. There was a time when we would walk to the Cathedral for midnight mass, but as we got older, staying up that late seemed daft, so now we go to bed instead.
That’s so true, but In Ireland they have a very Irish solution, with midnight mass service at around 9pm.
Much more user friendly
2 Likes
I’m told by customers, I do a few shifts delivery driving for a well known retailer, that Becks is the only Beer/Lager that actually tastes convincing. But I cannot confirm that personally.
Becks Blue is indeed the best AF lager. It’s pretty much all my wife drinks other than bubbles at the weekend.
The craft AFs from Brewdog and Big Drop are also pretty good. I even quite enjoy the stout from Big Drop.
I referred to that practice in my post! Which happens not only in Ireland. It may be “user friendly”, but it is not midnight mass! I think the fact of the mass being at midnight, the start of Christmas Day, is significant, and the effort of going to it surely is part of it, or it was when I used to go.
Mind you, I think the number of times in a year that I’ve been to bed before midnight could be counted on the fingers of one hand - only happens when I need to get up very early, and Christmas Eve is a family evening when going to bed early doesn’t feature!
Christmas , not thinking about that for at least another 4 weeks. No mince pies before 1st Dec. Enjoying the mild weather and we’ve got a week in the sun in Lanzarotte first.
Now where did I put my trunks I’ve not worn for a few years. Also will they still fit!!!
1 Like
Midnight mass was a childhood ritual; not so now. Food is important as is wine, and the Christmas pint.
Music is traditional but thanks to Roon I’ll give Jethro Tull’s Christmas album a spin. Also from my childhood Sibelius will feature prominently.
I avoid family, and having no children, it’s a blessing. My brother has already started to cajole me to go round to his for drinks / meal. As yet Ms Camp has not decided in which order to visit her family; so may be on my own. In the past, I always went skiing the week before Christmas thus avoiding the crowds but supping on the mountain atmosphere.
1 Like
People rarely understand you can be quite happy with your own company…
All I want is my company with Mrs Houdini snuggled on my knee
7 Likes
For my part I can certainly be happy and content with just my own company, though I have the good fortune to have a very happy marriage, resulting in much time spent together as we enjoy each other’s company (but my music listening is not shared time!). However I also enjoy spending quality time with family, both immediate and wider, and raising the subject of family at Christmas was because to me that is what Christmas is about, not being a religious person.
2 Likes
I am a complete sucker for traditions and the memories they evoke. Musical ones include the (original!) wonderful recording of ‘I Believe in Father Christmas’ by Greg Lake but in recent years I complete overdo a Christmas themed album:
Featuring Tom Smith (Editors) and Andy Burrows (Razorlight). Really atmospheric with standout tracks, ‘When The Thames Froze’ and ‘This Ain’t New Jersey’. Treat yourself this year by searching this out!
2 Likes
You are so right about that Greg Lake Christmas single. Does anyone know if it is tacked onto some Emerson Lake and Palmer LP that I can buy?
Other good Christmas singles are available from John and Yoko (whose Merry Christmas (War Is Over) is my own favourite Xmas song), Mariah Carey (with a great video of her running around in snow with friends, and Slade’s Christmas song has an unforgettably good riff, although Dave Hill’s silver suit with bell bottoms was, and remains, ghastly.
I have probably forgotten a few other good ones. I won’t list the turkeys.
Some years ago I bought Now that’s what I call Christmas triple CD - it has quite a few decent “Christmas” songs covering several decades, including what are probably the most obvious ones, several mentioned in this thread. (It also had some awful ones that I deleted when I ripped it.) and I have a CD of traditional Christmas carols. On Christmas eve afternoon during food preparation etc I often put them on, door of music room open and playing loud enough to be audible throughout the house. That is the only tome they ever get played.
Good idea.
Will treat myself to one of these this year.
The difficulty every year is that I love to have a large glass of red wine with turkey, stuffing, roast spuds, sprouts, 
, parsnip, cranberry sauce, horseradish, peas, etc.
Game of chess after lunch.
But after wine I’m no longer a patient parent.
So the day goes better if I can hold off until sundown.
Christmas celebrations vary depending on who’s family we are with. A couple of traditions in the making for our little family though (just the three of us):
- we take a trip up to Peter Jones in the run up to Christmas every year and each get to choose a new decoration for the tree
- we have mulled wine (non-alcoholic for the little one) and listen to Christmas tunes while decorating the tree
- our daughter always gets Christmas pyjamas on Christmas Eve so she can wake up all Christmassy on Christmas morning
3 Likes
After Christmas dinner I always listen to a mixtape which I recorded on 25th December 1982. It was of Film Soundtracks. Whilst recording it I recall my father (God bless Him) bringing me a glass of whisky (still lived at home) which I enjoyed with a king Edward cigar. Now I have a wee dram whilst vaping.
Where have the years gone?
2 Likes
Excellent! Do you suppose that some bold manufacturer makes Christmas pyjamas for gentlemen of advancing years?
I’m sure they do. I live in fear of being gifted some!
1 Like
Beat me to. God forbid my wife and I join in the Christmas pyjamas tradition!
1 Like
Or indeed the awful Christmas jumper or tie.
Socks can at least be mostly hidden (apart from the Show Us Your System thread! 
)
I presume pyjamas in a Christmas theme are actually worn all year?
Regardless, if anyone gifted pyjamas to me, of any type, or to my wife, it would be an insult. The only time either of us wear any is if admitted to hospital, fortunately rare, for which a several-decade old pair is still in nearly new condition.
1 Like