David Lock

As a kid and now as a family man (but kids have more or less flown the nest now) we have always had a traditional Christmas at home.

Christmas Day was up early and presents for kids with mum rushing into kitchen to try and get turkey ready and in the oven. But it was always a bit of a rush and not as relaxed as it should have been.

But for the last few years we have had the turkey and gubbins on Boxing Day with plenty of time to prepare as kids had loads of new pressies to break and keep out of our way. On the Christmas day we would have a quality but fairly easy to prepare meal, usually roast sirloin with a goodly drop of claret. The beef was also perfect for sandwiches later if required. In fact for some years we would pop into our local at lunchtime and have some fizz.

Anyway we felt this minor and, perhaps obvious, change was a huge improvement. Give it a try if you think it would be suitable for your family.

David

Leslie

My mother was Austrian and it is the tradition over there to give the presents on Christmas Eve. It was done in the evening around the Christmas tree and the atmosphere was wonderful for children.

That would achieve a similar result I reckon.

Les

David Lock

Yeah that would help except we spend Christmas Eve wrapping the damn things!!
d

Chip

No thanks we'll stick with our turkey on xmas day. Boxing day is for cold meat ,pickles etc.

Chip

tarmac terror

iTrader: (2)

Christmas at my house lasts for about three days.

Christmas day = myself / wife / Mum / Mother in law

Boxing day = as above but add my brother and his wife and kids

Next day is usually a bit of an open house thing with all of the above, extended family, friends and neighbors

Lots of great food, a little bit of wine then onto the whiskey. Although for health reason it'll be easy on the alcohol this year.

Trout

iTrader: (1)

Yeah - those Central Europeans would also eat a Roast Carp on Christmas Eve as well!

boxst

We have two Christmases:

One on Christmas eve that is Polish: Fish (not carp!), beetroot soup, perogi and then on Christmas day I cook a traditional English Christmas lunch: Turkey etc...

Children get to open presents on both days.

Steve

David Lock

For the ignorant masses: -


Pierogi are a dish consisting of boiled or baked dumplings of unleavened dough stuffed with varying ingredients. They are usually semicircular, but are square in some cuisines.

dl




(of course I didn't need to look it up )

Jamie

beetroot soup never had that before is it nice ?

boxst

Apparently I can't spell Pierogi

Barszcz is the beetroot soup and it usually contains 'pigs ears' (uszka (a kind of dumpling filled with minced mushroom)). It is made with quite a lot of pepper so spicy. I quite like it it. Just to warn you: If you try it, it will turn your urine red the next day!


Steve

Jamie

Ok that has just put me off beetroot soup and will stick with
cream of potato and turnip soup

David Lock

Anyone recognise this parent to 8-year-old child plea?

"Now come on it's Christmas - you have manage just one Brussel Sprout surely......"

Luminous

iTrader: (3)

Our family did that for years. Worked a treat as it spread the festivities out too

ScoobyDoo555

Got the in-laws coming down a day or 2 beforehand.

Xmas Day @ my parents (with the entire family)
Xmas night @ my house for games/festivities (kids get to go to bed then)
Boxing Day @ my house with entire family (gives my Mum a break whilst I do the cooking - used to chef, so no real issue catering for 12)
Boxing Night - well, kinda depends how much booze we have during the day.

Then a couple of days to ourselves

looking forward to it already!

Leslie

Well my mum was not partial to Carp, and I was always told it was not that pleasant to eat anyway. If however "Central Europeans" like to eat them, well I say good luck to them.

Les

Leslie

Ha ha yes I see the problem. All I can suggest is to put them in different rooms in the afternoon and get them to wrap each others' presents under pain of no presents if they don't keep their mouths shut!

Les