Christmas traditions are funny things. Some are passed down through generations, others start by accident, and before you know it, they're something everyone expects to happen every year. In our family, Christmas preparations begin around Bonfire Night when we make the mincemeat. But the are countless other little traditions that follow, so firmly established that we barely even notice them anymore.
A Little Christmas Magic
Everyone has to give it a stir and make a wish. No exceptions. Over the years, pots of mincemeat have been posted around the country, and even to Italy one year, to make sure nobody misses out on their Christmas wish.
The Great Christmas Kitchen Mystery
Every year over the Christmas table, my husband presents me with a kitchen implement of completely unknown purpose.
My job is to work out what on earth it's for. He refuses to tell me.
Some are easier than others. In fact, I still have one from three years ago that I haven't managed to identify.
Quite what I'm supposed to do with this growing collection of mysterious utensils is another question entirely. But it's become one of my favourite Christmas traditions.
And here are a few from my collection. Some I've worked out, others remain a complete mystery. Can you identify any of them? Answers on a postcard, please! (Or just send me an email.)
A Tree Full of Stories
Then there's the annual Christmas tree decoration. We add a new one every year, so the tree has become a rather wonderful collection of memories, with each decoration reminding us of a particular Christmas.
The Traditions We Make
Not all Christmas traditions are passed down through generations. Sometimes we make new ones of our own.
My sister hangs her personalised family name light in her front window every Christmas. I love the idea of something that comes out year after year, becoming as much a part of Christmas as decorating the tree or hanging up the stockings.
And perhaps that's how traditions begin. You do something once, then again the following year, and before you know it, Christmas wouldn't feel quite right without it.
And I'd love to know yours. Does your family have a Christmas tradition that nobody else would understand? Something wonderfully sentimental, completely ridiculous or simply something you couldn't imagine Christmas without? I'd love to hear about it.
Bring a little Christmas magic home
Handmade fairy lights, wreaths and festive decorations to add colour and character to your Christmas styling.