• What does your Christmas look like?

Posted: **Fri Dec 16, 2022 9:44 pm**

I know I probably shouldn't ask but it's a kind of morbid curiosity or a bit like when you get an urge to stick your fingers into a grinder and almost can't help but do it

Just wondered what next weekend had in store for you? I imagine for many, proceedings may be dictated by kids but do you have any rituals or anything exciting happening? Do you look forward to it or just go along with it to keep the peace?

Me, not a great fan (even as a bearded child I wasn't keen) but this year Dee's said the entire thing is called off, which if I'm honest is actually a relief as the pretense is hard work.

Posted: **Fri Dec 16, 2022 9:54 pm**

Hold on... So Dees actually cancelled Christmas. Does that mean if I ride past yours on (whichever day) christmas day (is) I'll not get lots of, "Merry Christmas"...

Posted: **Fri Dec 16, 2022 10:21 pm**

You probably wouldn't have got them any way Shaf

but yes, nothing festive happening at the Towers - no presents, decorations, 'special' meals or crap ont' telly (if we had one).

Posted: **Fri Dec 16, 2022 10:23 pm**

As per, spending some QT with the folks. My Mum and Dad always enjoy xmas and in the last few years the three of us have had some great times. As the years have gone by, I've valued this time more and more and our little 'rituals' around it. Mum making the xmas puddings (to Grans recipe, plus an egg!) Me and Dad having a beer or two and me buggering off on the bike whilst they argue when the turkey has to go in the oven, Dad raiding the garage for the veg (gathered from the garden earlier in the year) and reflecting on the year gone by and whats coming. Boxing day my brother and the other lot turn up which will be endured as much as enjoyed (not really

)

I guess as time goes on and I realise that the time I have left with my parents is reducing, I really value any time with them but thanks to so many good memories of this time of year, well away from the usual xmas bullshit, it's become particularly special. So good time coming

Appreciate that this isn't the case for many, and I sometimes feel guilty that I've had such good life with Ma and Pa compared to others but that makes me appreciate all the more.

Hoping to bag Cross fell though

(Oh and Dec BAM)

Posted: **Fri Dec 16, 2022 10:32 pm**

Appreciate that this isn't the case for many, and I sometimes feel guilty that I've had such good life with Ma and Pa compared to others but that makes me appreciate all the more.

Never feel guilty for it Phil.

Posted: **Fri Dec 16, 2022 10:49 pm**

This year's been a bag of poor show and Xmas will be too.

The tiniest of silver linings is that means, as no one can be arsed with all the effort of a trad' Xmas, we'll be walking to the high street and letting the curry house take the strain on the day.

I like hearing Phil's story. That sounds lovely

Posted: **Fri Dec 16, 2022 11:10 pm**

Warm and sunny!
Can't be done with the usual Christmas nonsense so my wife has booked us in for 2 weeks in the canaries, again. So much simpler and I get to go for a ride with no moaning in my lug 'ole.
Christmas dinner will be something like beans on toast as we only have 2 ring's to cook on in the apartment.

Downside is we've brought the in laws. To be fair, they're getting quite old now and they wouldn't get either of the wife's brothers visiting so the favourite child in law has taken the title again for the next 12 months.

Posted: **Fri Dec 16, 2022 11:47 pm**

As little as possible.Hopefully.

Seeing both parents this weekend and then few days work and we are both off till next year. Neither of us are bothered about Christmas so presents have to be made from unwanted stuff and cost nothing. Dinner will be venison that’s currently hanging in the larder and needs butchered. The day itself shall be mostly out wandering with the dog and thinking back to how every kid used to be out early with their new bicycle or toys now you don’t see anyone all day.

Posted: **Fri Dec 16, 2022 11:57 pm**

After 7 years of returning to the UK, this Christmas we'll be staying here in Cataluña for the first time. Eldest son is visiting, arriving in Barcelona on Monday so we're having a couple of days there doing the tourist thing, visiting the Sagrada Familia and Gaudi house. I definitely won't miss the buggering about with flying and hiring a car or the 3,000 km round trip through a foggy dark France if driving. Might miss the Christmas Day sing song in the Huntsman in our hitherto home village of Thurlstone but that's about it. I'll probably get a few long rides in as I'm behind schedule for the events I've signed up for in April and May.
Bon Nadal everyone!

Posted: **Sat Dec 17, 2022 12:13 am**

i like christmas. i like the company of my kids and grandkids, who we will be spending xmas and boxing day with.
i will be riding my bike on xmas eve, and ending the ride at my local mid afternoon for a few shandies, like most years. followed by a early night.
and a ride pre festivities on xmas and boxing day. lots noise from grandkids, few bears, good food................. perfect for me. not for some possibly.

Posted: **Sat Dec 17, 2022 12:52 am**

Blurred.

Posted: **Sat Dec 17, 2022 1:12 am**

Rituals, eh? Good thing you asked, we need to make sure we do my father in law (RIP)* proud by having pork pie and ketchup for breakfast on Christmas Day.

*As in dead, not Reg.

Posted: **Sat Dec 17, 2022 1:23 am**

I'm your father-in-law? There's something very weird going on here.

(ah, thanks for the clarification. That helps. Ish.)

