The Christmas Thread

[Armistead]

Thought I would start a thread to to discuss Christmas. Got pictures of your decorations or Christmas tree? Have any family traditions you would like to share, special memories, wants, etc.,...Anything Christmas you can put here.

Not long ago I purchased several large boxes of Christmas decorations at an estate sale. I knew they were old and boxes filled with decorations from the 40-60's era it seems. One box had numerous cards and pictures in it and was interesting to see Christmas unfold yearly. I plan to use a lot of these decorations this year.....

Christmas is a lil sad for me since my mother passed a few years ago and my father in May.

[Sailor Steve]

No Christmas here. My kids are far away and so is my sister. Cards maybe, phone calls maybe. It's cool though, I do well enough alone.

[Rockstar]

Not a christian, but everyone else in my family is. Still, I have a fun time and love getting together with family, if we manage getting together, which isn't often. I get and give gifts and cards and not at all bothered with the seasonal proselytization(if there's such word). I get a kick out of the whole thing and have fun.

http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa408/jky242/c047d86894b24c7cd4078f431ddf9bfe.jpg

[swamprat69er]

I'm not a christian either, but I do the christmas thing anyway. We wont put the tree up for another two weeks or so, though. The cats would have it down in a day or two.

[Oberon]

Our last tree was brutally murdered by our cats, demolished a coffee table with it too. Fortunately our two are pretty elderly now so their tree climbing days are over.

[fireftr18]

I love the magic of the season and the celebrations. I'm not much on the gifting thing though. I feel we should be giving all year long, not just one month out of the year. As far as receiving gifts, anything I want or need that is reasonably priced, I can afford to buy. My brother and sister feel the same way and we have agreed to stop gifting with each other.

[Tango589]

Well, that's Tribes' present sorted:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm260/tango589/mrs-bridges-assorted-humbugs.png

[BossMark]

Dont put my decorations up a week before Santa's due to pay me a visit :D

[Schroeder]

No Christians in my family (at least none that would celebrate it we've got some Jehova witnesses which we barely see...:doh:).
We usually just come together and have a good meal. No gifts.

I actually find it sort of sickening to have the first Christmas stuff in shops in late September. It's all evolved into a big commerce fest and little more.

[swamprat69er]

Christmas stuff starts appearing slowly in stores here right after Halloween.

[Jimbuna]

I enjoy xmas day at home with the wife and kids (if the boy aint at sea), exchange presents, visit my mom then on to the wifes brothers house for an evening party.

I'm not really bothered what I receive because like others here I am able to buy what I want when I want it but I do enjoy spoiling the wife and kids on the day.

Things should really liven up if and when grand kids come along.

[Betonov]

I'll enjoy Christmas on Christmas, but the season starts tomorrow when decorations are turned on in Ljubljana :D

http://www.silcportal.si/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/veseli-december-v-ljubljani.jpg

AND

http://recesija.si/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/k/u/kuhano_vino_lj1.png
Mulled Wine stands !!!!!! :D

[Tango589]

http://recesija.si/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/k/u/kuhano_vino_lj1.png
Mulled Wine stands !!!!!! :D
:rock::Kaleun_Cheers::Kaleun_Party::()1:


BRING ON THE XMAS CHEER!

[Skybird]

Both me and my parents are pissed by it. In mid-August already I saw the first stores rolling out christmas articles and -sweets - in mid-summer! Commerical amok-running everywhere, Weihnachtsmarkt in town - FIVE of them. Crowds, stinking smells, clinging coins, kitschy TV spots. Kollektive Pflichtübung in Rühreseligkeit - a mandatory collective excercise in unctuousness - I once heard somebody describing it. I think it was me.

Christmas makes us all vomit over here, my whole family, we are happy when it is over again - for another 6 months. Next seasons starts in mid-summer 2015.

My atheism has nothing to do with it. Actually, I have kind and precious memories of our family christmasses :)when I was still living with my parents. But commerce has plowed it all under, mercilessly, and somewhat damaging my precious memories as well.

And that is something that I will never forgive: that it was all hysterically ruined for the most profane of reasons.

I would follow the freakshow to some degree if I had children, but I would also protect them from it at the same time. But I have none, so: avoiding and ignoring it as much as I can.

And all that retarded sentimental mindless babbling on TV, christmas here, christmas there, babble-babble-babble. We're sick and tired of it. Sick and tired.

On 24th, we will, as always meet and do a family raclette. That is all. No actions taken on the other two days.

[vienna]

I am non religious (I like to say I had religion beaten out of me back in Catholic school), so I don't 'celebrate' the day. I did make an attempt once way back in 1969.: bought a tree for my family (mother, sister), got the fixings for a good meal, bought presents all around. It went well until my mother got into one of her dark states and went off like a bomb. Since then, I have nodded politely when others say "Merry Xmas", give the obligatory gifts at work. I'm also the person who volunteers to take the holiday duty so others can celebrate since I have no family. It is amusing to me how Christian religions have co-opted pagan religious iconography and customs to meet their own evangelistic ends...

Other than the above, I do hope any and all of you have a good time celebrating the holidays in whatever manner you choose. You all deserve at least one happy time a year...


<O>

[Betonov]

Celebrate it as a pagan holiday of the winter solstice then.
If the end of this depression fest called shorter days, longer nights is not a reason to celebrate and have a cup of wine, then at least have a cup of wine without a reason.

