General Chat

Every Christmas Eve I read the little booklet version of "A Child's Christmas in Wales” Dylan Thomas given to me by my mum 30 odd years ago :-)

We have lots of traditions, so imbedded in our lives that we forget they are family traditions. I have a small candle in the shape of a choir boy that my MUm always had on display at Christmas and every year he comes out.

We have had a well dressed and pretty fairy on the top of our tree for about 25 years now, but also just below her on the tree is a very small fairy, a bit scruffily dressed now who has been on our Christmas trees for 59 years.

Every year a bauble is hung on our tree, on it is written To grandpa from*****, *****, and ***** given to my Dad from son, his wife and son in about 2000.

At tea time on Christmas day my Mum innitiated the custom of giving a small inexpensive extra present that was on the tree, we and our children/grandchildren continue to do that.

At Christmas, because she and my sister didn't like fruit cake my Mum used to make both a decorated Christmas fruit cake and a decorated walnut cake. We always have a walnut cake.

I have not heard of that booklet Rose it sounds sweet.

Ann, we also have “tree” presents, often inexpensive novelty gifts. They have the recipient’s name but not the giver. They are just all from Santa. We have curbed it slightly as it started to get a bit silly. I would buy a load, so would my brother and my daughter, and mil when she was alive and we would end up inundated.

My personal tradition is to listen to the radio broadcast of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from Kings, Cambridge. It’s usually on around 3 pm on Christmas Eve and that’s when Christmas really starts for me.

Ann it's this one :-)

https://www.abebooks.co.uk/first-edition/CHILDS-CHRISTMAS-WALES-Dylan-Thomas-J.M/1039861069/bd

It's a lovely one, Rose.

My own children and grandchildren also liked The year they stopped Christmas' by Harriet Graham. A bit of English history in it - set in the time of Puritans and Royalists.

Mr Owl and I are just starting out but this year was my parents ruby wedding. On their first date in 1978 my dad bought my mum a little 3 inch bright red mouse called Charlie. To this day Charlie goes on the tree under the star.

Years ago, my friend gave me a frosted glass tea light holder which depicts a winter scene. It is the shape and size of a large teacup.
Each Christmas day, I take it to wherever we are having our shared Christmas dinner and we light it in memory of those who have shared the meal in the past, but are no longer with us.

Thanks Rose

Not sure if you'd count this but even though my kids aren't kids any more there'll still be a stocking for each of them with an orange, some nuts a chocolate bar and some coins (chocolate ones these days)....just like I used to get as a child.

Mum made most of our jam and marmalade, when I was growing up, but at Christmas we always had a jar of Roses lime marmalade. I took some to my sister, when I visited in November, because we both carry on this custom.

Sugar mice and chocolate decorations or candy sticks ,always on the tree and I still hang some , along with bygone glass baubles,which are faded with time but on they go..one I got from primary school the others I grew up with....

Christmas morning 11am we toast absent friends and those we've lost in the last year.

Too many lost this year including a dear child whose life was just beginning.

Tradition started by my father's fishing/mariner family. Many if whom would be at sea over Christmas. So they toasted on the boats while the family did at home.

My Dad toasted the family during WW2 from Italy and Africa, after working out the time difference.

I'm not here often these days but happy Christmas to all who remember me.

We have a small tree in our hallway full of our memories both happy and sad. Decorations that the kids and Grandchildren have made us, small pictures of our loved ones who have passed and also a few little sentimental trinkets of theirs.We put this up every christmas <3

Lovely to see you Gwynne and extend wishes to you and yours,

and some tartan, it just wouldn't be the same without a bow of ribbon,

Happy Christmas Gwynne xx

Gwyn, "Roses Lime marmalade" brought a smile, it was my mumn's favourite at Christmas, that and a box of dates, and (pre-veggie days) a tin of 'Olde Oak' ham.

One tradition with son that looks likely to continue is using the advent calendar I made him when he was 2, it's lasting well as he's 24 now and says " Never too old for an advent calendar and Christmas stocking!" :-D

Thankyou all for adding and a very peaceful and happy Christmas to you all xx

My personal nod to my grandparents is on Christmas morning when I use a fine white bone china teacup and saucer for my morning coffee.

I have two from the set used by my Gran every day. I remember using them more than seventy years ago when I was a little girl.

I only use them for that morning and it always brings back wonderful memories.

<3 :-D <3

Sugar mice that takes me back.

Hope you all have a very merry Christmas wherever you may be.

How could we forget you Gwynn. Have a great Christmas

Thanks, all.

Still see many of you on facebook and GF.

Haven't had a new contact on GR for over a year now but still renew, just in case.