Posted: **Sat Dec 17, 2022 7:35 am**

Lights went up outside the house many weeks ago, as did the couple of trees inside. Quite like the build up to Christmas but once the day is here, I’m quite happy to pass

Mini-voodoo is 8, so each day is getting more exciting!

Did ask both sets of parents for Christmas lunch, both accepted but the out laws have since declined, so that will make for an easier Christmas Day. Downside is that they’re hosting the next day, something I was hoping to avoid (I don’t do big groups, find it very tiring).

Also got twelve days off too, so hopefully I’ll get a bike ride in but people seem more bothered about socialising during Christmas than leaving you alone. Can you tell I enjoy my own company

Would be tempted with the Crikey, how much 500 but I’m not sure I’ll have the time (mrs-voodoo is a nurse, so will be working some strange shifts cover Christmas).

I’m just waiting for three ghosts to visit me one night this week….

Posted: **Sat Dec 17, 2022 8:53 am**

As usual, just a quiet one at home with the three of us and the dogs.
Quite like a boxing day walk on a beach somewhere.

This is going to sound strange perhaps, but as a lapsed vegetarian, this year will be our first time ever having turkey.

Our daughter's best friend is a farmers girl, and every year they buy a bunch of baby turkeys and grow them on, ready to give or sell to family and friends, and this year we are among the lucky ones...

I went to see them back when they were babies, very very cute, and have seen pictures since, still very cute but huge...

I've had no update since on when we might expect hopefully just a part of the smallest bird they can find, let alone having a clue how to cook one, but I'm sure we'll work it out...

Posted: **Sat Dec 17, 2022 8:55 am**

I like it, no so much because it's Christmas as because I'm self employed and from now until January noone phones or emails me as they do the rest of the year.
We don't do presents as we have enough, I have ordered myself a Park tool cassette tool from my local bike shop but it won't be here untill February so that will be a good day.
I will be riding bikes as much as I can also.

Posted: **Sat Dec 17, 2022 9:27 am**

let alone having a clue how to cook one

I believe traditionally, that you put it in about now.

Posted: **Sat Dec 17, 2022 10:06 am**

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Sat Dec 17, 2022 9:27 am
let alone having a clue how to cook one
I believe traditionally, that you put it in about now.

That's what I thought ... along with the sprouts....

Posted: **Sat Dec 17, 2022 10:10 am**

Na, you put the sprouts on the compost heap

Not too fussed about all the fuss TBH. We've got the (limited) decorations down from the loft but not put them up yet. We'll be heading down to Cath's sister's on Xmas morning, spend the night there and back up on BD morning.

Posted: **Sat Dec 17, 2022 10:49 am**

2 weeks in gran canaria is what mine looks like in an all abusive , although I've not touched a drop of alcohol yet

Posted: **Sat Dec 17, 2022 10:51 am**

fatbikephil wrote: ↑Fri Dec 16, 2022 10:23 pm As per, spending some QT with the folks. My Mum and Dad always enjoy xmas and in the last few years the three of us have had some great times. As the years have gone by, I've valued this time more and more and our little 'rituals' around it. Mum making the xmas puddings (to Grans recipe, plus an egg!) Me and Dad having a beer or two and me buggering off on the bike whilst they argue when the turkey has to go in the oven, Dad raiding the garage for the veg (gathered from the garden earlier in the year) and reflecting on the year gone by and whats coming. Boxing day my brother and the other lot turn up which will be endured as much as enjoyed (not really )

I guess as time goes on and I realise that the time I have left with my parents is reducing, I really value any time with them but thanks to so many good memories of this time of year, well away from the usual xmas bullshit, it's become particularly special. So good time coming

Appreciate that this isn't the case for many, and I sometimes feel guilty that I've had such good life with Ma and Pa compared to others but that makes me appreciate all the more.

Hoping to bag Cross fell though (Oh and Dec BAM)

Really lovely sentiment there Phil, thanks for that. Feels like that's how life is supposed to be and its a pity when for many people its not.

Posted: **Sat Dec 17, 2022 11:01 am**

Our side of the family have not done presents for years and it is a great relief. Under 18's are allowed presents though. A niece of mine turned 18 earlier this year so I am down to one nephew, daughter and two grand children.

My mother died last month and the funeral was 10 days ago so myself and herself planned to do FA, just some nice food and a walk. My daughter invited us to their's a couple of times ( nr Ormskirk from our home in Derby) and eventually we said we would go and staying over on the 25th. The girls are 4 and 22 months and will be nice to see them.

The 500km thingy was a possibility but since my mum became ill in early October I have ridden very little so not a good idea. Accepting my daughters invitation mit unrealistic for me.

Posted: **Sat Dec 17, 2022 11:18 am**

Sorry to hear about your mum Kevin, thoughts with you.

Me, I shall be taking my traditional annual bath

Posted: **Sat Dec 17, 2022 11:49 am**

We go swimming in the sea on Xmas Day

Have done for last 12 years apart from last year when we had Covid. I enjoy having my son and daughter back home for a week.

Posted: **Sat Dec 17, 2022 12:35 pm**

Son and girlfriend want to go swimming in the sea on Christmas Day as well, rather less challenging in the Med.

What does your Christmas look like?

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