Thanks to Mumsnet, I am enjoying thinking about our Christmas plans although what we do doesn't tend to change too much year on year. I love threads like these.
On the first weekend of December, DH, me and our two Children will take the train to a Christmas Market and spend the day pottering, eating and people-watching followed by a night in a nice hotel. My children love York which is about an hour's train ride from us, but I'm also considering Chester or Bath this year.
We visit a local forest to collect our Christmas tree during the second weekend of December. Covid meant this was cancelled last year, but usually, there's a simple grotto, food stalls and a lovely festive atmosphere. Once home, we'll spend a mad few hours decorating the house and trees. We live in a large victorian terrace and it's a pleasure to decorate.
Once the Christmas holidays arrive, DH and I will take our annual break to Edinburgh to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We'll be away for two nights and treat ourselves to a meal at The Witchery and Ship on the Shore each year.
We will take our eldest child to see Kate Rusby sing her Christmas Album at a local music venue. We usually attend a Carol concert too although our 3 year old is testing at the moment and I don't know whether he'd sit through it.
Pantomime at our city's theatre and an NT property visit on the 23rd.
Our Christmas Eve plans never change - each year we walk to our local fish Quay to purchase a sea-food platter to eat with baked camembert and home-made bread that evening whilst watching Carol's From Kings. The children have a 'bath bomb' bath, hot chocolate and leave reindeer food in the garden. Once both in bed, DH and I open champagne and then attempt to move presents from the top floor to the ground floor to place under the tree.
Christmas day involves me getting up early to light candles everywhere and to turn on all Christmas lights. We have a drink in bed before all going downstairs to watch the children open their presents. DH then makes breakfast including bagles, salmon and scrambled egg.
Family begin to arrive from 11. We cook a large goose or a duck depending on whose coming but this year we'll be hosting around 17 for lunch to make up for a quieter day last year. A further 5 join us for a picky buffet tea. The day involves a lot of music (piano playing, guitars and a harmonica will certainly make an appearance) and Carol singing, amazing food and quality family time together.
Boxing day usually involves hosting another family meal - Gammon, celeriac, honeyed carrots, fried sprouts, roast potatoes. Usually for 10-12 of us.
Decorations taken down for New Year. I'd like to go away to Scotland for New Year this year. Possibly a lodge in the Highlands.
Absolutely can't wait.