which do you prefer.. the run up to xmas day or the actual day itself?

[thisiswhataluv]

i really love the run up to xmas from around 18th december to xmas eve, dont get me wrong i love the actual day itself but i just love the atmosphere of the run up... everyone is so festive and jolly...
i love wandering round the shops child free and seeing everyone rushing to get last minute presents...knowing i have all mine in and all wrapped up

I like Boxing Day best.

Oh definitely the run up.

For me, the run up's the best, for summer holidays, when a stew is bubbling, a big night out, sex.

Both.

I enjoy the run up, doing things with dc.

Christmas day we are very relaxed get up when we feel like, open present as and when. Eat when we feel like, mainly do what we feel like and relax.

Not so keen on boxing day when we have to go to the in-laws. Which is far more formal.

Oh the run up, definitely.

We have a big party the weekend before, but my favourite day is Christmas Eve. DH is not working this Christmas Eve for the first time since we've had DC.

All of it.

The excitement of the week leading up to Xmas - and I thrive on small amounts of stress.

The day itself - fantastic - even after little or no sleep

Boxing Day (and this year Monday and Tuesday), I do very little but eat, drink, play and chat because I have done everything up to then.

The run up, me too, DH is off Christmas Eve. Think we'll go out for a yummy meal then back to the ranch for traditional pyjamas and annuals pressies. Can't wait!!!
I do love the day itself.....

Actual day. Bliss.

The run up and part of the day.

I love the run up as it tends to be full of people coming to drop presents, going over to people to drop presents, work and friend xmas get togethers...

I like the first part of Christmas day - until about 5pm, when everyone has pretty much had enough of each other and is in the 'need to keep drinking' or 'sober up quick' state

Run up for me.. it is all about the preparation and anticipation! also the school concerts, shopping, going to see Father Christmas, christmas parties! ooh and posting on the mumsnet christmas threads of course!

The whole lot!

Actually I like the days afterwards a lot. There is no preparation for anything to do, everywhere is generally quiet, the house is all beautifully decorated and lovely, you have lots of yummy food.
It can be the most lovely couple of days, all still and calm - but not boring because you have new toys things, books, etc to keep you occupied.

i love the preperation of it all... the xmas shopping,present chosin,seeing santa,school plays, xmas films at cinema, buying tins of choccys