When do you begin the Christmas season

I used to put my tree up for the 1st December, and decorate my porch with a smaller tree and little ornaments, while listening to a Carols from King's CD. I used to make mince pies and white chocolate and cranberry fudge.

However, 10 years working in retail has broken my Christmas spirit forever. I think we should have Christmas once every four years, like the world cup or Olympics ;)
 
stevewestern said:
Our tree goes up on the 24th when the girls are home (with a boyfriend this year) and it's a big family tradition. We also share out whatever cards have arrived and take it in turns to open one at a time and give each other a tree decoration every year.
Shopping for stocking presents (little trinkets etc) started Saturday as me and my wife have limited time to go shopping together and things like pyjamas (another annual tradition) can be hard to find.
Wife (a nurse) has worked either 25th or 26th most years so the actual big dinner thing can be done whenever but stockings (we still use the very same ones the girls first had, so 26 years old) always get laid across their feet after they go to bed and and replaced with full ones very early morning which are then brought down to our bedroom and they sit on the bed opening them. Presents are never big expensive things and cards to each other are usually homemade. Boyfriend came last year and had never had a 'proper' Christmas before and has already asked if he can join in again sitting on the bed as it was such a 'family thing'
I cook breakfast, we go for a walk then play games and open presents and these days the girls do dinner.
It's one of the best times here.
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That sounds so nice!
 
I'm an atheist and Mrs Fiend is Buddhist..... we don't celebrate Xmas in our home, but we do the Xmas dinner and stuff for my elderly mother.
 
We'll be getting everything down from the loft today, and starting the grand task of putting everything up (nice n slowly) :)
Got plenty of old Christmas music to play.

Our only rule is we can't start Christmas until after my wife's birthday, which was yesterday :ROFLMAO:
Bring it on...
 
When we had a similar discussion at work, many years ago, a colleague suggested putting them up on the 31st of June.
It took some people a while to get that! :tumbleweed:
 
It was my granddaughter’s birthday yesterday. It was the first time we talked about where we want to have Christmas Day with them. Theirs or ours a few minutes away
Nothing started officially though until the first. Shops, adverts and radios can do one :p
 
TheFiend said:
I'm an atheist and Mrs Fiend is Buddhist..... we don't celebrate Xmas in our home, but we do the Xmas dinner and stuff for my elderly mother.
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Richard Dawkins attends a Christmas service because he likes the carols.
 
andya700 said:
Christmas starts for me, whenever the mini stollen bites appear in Lidl. This year it was late October.
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I love them. What they have left after Christmas Day is sold off at 50p a box. I'll buy a box this side of Christmas, though, when we're in next. I'll check on Boxing Day.
 
andya700 said:
Christmas starts for me, whenever the mini stollen bites appear in Lidl. This year it was late October.
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They freeze very well and last until you run out! Had the last of last year's a couple of weeks ago.
 
Sat here typing this in my Christmas jumper, having had a thoroughly lovely Christmas dinner. So the Christmas season has definitely started for me.
 
andya700 said:
I am very much an agnostic(brought up as RC), but love a good carol service (used to be a chorister when very young).
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You'll be well aware of my position on organised religion, Andy, but many of my favourite pieces of music are religious. The Requiems by Mozart and Brahms..Brahms requiem is called ..'Ein Deutsches Requiem.'...a German Requiem . I spent years trying to decide which was my favourite until someone suggested I don't try and just enjoy both. Good advice, which I took. The Requiem by Faure is another and 'Panis Angelicas'..a wonderful choral piece by Poulenc. The hymn..'Dear Lord and Father of Mankind'..is another favourite. I'm not too keen on most carols but only with regard to the melody. 'Silent Night,Holy Night' is a lovely melody . A 19th century German composition. Also, 'O Holy Night' is a wonderful composition. It's just those two I really enjoy hearing. Then there's the magnificent 'Hallelujah Chorus' from Handel's 'Messiah'. I've recently being listening to 'Laudata Dominum' by Mozart. Also, 'Cantique ( hymn/prayer) de Jean Racine' by Faure. A prayer for divine guidance and mercy. My iPad doesn't want to write ..accents/acutes..over 'e's. ..re Faure. He wrote it at 19 years of age for a school competition and won. He was taught by the composer Saint-Saens. I could go on for a long time re my favourite 'religious' pieces.

I couldn't attend a carol service because of what's said in-between carols. Putting aside the ethical issues of the vast amounts of money spent on cathedrals and churches when all around endured poverty we would struggle to comprehend, there are many magnificent buildings to see, especially in Europe which are, in the main Catholic. My favourite periods in architecture and music are Gothic and Baroque. 17-18th century.

