheers to you!
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Being a father and a grandpoppi, I do my part to make Christmas special to all those that matter to me. Through them and from their excitement, it doesn’t take me long to get into the spirit of things, especially with young people around.
After all is said and done, Christmas to me is about enjoying the company of friends and family over great conversation… catching up on times that we weren’t able to have throughout the year. It’s about being thankful for the great food, delicious baking and drinks of cheer. And it’s also time to forget all worries (even if it’s just for a day) and the harsh feelings that one may have against another… it’s about forgiving. It shouldn’t be about how much money can be spent and how quick you can open one present to get to the next. I believe the meaning of Christmas has been lost through out the years for some people.
Regardless of how some choose to celebrate this holiday, I wish everyone the very best that this season has to offer!
Hi Seth.
Thoroughly agree with your comments about Christmas – especially the part about being with family and friends. Our Christmas has been great this year, as it is every year & I think this is because we make sure that on that day we are surrounded by the people who mean the most to us.
I hope that your Christmas was special.