Our Christmas Eve Traditions in N Ireland

Since we were married (20 years ago – eeek!) we have accumulated number of Christmas traditions, with quite a few specifically for Christmas Eve.

My favourite thing about Christmas Eve is NOT GOING OUT to the shops! If it ain’t bought by now, it isn’t going to be!

I love staying home on Christmas Eve, and on the to-do list today was

• wrap presents

• search out the well hidden presents and wrap them too!

• make my stuffing (very plain but very tasty – butter, onions, breadcrumbs, parsley and a wee bit of lemon zest – that’s all!)

• prepare the veg for tomorrow (this year sprouts, carrots and parsnips)

• pre-cook the cocktail sausages

• set the dining room table (although I have a great helper with that now). Each year we plan a different way to indicate who sits where – this year we have tied gift cards to the crackers with the names on them

• make a dessert for those non-christmas-pudding-eaters among us (pavlova this year)

• set out a “snack” for Santa and his reindeer. This year our son got a bit over enthusiastic with his snack feast – mince pie, peppermint bark, glass of wine, slice of chocolate cheesecake, and for Rudolf a cherry tomato (like his nose) and a carrot and parsnip for the other reindeer. This may be the year that Santa DOES get stuck up the chimney!!!

By 6 o’clock all should be done, and after dinner we wrap up for our next Christmas tradition – a walk around the neighbour hood to see the Christmas lights.

On our return our son sprinkles some “reindeer food” (porridge oats and glitter) around the garden to ensure Santa knows the way!

It is then time for new PJ’s, light the fire, sing some carolsand light the Christmas pyramid again.

We read some Christmas stories – “The Three Trees” and “Twas the Night before Christmas” are the usual choice.

This year we had some piano and guitar assistance with the singing!

By the time that is all done, our youngest family member is keen to get to bed.

My daughters and I are now watching some Christmas telly, and my husband is at Christmas Eve Communion at our church (his tradition – I get to go to the candle lit Carol Service instead ….. someday we will both be able to go together to both again!)

So that’s about it …… our traditional Christmas Eve…… how does it compare to yours? I would love you to share.

Wherever you are I wish you a Happy Christmas and Peaceful 2013.

Thank you for making my blog somewhere you visit (in increasing numbers!).  I continue to be amazed by the friends and connections I have made through blogging, and the opportunities this blog has brought me.