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For many years l used to comment on how silly it was for someone on our street to put their Christmas tree up in the middle of November. After l found out it was because their daughter had cancer and they were told she wouldn't make it to Christmas so they brought Christmas forward for her. I then realised what a stupid selfish prick l was.
 
beyond the blue said:
For many years l used to comment on how silly it was for someone on our street to put their Christmas tree up in the middle of November. After l found out it was because their daughter had cancer and they were told she wouldn't make it to Christmas so they brought Christmas forward for her. I then realised what a stupid selfish prick l was.
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How were you to know that ? You're being a bit hard on yourself tbh.
 
beyond the blue said:
For many years l used to comment on how silly it was for someone on our street to put their Christmas tree up in the middle of November. After l found out it was because their daughter had cancer and they were told she wouldn't make it to Christmas so they brought Christmas forward for her. I then realised what a stupid selfish prick l was.
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I really appreciate your comment of self-awareness, and wish others could come to such a position too.
 
ancient_mariner said:
I really appreciate your comment of self-awareness, and wish others could come to such a position too.
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That's a strange comment to make.

First off, he just thought what anyone ..any reasonable person,at least, would think who wasn't aware of the circumstances. Look at all the comments on here about the shops that put up decorations weeks ago and the people who already have lights/tinsel and whatever else in the windows of their homes.Christmas decorations were going up in the Madeira hotel we were in on Monday and were popping up all over close by ,too and in Funchal. Each year, people moan about how early Christmas paraphernalia goes up along with a sales drive.

Secondly, Neil, having discovered the reason why the family in that house had a Christmas tree etc up in the middle of November, felt, as I say, what most reasonable people would feel who criticised it and subsequently found out why...ie...somewhat remorseful or guilty .My terms. If he'd just said that I could understand it but what he felt was extreme.He has no reason to 'beat himself up' which is basically what he's done. What can be said is.." hindsight is a wonderful thing". It would be different if he had negative feelings about something he had knlowledge of and some time later came to a realisation that he had been wrong but that's not the case here.

Also, the way you've put it is as if such feelings were the exception rather than the rule, which I believe to be the case. It's nothing to do with self-awareness which is, "understanding" your feelings and actions .It's not what Neil was experiencing.
 
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Skyline said:
I had just got in the shower this morning. After 30 seconds it started, the song,…


It's Christmas time, there's no need to be afraid
At Christmas time, we let in light and we banish shade
And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world at Christmas time…

My wife found it funny I was shouting at the radio to F off. It’s only the 16th of November. I know they have been adding things to the shops slowly, but now there no getting away from it.
I’m not a great Christmas lover, nor do I hate it. It a nice time to see family.

After I got out the shower and deleted that radio station until December at least.
When do people really start. When do you get in the holiday cheers, start putting the tree up and decorations?

I have always believed Christmas should not be mentioned until December the 1st and after January the 1st. Anytime before or after this is psychopathic behaviour. (Joke).
I know that people do take their decorations down on the 5th for the 12th night, but not sure if there is a start day as such.

So, when do you get in the Christmas joy/grump of things?
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On the 26th December!!
 
JohnC6 said:
Also, the way you've put it is as if such feelings were the exception rather than the rule, which I believe to be the case. It's nothing to do with self-awareness which is, "understanding" your feelings and actions .It's not what Neil was experiencing.
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Self awareness in this case was recognising ones feelings were self-centred and mean, rather than generous and offering space for others preferences. I wish that others would be willing to allow others to live in their preferred way, rather than taking pleasure when those people were unable to do the things that bring them pleasure, even when we don't enjoy them ourselves.
 
Well i flew into GC for my Xmas month at the house, sunbeds are out and the BBQ is being delivered tomorrow (gas not coal)


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beyond the blue said:
For many years l used to comment on how silly it was for someone on our street to put their Christmas tree up in the middle of November. After l found out it was because their daughter had cancer and they were told she wouldn't make it to Christmas so they brought Christmas forward for her. I then realised what a stupid selfish prick l was.
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We are in this exact predicament, our Emily was diagnosed [at 17, now just turned 18] with stage 4 small cell ovarian in May, it's been a rough ride - she's so looking forward to Christmas and we're gonna do our best to get her there! Our lights, tree and all the jazz went up late November. I don't care what anyone else thinks, normally I'm stubborn on the 2nd week of Dec ... but things change ...

