Over the many years we have had the children, traditions have slowly and gradually developed out of life's events and things we feel are special and should be remembered. As the children grow and change some of these events have been replaced by others, some remain constant and if altered the children would all complain loudly!
When we moved back there were some Czech students at the school we worked in so we continued to dress up. Now the children are older we still maintain it by making stacks of gingerbread to the Czech recipe (so much nicer). The children's friends , over the years have now come to expect them to bring in gingerbread at the beginning of December. We usually make around 3-400!!
Dad cooks all the meal, admist a blaring out of classical music. He has done for years now and does it so well, no one has ever replaced him! We try to make it a bit more unusual and add a variety of things each year. The children all enjoy helping to make the pesto, and prepare the vegetables with dad. After we have prepared the food, I take the children out to the church service to leave dad some peace and quiet, but also for us to calm down and reflect with Christmas is all about.
When we have finished our meal and tided up we open some presents and then get the youngest children to bed. We allow the older ones to stay up and watch TV, thus meaning everyone goes to bed late and sleeps in on Christmas Day! Bliss!!!!
I have for a long time, felt that the lead up to Christmas begins with packing the Christmas Boxes for Operation Christmas child. We have now packed boxes for 13 years and feel not only does it obviously help supply a present to one of many, many children who will receive nothing at Christmas time, but also, it reminds us that Christmas is a time go giving and how important that is. In a world, so filled with greed and commercialism I think it's important to start the season remembering those less fortunate than ourselves.
After this, on the night of the 4th and day of the 5th December, since living in Prague we celebrate Mikulas.
Mikulas (explanation follows)
When the children were little and we lived in the school, we used to dress up as Mikulas (Simon/dad) Andel (angel) and Cert (devil) we always choose one of our own children for the devil so as not to offend any parents and maybe lead to any misinterpretation as to why their child was chosen!!!
When we moved back there were some Czech students at the school we worked in so we continued to dress up. Now the children are older we still maintain it by making stacks of gingerbread to the Czech recipe (so much nicer). The children's friends , over the years have now come to expect them to bring in gingerbread at the beginning of December. We usually make around 3-400!!
The next thing we like to do with the children is to take them to some of the special events going on locally to help the Christmas build up. This year this included a trip to the local garden centre who had created the most amazing grotto and to Betws y Coed where they had a Christmas Market and candle march through the village. Some years we have gone ice skating when small rinks have been erected or to the larger Christmas Markets in Manchester.
Our tree is very unusual, as I posted last year with a description of each decoration. Each year we take the younger ones to choose some new and meaningful decorations, Mair went with gusto around the shop and we came away with a few more than bargained for!
We then spend a day or two putting up the tree with Christmas czech Carols and movies going on. All the children help from time to time and take great care with all the little things we put on. It is always much better with the tree, and lights up around the house, apart from having to move furniture to get it there in the first place!
This year I was very worried about the twins pre occupation with anything that is not a toy! I have been pleasantly (touches wood) surprised at their control over the tree after a few harsh "no's" they have kept away by and large....so far.
We try to watch at least one 'christmassy' film each weekend in the build up, as life is so busy in the week. The week before the children break up , is always utter madness and this year has been no exception! We are always left, no matter how hard we try , with a last minute rush on our hands.
Christmas Eve, is the day we celebrate (european style) with our meal in the evening. This has worked very well over the years as it has given us freedom on Christmas day to , in the past travel to my mothers home, and now for the eldest ones to have christmas lunch with their partners families each year without any arguments.
Dad cooks all the meal, admist a blaring out of classical music. He has done for years now and does it so well, no one has ever replaced him! We try to make it a bit more unusual and add a variety of things each year. The children all enjoy helping to make the pesto, and prepare the vegetables with dad. After we have prepared the food, I take the children out to the church service to leave dad some peace and quiet, but also for us to calm down and reflect with Christmas is all about. 
When we have finished our meal and tided up we open some presents and then get the youngest children to bed. We allow the older ones to stay up and watch TV, thus meaning everyone goes to bed late and sleeps in on Christmas Day! Bliss!!!!
On Christmas Day we have a 'birthday party for Jesus' which basically means I put a lot of snack and party food on our huge table and the kids eat all day.Simon and I can then play with the children, help them construct toys and unwind rather than feeling the pressure of having to cook a formal meal.
At some point in the after noon we all make ourselves presentable and go to the hospital chapel where we remember Joshua. we have often taken sweets and cakes to the SCBU as well for the parents there.
We light candles for him and all his angel friends and place tags on the tree for our loved ones , so now , sadly for the second year this will include my mother as well, who is still much missed on Christmas Day.
Then we all come home and just enjoy being together and not having to do anything much at all!
For the past three year on Boxing Day I have attended the Boxing Day Dip, where a group of truly mad people all run into the sea for charity and some of my friends do this for Joshua's Boxes. For some strange reason this year I have agreed to do it. Lord knows why , as I hate water, cold and the sea! I will probably end up with a dreadful cold as well.
If you feel urged to sponsor me to do this, please do so on:
The rest of the holiday is spent doing a mixture of things including going to the local pantomime which is always very enjoyable.
On New Years Eve, we go bowling! our yearly 'treat' and then to Pizza Hut where again it's once a year as we rarely eat out as a family for obvious reasons! Again it's a lovely event that the children enjoy and look forward too.
I am sure as they get older still and move away and have families of their own they too will maintain some of these traditions as I am also sure we will adapt and incorporate new ones.
Traditions are lovely, they bring a special meaning to Christmas for us, they are looked forward too and talked about each year and are eagerly anticipated as well.
What are yours?
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