Christmas??

margaretclare

What good old Slade song is that, then?

And furthermore, it is NOT Christmas. Christmas happens on 25th December, a full month away. It happens on one day of the year, and we all have to have our noses rubbed in it for weeks beforehand, whether we will or no.

Margaret

missile

I believe that one should take down the tree 12 days after. Is there any "rule" about when we ought to put it up, seems to get earlier every year.

margaretclare

missile wrote: »

I believe that one should take down the tree 12 days after. Is there any "rule" about when we ought to put it up, seems to get earlier every year.

Traditionally, in the Middle Ages, Christmas started at midnight on Christmas Eve and lasted for 12 days. Christmas trees were unknown here until Prince Albert married Queen Victoria in the early 19th century and brought the custom here from Germany. At least, they were unknown as part of the Christian celebration, possibly they were part of Pagan Yule as a symbol of rebirth at the darkest part of the year.

This would have been the time of year when farm livestock were killed because it was impossible to keep them through the winter, therefore it was probably people's last chance to have a good feast of fresh-ish meat before going on to the salted and preserved stocks for the hungriest part of the year. We no longer have any such excuse.

When I was a child in the 1940s it was considered unlucky to have a Christmas tree or holly in the house before Christmas Eve, and it had to go by Epiphany, Twelfth Night. So it resided in a shed or outhouse until the house had been thoroughly cleaned on Christmas Eve, was brought in to be decorated and then everyone relaxed because the hard work was done and Christmas had begun. That evening we'd usually have carol-singers round from the church or chapel, and it felt 'special'.

The last Sunday before Advent - last Sunday in fact - was called Stir-Up Sunday when cakes and puddings could be made. I used to love those old traditions. I can't bear what Christmas has become, just another spendfest that goes on for weeks. I'd rather opt out of it altogether, just do the bits that I want to do - carol service the Sunday before, church on Christmas Day - and stay away from all the rest of it. I certainly want to stay right away from any shopping centres!

Margaret

balmaiden

I think you have hit the nail well and truly on the head Margaret,"just do the bits I want to do".

If some people want to shop until they drop etc etc that is their choice and really nothing to do with anyone else.

I will be cooking for 10 on Christmas day and 14 on Boxing day. I try and make our Christmas as "traditional" as I can and have certainly never got into debt at Christmas time. We all live our lives differently and of course we will all look at Christmas diferently. To just do the bits we want to do seems very wise to me.

margaretclare

Thank you, Balmaiden.

I even thought of doing the whole 'Stir-up Sunday' thing but (a) I was battling with this cold/'flu-type thing so didn't feel well enough and (b) there would be no one to eat it. DH cannot eat things like Christmas pudding, cake, mince pies etc because it would send his blood-sugar into the stratosphere - we didn't even have a wedding cake for that reason.

I'll miss the first Sunday of Advent at church, when the first of the 4 Advent candles are lit, because I'll be in hospital this Sunday (hopefully coming out later that day).

Margaret

missile

Thanks for the info Margaret, you would be a hit on 15 to 1 and even put the egg heads to shame.

Fingers crossed for a short stay in hospital and a quick recovery - don't try to do too much too soon.

margaretclare

Hi Balmaiden

Funny you should say that - I was on 15-1 in 1998. Didn't get very far, though. Questions about golf, bridge, football etc are the ones that floor me.

Thanks for the kind words.

Margaret

missile

My Bro has an incredible memory too. He can tell you who was third and what his lap times were in 19oat cake British Grand Prix.

I struggle to remember what day it is :-(

[Deleted User]

well I`m worn out and spent up

we had some relatives down for lunch and of course I did it all as usual and then I fed and looked after baby. I`m well and truly jaded and I honestly don`t get the enjoyment any more.

All in all it is costing far to much, making sure that everyone is catered for with food, drink and snacks and it`s draining me.

I know I could ask people to help but I don`t. I just get on with it and it is like a magic wand has been waved again and it hasn`t really started yet

I am going to plan next christmas and new year away and I am doing the planning in january while all this is still fresh in my mind

I have had enough!!!

Savvy_Sue

TELL THEM, kittie. I know they should realise, but if they haven't, you have to tell them. Please? We want you to enjoy Christmas too ...