What family traditions at Christmas do you have?
Christmas is a time for memories, reflection and also looking forward. But It’s also a time when we are most reminded of the people no longer with us, or those who are not to in our lives anymore. Traditions help keep memories alive.
We miss greatly those that have passed away, especially those in the last year. We lost a dear friend to us all in the summer who we miss greatly, but it is also the time my best friend passed 3 years ago. Dad is also no longer here but we are reminded by photos and FB memories of the fabulous times we shared.
For those no longer part of our world? Well, lives change and so do priorities…. we can but remember the good times that we have spent together, and I think of these as opportunities to perhaps reconnect in later years. I value the time we did spend together
Relationships become amplified at Christmas and we can feel sadness and joy in more amplified amounts, those that are important to us, we want to spend time with or at least connect to again. Reconnecting with friends at Christmas is something to look forward to. I had a lovely handwritten letter from a dear elderly friend recently after I sent them a card and letter. He was so happy to receive it – and of course that just backs up for me the importance of “snail mail” There has been a barrage of “I donated to ….” On my feeds this Christmas but I really hope that they took the time to write to those that matter most. I have appreciated every single card received myself.
For my family, Christmas is a season of music, food, and memories. Over the years, we’ve developed traditions that make this time of year feel magical and uniquely ours. Each tradition carries a story—a little thread that weaves into the tapestry of our shared history.
Our Family’s Christmas Traditions:
Kicking Off with Music:
For us, Christmas truly begins with the Wolverton Light Orchestra Christmas concert. Playing music together as a family sets the festive tone, filling us with the joy of the season. It’s not just about the performance; it’s about creating something beautiful together. My first WLO concert was in 1991 … with then my husband coming along to watch, our girls attending and then finally as both husband and daughters took up instruments, its truly a family occasion. We have their friends also come along to play so there is a real sense of occasion to this fabulous concert. This year I also took part in an incredible choir concert with TGI Choir here in Milton Keynes, it was with the fabulous Ukrainian group Mavka and was raising money for the Chernobyl Relief Foundation. That concert was just what Christmas is about... community and showing you care.
A Slice of History:
Our Christmas cake is steeped in family history, made from a recipe passed down from my aunt’s mum, Eleanor Rodwell. Dating back to Victorian times, it connects us to generations past and feels like a little piece of edible history! When I was little it was the cake I looked forward to most…. When I saw the recipe, I knew why! The fruit was soaked in a bottle of rum or brandy! It is the most wonderful and moist Christmas cake and better than any I have ever had.
Rescuing a Christmas Tree:
Christmas Eve isn’t just for last-minute wrapping in our house—it’s usually also when we “rescue” a Christmas tree. We choose a tree that hasn’t yet found a home, ensuring it fulfils its Christmas destiny instead of becoming wood chips. There’s something wonderfully poetic about bringing it to life just in time for the big day.
Charity Shop gifts
A charity shop item as a gift is a new tradition for us, but one that not only gives us reason to give to a good cause, it prevents something becoming landfill, and encourages us to recycle. Visiting the shops is becoming an event in itself and a lovely morning out on a local high street.
Dinner as the Light Fades:
Christmas dinner in our home happens as the daylight fades, and the twinkling of fairy lights takes over. What makes your Christmas dinner? Mum would always make a Florida cocktail to start, for the main part we have sprouts, carrots, roast parsnips, roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, pigs in blankets, turkey, ham, cranberry sauce, bread sauce, gravy and this year we added Yorkshire puddings… because why not! Then Christmas pudding with brandy butter, brandy sauce and cream. If you have space in the evening, then a little Turkey on toast finishes the day…. Yep a bit of each of the meats with bread sauce and cranberry on toast!
Boxing Day Simplicity:
The day after Christmas is for winding down. Bubble and squeak for dinner with the leftovers, and our dessert reflects that spirit. Every year, the girls make a simple trifle using tinned fruit cocktail, swiss roll and even dream topping! Do you remember that? not sure how to describe it… it comes as a powder and you add milk to make some kind of 60’s cream topping… 100s and 1000s finish it off! It’s straightforward, nostalgic, and always delicious, proof that it’s not about complexity but about being together.
Your Turn: Share Your Traditions!
I’d love to hear about your own family’s Christmas traditions. Do you have a special recipe, an annual activity, or a quirky custom that makes your holiday unique?
Here are some ideas to spark inspiration:
What’s the first thing that makes it feel like Christmas in your house?
Do you have a favourite holiday recipe that’s been passed down?
Is there a tradition you’ve started that you hope will continue for generations?
Share your traditions in the comments below or tag me on social media with a photo or story about your family’s Christmas! Did you do something new this year?
Christmas traditions remind us that the best bits lay in the moments we share and the memories we create. Whether your traditions are new or have been carried through generations, they are a part of this special season.
I can’t wait to hear about yours!
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