Her favourite time of the year is Christmas so we're trying to make it special
 
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ancient_mariner said:
Self awareness in this case was recognising ones feelings were self-centred and mean, rather than generous and offering space for others preferences. I wish that others would be willing to allow others to live in their preferred way, rather than taking pleasure when those people were unable to do the things that bring them pleasure, even when we don't enjoy them ourselves.
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They weren't feelings he had..it was an opinion and one that most people would hold,too. Christmas decorations up in the middle of November ? Self-centred and mean ? You talk about preferences ,wishing that people would allow others to live their preferred way of life.. You don't need me to tell you that it wasn't a preference that the parents had it was, very sadly, a necessity in the most tragic of circumstances.

Having read your explanation, I actually think you've used it to voice an opinion regarding a wider issue you have with people who disagree with how others conduct their lives and the reason I say that is what immediately struck about your reply to that post...ie... "I really appreciate..etc..It was really about you..you're opinion about the matter of..well..to sum it up..'Live and let live".I think you'd have been better waiting for a more appropriate circumstance to voice that opinion which certainly has merit depending on what lifestyle is being criticised and,for me, crucially, does it involve children as with, for example, imposed religion. When I say 'more appropriate', I say so in the context of what Neil's post was actually about but you were talking about criticism of how others live... quote.."rather than taking pleasure when those people were unable to do the things that bring them pleasure"


As I say, I just think you were so focused on getting your opinion across on something that clearly resonates with you, for whatever reason, and lost sight of what prompted Neil to think what he did about his near neighbours. I still say that anyone in his position would probably just feel a bit guilty rather think of themselves as..quote.. "a stupid selfish prick". I was actually taken aback by that. What could be taken from it is, "don't judge a book by its cover'. ie.., things aren't always what they appear to be.
 
andya700 said:
Christmas starts for me, whenever the mini stollen bites appear in Lidl. This year it was late October.
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We've now got a bag..from Lidl. They go quickly so I picked them up now. I pondered whether to buy two bags,even three but we'll have christmas cake and pudding. If Richard Dawkins can go to carol services because he likes the songs, I can eat traditional Christmas food :D These stollen bites are addictive..Lol. I've always loved marzipan,though.

It was someone on here two or three years ago, I think, who, after I'd mentioned my love of stollen cake and asked who sold the best ones, recommended short stollen 'logs' from Lidl . I don't think they do those short 'logs' anymore and have gone to the bite sizes. We'll go again to Lidl soon and maybe I'll just treat myself to another bag...well, it's just for Christmas after all. I could start on them Christmas Eve. We get the oblong Christmas cake in M&S and their pudding, too, along with brandy sauce and Madagascar vanilla custard.

As the the Stollen Bites have been mentioned by one or two on here I wondered if we should form a Stollen Bite Association ?

Association of Stollen Bite Aficionados ? :D
 
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Trying to resist them this year - not good for blood sugar levels!

As I've said before, they freeze very well.

The food and drink aspects of this time of year go back way before it was hijacked by commercialmas so feel free to tuck in as an atheist/agnostic!!!
 
Nod said:
Trying to resist them this year - not good for blood sugar levels!

As I've said before, they freeze very well.

The food and drink aspects of this time of year go back way before it was hijacked by commercialmas so feel free to tuck in as an atheist/agnostic!!!
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I rather wish you hadn't said that they freeze well but thanks.That's great. 10 bags ? ..:D
 
for me its light switch on in city centre me and the wife have been to everyone for last 10 years, however Christmas songs / trees up should be in December 1st earliest not October/November. lad at work blasts them out as soon as heart xmas comes on which I think is October normally.
 
Just brought the decorations down from the loft. Mainly because I’m having a new loft ladder fitted on Tuesday :)
 
JohnC6 said:
As I say, I just think you were so focused on getting your opinion across on something that clearly resonates with you,
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Had you not asked the question I would have kept my opinion to myself.
 
ancient_mariner said:
Had you not asked the question I would have kept my opinion to myself.
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I'm sorry to persist,Toni ..I shouldn't be but I am. You will be well aware I don't easily let things go if I feel there's a loose end.

I'm not aware of asking any questions. The actual issue here is your interpretation of self-awareness which you credited Neil with. That's what I was questioning. In your reply you went on to talk about your libertarian stance..ie live and let live which for me, considering the situation, made it worse for the reasons I set out. I've looked back at my post re self-awareness and I just said that it's ..."understanding" your feelings and actions. I need to make that more detailed and you'll see why I questioned it and did not agree with you that that was what Neil was experiencing.

