Christmas is a time for traditions whether cultural or personal. However, traditions change due to different circumstances but new ones can also take their place.
Old Traditions
Christmas Eve Christingle
Every year when I was a child, my Nan and Great Aunt would take me to the local church for the Christmas Eve Christingle service. I loved the singing, getting the Christingle and seeing the nativity scene set out at the front of the church. I haven't been since my Nan fell ill about 15 years ago and both she and my Great Aunt have passed away. This year, I'd like to go as a memorial to them both, even though I'm not religious but I feel it would be a nice way to remember them both.
Monkey on top of the tree
When decorating the tree, it was always completed by putting a toy monkey on the top in place of an angel or star. While other trees in the house have a star, I've always loved the fact there's something different and quirky on the main tree.
Red Cabbage
Every year, my Great Aunt would make braised red cabbage. Since she's passed away, the recipe has been passed onto us. While I'm not a big fan of the dish, it is a staple of our Christmas dinner and I make sure to have a spoonful in her memory.
New Traditions
Christmas Decorations
Earlier this year, I went to America. While it was only September, there were already shops selling Christmas decorations. So in San Francisco, I bought a Cable Car bauble to hang on the tree. A month later, I went to Toronto and found a maple leaf decoration which is also hanging on the tree. I want to start collecting something for the tree (even if it's not an 'official' tree decoration) each time I travel somewhere.
Junior Choice
A couple of years ago, my Mum wanted to listen to the radio 2 programme Junior Choice on Christmas Day; I was less than enthused- surely Christmas Day is for listening to Michael Buble, Band Aid and Wham?! However, the programme was sweet and played old classics; some I knew and others I didn't, but it was a great thing to listen to while peeling the veg. So I will be tuning in again at 10am on Radio 2.
I hope over the years to keep the old traditions aflame, while gaining new ones each festive season.
Happy Christmas!
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