Our Christmas

Half the table!

Ever since living and working in Prague, 14 years ago, we have celebrated our Christmas meal on Christmas Eve, as they do in Europe. We much prefer it this way for many reasons, which have changed as the children grow.
when they were little it was lovely to dress them up at night and have our meal, and then open some gifts. They went to bed late (so slept in!) and also it made them a little calmer as they had opened some gifts before going to bed as well. Having our meal out of the way meant on Christmas Day we could spend the day chilling with them and making up endless rounds of lego and game sets instead of stressing about a meal! instead we had lots of leftovers, party food and a birthday party for Jesus (lets remember why we celebrate this day!)

Opening family presents

As the children have got older it remains a great way to celebrate as we can have everyone together on Christmas eve and then the older girls can go off with their partners for lunch on Christmas Day, no arguments or disagreements! Sorted! They children still enjoy the relaxed feel to Christmas Day and the 'help your self' styled meals.
It does however mean we have to be super organised by Christmas Eve, and this is not one of our strengths! With so many to buy for, it can mean a bit of a last minute dash and wrap!

I love the traditions and quaintness the europeans have managed to preserve, much of which we seem to have dropped now. I hope we can maintain our special family traditions which take a little of the stress and pressure away from Christmas Day for us, and help us to spend time with our children on their special day more.