Obviously I'm unreasonable for saying the C word so early, but idc - anyone who doesn't want to chat Christmas can leave a snarky comment below for Krampus to enjoy and then hide the thread.
For everyone else, what are Christmas traditions that you enjoy, and are there any popular ones you don't do?
For us, we have some things which are non-negotiable. On the second weekend in December we go and choose our tree, then we decorate it while listening to Christmas music before watching a festive film with sherry and mince pies.
We have a fancy-but-easy Christmas Eve meal (because it's usually the only time it's just our immediate family at home). I make it in advance, usually a pie or similar, so it just needs defrosted and chucked in the oven on the day. We use the posh crockery set I inherited from my great uncle, and the whole room is candlelit.
We give the children a Christmas decoration each on Christmas Eve, usually related to a particular interest for the year. This year my son is getting a ballet slipper and my daughter is getting a rabbit.
We also do a full Christmas meal foodbank shop a couple of weeks before Christmas. I let my kids choose what fun treats to include (along with the necessities / what the foodbank has requested, which I check in advance).
In terms of things we don't do, we're die-hard Elf on the Shelf avoiders. I have ADHD and a million pets so I don't have the time or inclination to create an amusing daily scene for that creepy guy.
We also don't do Christmas Eve boxes or expensive advent calendars. I think my kids enjoy the chocolate calendars as much as anything, and they get enough presents as it is without the Christmas Eve box.
(I've seen people get and give a lot of joy from these things so absolutely no shade, they just aren't things we prioritise).
I want to hear yours!