This year, for me it would be to go out for dinner or have a good dinner at home, (depending on what country my friend and I are in and if we are together, seems doubtful right now) going for a walk together in the snow, and exchanging a small sentimental present. Good music, some wine, something chocloate, candles, a small tree. A call to my son, and then early to bed.
Leaving a candle in the window for those who cant be with us, and to recognize the coming of the light.
I dont believe in organized religion but I walk past the church to hear the music and singing, look at the manger display. And say a quick word to God. I find it easier to communicate with Him outdoors for some reason.
2007-11-24 13:55:29 · 19 answers · asked by isotope2007 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
Shari if it was me i would call up the inlaws and ask if you can pop over while the kids open their gifts - i have done that with my daughters inlaws in the past, and they dont mind. Maybe say you will bring ???? what??? the coffee? something ????? lattes for everyone???
2007-11-24 21:03:42 · update #1
Well this Christmas Eve, I think it would be nice if our daughter and family would come to our house for the evening
and have dinner and then exchange the few gifts we'll all have.
I would like to sing carols but that's pushing it, so I'd be
satisfied with the stereo playing Christmas music. And then
when they absolutely must leave, we'll let them go home and
have their Christmas eve gift opening.
I've wanted to have them come on Christmas Day for a
nice dinner for years, but they absolutely have to go to their
inlaws for our SIL's side of the family. We seem to be the
afterthought, or fitted into their plans. I never thought I'd see
the day I couldn't have my children and grandchildren at our
house for a Christmas Day dinner and gift exchange. So far
we've never had the opportunity. All of the best laid plans to
have a perfect Christmas since our kids have had families,
have yet to see the light of day.
I have a friend who's family traditions went out the window
after her husband died, and her children went their separate
ways for the holidays. She recently lost her mother, but she
plans to do as she has for the last few years, and that's
to go to the coast for an overnight and drive home Christmas
Day. That way she'll enjoy herself the way she wants to. I used to think that would be the best place to spend New Years eve and part of the next day. But hubby does the driving, and he doesn't like to be driving on any major holiday where people may have been drinking and the state police are out to make their quotas. So we just stay in and stay safe
and watch a tape to pass the time. I'd love to have an open
house, but we have so few to invite now. Funny how people
drift apart when you get older, and traditions disolve. I'm be-
ginning to see, why some people get depressed over the
holidays. It has always been a magical time of the year for
me in the past. And the child in me, still wants to be surprised
with something to light up my eyes. But do you know, I
never had that happen as a child? So maybe that's why I
still have the expectations I used to have. Maybe I'm still
waiting for that one magical Christmas, that will be set apart
from all previous years. And I'll be listening for the bells from
Santa's sleigh and reindeer off in the sky. Ah, to be a kid
again, so innocent, and full of hope. I guess the kid in me
will continue to live on.
2007-11-24 17:59:48 · answer #1 · answered by Lynn 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christmas Eve was always a time where we had a family rule - everyone stayed at home. We had goodies, egg nog, hot chocolate, watched movies on TV and 'back in the day' waited for the carolers to come by.
One Eve, my soon to be hubby spent the night at my parent's home and we did much of the same, but later took a walk in the snow as you described. It was a beautiful night and so romantic! [the better days of yore! AND the marriage! lol]
Of course after the kids went to bed we had to wait until we were certain they were asleep then the fun began! Watching my hubby labor to put toys together!
2007-11-25 02:33:14 · answer #2 · answered by sage seeker 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the country side with hot chocolate and lots of blankets as the snow gently falls. Sing Christmas carols and enjoying the company of friends & family. Lightening the tree and exchanging gifts when we get home and having a light meal. Then falling asleep next to a crackling fire.
2007-11-25 00:44:13 · answer #3 · answered by Gladys 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
It would probably be a quiet one, with hot apple cider, a cheery fire and listening to records of the "Messiah" and Christmas hymns sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
We are both believers, but are not active in organized religion because church services are in the mornings, and we used to work nights and have kept that schedule.
Fantasy and reality live on different planets. We'll probably have some decaf coffee or hot chocolate and each of us will snuggle under a blanket in our own chairs and we'll watch TV. If we're lucky, the Boston Pops will be on, or one of the myriad Christmas movies that are so cute will be on.
2007-11-25 03:43:01 · answer #4 · answered by felines 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I love my home and property I have...Many years ago I would drive by at Christmas time and say I would love to own that place someday it is so beautiful.
Thank God that day came...I got my dream.
So I ask very little of my two girls
age 21 & 22 but at Midnight Christmas Eve night we bundle up and take a walk. Even if it's snowing , no matter how cold we go for our walk...thats our time together.
2007-11-24 16:10:10 · answer #5 · answered by Mustbe 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A regular christmas eve in my family would usually be going to party at someone elses house or I have a party at my house. We would usually like have some food and drink and stuff and I will hang out with my friends. Then we will all go home and get back to our houses and exchange presents. That's a normal christmas for me.
2007-11-24 14:07:29 · answer #6 · answered by Leigh F 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If it were ideal, all of my family would be together-it doesn't matter where. I'd love to go to a Christmas service. We'd come back and sit around chatting, enjoy some snacks and cocoa and laugh and be happy because we're all together. We might even do a few karaoke tunes that only we could think were close to good. lol
I hope yours is just as you imagine it!!!
2007-11-24 14:28:16 · answer #7 · answered by luvspbr2 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
IN my family, Christmas Eve was when we opened all the presents...more romantic at night..the tree was always so pretty, all aglow...Christmas Eve has always been special to me, the following day is always anticlimatic. This year, I suspect I will sit, look at the tree, there are always presents no matter how much I say, NOTHING, but it isn't the presents, it is the togetherness, and this year will be hard, as there is one less of us...that will weigh heavy on me....but life goes on, no matter what. Goldwing
2007-11-24 14:00:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
Like GW for me it's all about the family. I am the oldest of 5 and had 5 children myself. We used to live close and we would get together all of us and mom and dad and our kids (about 30 of us) and have a family Christmas party the Sunday before Christmas (enabling everyone to spend Christmas eve with their own family). We sang carols played games. We looked forward to it every year. Then about 4 years ago I left my husband and we all started moving away and Dad died this January...I think your Christmas Eve sounds ideal, only I'd substitute my family for your friend. Presents mean nothing to me.
2007-11-24 14:06:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Dinner and then out to a candlelight Christmas Service.
Then back to open the presents and go to bed for a good night's sleep.
2007-11-24 17:56:23 · answer #10 · answered by Cranky 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