My understanding of self-awareness is when someone is aware of why they are reacting to a particular situation in a particular way. It could be something in their past that causes a particular reaction when confronted by particular situations,it could just be their disposition..but... they are aware of it. You know what Neil said about himself so I won't repeat it. He just felt badly as anyone would.

Maybe this explanation will clear it up. I hope so.
 
Nikon photographer said:
When I'm told by the other half, apparently we've got to get the tree this week
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Same, with the only difference being that I'm that other half and I'm usually saying this around mid-December. Thinking about it right now still feels kinda early but I've already started gathering some photos of city decorations for my smartshow 3d slideshows that I'll be sending out.

I've always hated how decorations tend to go up in November and shelves start filling up with all these christmas trinkets while it's still Halloween. So it's always mid-December for me when I actually start preparing and decorating.
 
The tree went up last Friday, the outside lights went up yesterday.
Some of our neighbours had lights up mid November but they do have young children. Most of the neighbours put theirs up the last weekend in November.
 
Suvv said:
The tree went up last Friday, the outside lights went up yesterday.
Some of our neighbours had lights up mid November but they do have young children. Most of the neighbours put theirs up the last weekend in November.
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My wife keeps asking when can we put up the tree. She loves having the tree lit up. We have three sets of lights and lots of 'things' to hang on it. She's built up a couple of boxes full of them over the years. I acknowledge that it warms up the living room. Something needs to as I keep the CH off as much as possible. .lol. I've suggested the 20th/21st I don't think that went down too well so I'll have to see how long I can put it off.

Things is, it's not really that I don't want the tree. It does look attractive and, as I say, gives the living room a feeling of warmth . It's 7' tall (plastic/reusable) and we got it for £20 three years ago in January at the local Dunelm store. They were having a clear out after Christmas. Before, it was £168 which makes me feel great as I put it up :D. The reason I delay and delay is that I don't want to be looking at it for two weeks waiting and waiting for the 25th. I prefer putting it up with about three days to go. It comes down on the 1st/2nd of January and back up into the attic. What really happens each year about the 20th is my wife goes a bit quiet, a bit down, so I push it as far as I can and when she goes out, maybe to the supermarket, I rush up into the attic, get the tree downstairs, put it up, undo the ravel the light cables are inevitably in,..put the short line of lights through a green oblong 'pine 'thing' on the fireplace mantlepiece (fake fire/coals but electric) and when she comes home her face lights up and all's well again..lol. I leave the decorations/lights for the tree to her as she does an excellent job with them. We don't have any lights outside nor around the bay window. A near neighbour does and they look quite nice tbh. but don't tell anyone I said that :)
 
This morning, our next door neighbour came round with a Christmas present for us which she insists we have. We've looked after her since her husband died in July 2023, at only 64. I look after her back garden,wash her car and keep the front clear of weeds and often put out her bins. My wife gives her meals and one most Sundays and homemade soup in the week when we have it. It's made a real difference and she's made a social life for herself, gets visitors and looks much better .We don't want anything but you, sometimes, have to let people do it if they want to. I won't accept money.. she offered me that at first so I said a box of my favourite chocs..Lindt.. would be most welcome now and then and That's what she does. .It's quite funny. Every now and then she'll ask.."are you alright for chocolates ?" Lol.

We're going to have a job getting through all these .

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We've still got some Lindors left over from last commercialmas! Bought a LOT at super knockdown prices just after the day and have just one each every evening. The other things would vanish in a sitting (between us!) per item. Oddly, I'm not so keen on Lindt filled chocolates - but could pick my way carefully through them!!!
 
Nod said:
Trying to resist them this year - not good for blood sugar levels!

As I've said before, they freeze very well.

The food and drink aspects of this time of year go back way before it was hijacked by commercialmas so feel free to tuck in as an atheist/agnostic!!!
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Yes..that's true..no good for blood sugar/glucose levels . It's a good job they aren't sold year-round.


Utter shock !! Went to Lidl today and they've sold out of the packets of Stollen Bites. There was a rack full of them the other day. I gave a shelf-stacker a tenner and asked him to text me when they come in again... :D
 
Mrs Nod is picking up a couple of packs for me as we speak/type - hopefully! In our local stores, they tend to be in at least 2 places.
 
lovely in GC for my xmas month :-)

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Nod said:
Mrs Nod is picking up a couple of packs for me as we speak/type - hopefully! In our local stores, they tend to be in at least 2 places.
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As an experiment, she picked up a couple of packs of the new apple flavoured ones. Make a nice change from the "normal" ones and might even have a bit of fruit in them too!
 
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