[Tango589]

Celebrate it as a pagan holiday of the winter solstice then.
If the end of this depression fest called shorter days, longer nights is not a reason to celebrate and have a cup of wine, then at least have a cup of wine without a reason.
I'll drink to that! Merry Xmas/Festivus/Winterval/Right Royal Piss Up to you all!:()1:

[vienna]

Celebrate it as a pagan holiday of the winter solstice then.
If the end of this depression fest called shorter days, longer nights is not a reason to celebrate and have a cup of wine, then at least have a cup of wine without a reason.

Oh, then, you mean I should treat it a just a regular day?...


<O>

[Tango589]

Yes, but with more booze.:yep:

[Betonov]

Oh, then, you mean I should treat it a just a regular day?...


<O>

Well, you take



One bottle (750 mL) of red wine (suggestions: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot)
One peeled and sliced orange (keep peel to add zest to taste into cooking pot)
1/4 cup of brandy
8-10 cloves
1/3 cup honey or sugar*
3 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp fresh or 2 tsp ground ginger (allspice can be substituted)
Serves 4-6

and then you


To make the perfect cup of mulled wine, combine all ingredients in either a large pot or a slow cooker. Gently warm the ingredients on low to medium heat (avoid boiling), for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure that the honey or sugar has completely dissolved. When the wine is steaming and the ingredients have been well blended it is ready to serve. Ladle the mulled wine into mugs (leave seasonings behind) and enjoy! * The 1/3 cup of honey or sugar does make a sweeter-styled mulled wine, feel free to cut honey/sugar down to taste.




Other than that, business as usual :)

[Tango589]

Other than that, business as usual :)After drinking this, business as usual will probably involve sleeping down the back of the TV, especially if you consider yourself to be a party of six...:doh:

[ReallyDedPoet]

Looking forward to it big-time :yep:

Food, drink and lot's of time with family. It doesn't get much
better than that. And oh yeah, some time off work is always a
bonus :)

http://image.fg-a.com/christmas/6-christmas-tree-flash.gif

[Betonov]

After drinking this, business as usual will probably involve sleeping down the back of the TV, especially if you consider yourself to be a party of six...:doh:

A lot of the alchohol evaporates so a glass of mulled wine is a lot less potent than normal wine

[Schroeder]

Well, you take


One peeled and sliced orange (keep peel to add zest to taste into cooking pot)



Try to use organic oranges. There are too many pesticides in the peel of regular ones and you don't want to drink that stuff.:Kaleun_Sick:

[Betonov]

Try to use organic oranges. There are too many pesticides in the peel of regular ones and you don't want to drink that stuff.:Kaleun_Sick:

I just wash them with vodka. the alcohol cleans them and leaves no trace.

[Platapus]

It is one of my favourite holidays. I love christmas music, shopping, decorations, the lot. Now if I could only figure out how to keep relatives away, it would be a perfect holiday.

[eddie]

I celebrate Christmas the old fashion way, lots of food, lots of laughs, a big beautiful tree, with all the family squeezed in one house! Wouldn't have it any other way!

[Jimbuna]

Try to use organic oranges. There are too many pesticides in the peel of regular ones and you don't want to drink that stuff.:Kaleun_Sick:

Stay well away fom Betonovs meade schnapps!! :o

:har:

[Betonov]

Stay well away fom Betonovs meade schnapps!! :o

:har:

It should wash away any pesticides that oranges bring into the wine :03:

[Jimbuna]

It should wash away any pesticides that oranges bring into the wine :03:

I'll certainly vouch for that :)

[BossMark]

What did Mrs Claus say to Santa Claus as he left on Christmas Eve?

"Take care, I hope the weather stays fine and it doesn't Reindeer."

[mapuc]

I my self are not so much into this Christmas hysteria.

A walk down the street I can see that almost everyone has put up Christmas decorations

However our food stores and others have either abandon the tradition or have decreased it.

Markus

[Tango589]

A lot of the alchohol evaporates so a glass of mulled wine is a lot less potent than normal wine
Put a lid on the pan, keep the good stuff in!

MUAHAAHAAHAAHAAHAA!:arrgh!:

[Betonov]

Put a lid on the pan, keep the good stuff in!

MUAHAAHAAHAAHAAHAA!:arrgh!:

Or put the lid on at an angle and let vodka run into a glass near the pot

[Tango589]

Decided to put the tree-in-a-box and other assorted festive nick-naks up this weekend. My wife will be in charge of making tea and criticizing!:doh:

[swamprat69er]

Decided to put the tree-in-a-box and other assorted festive nick-naks up this weekend. My wife will be in charge of making tea and criticizing!:doh:

Doing exactly what a wife does.
Those that can, do. Those that can't, criticize.

[Jimbuna]

Doing exactly what a wife does.
Those that can, do. Those that can't, criticize.

I reckon I fit into the latter category then :doh:

[swamprat69er]

A variation on that is, those that can do, those that can't, teach.

[fireftr18]

A variation on that is, those that can do, those that can't, teach.

That describes me now.

[BossMark]

http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee374/rothwellwhite1/xmas-tree_zps6694c4c9.jpg

[swamprat69er]

That describes me now.

You gots the knowledge to pass on. My knowledge is so dated that no one wants it.

[fireftr18]

You gots the knowledge to pass on. My knowledge is so dated that no one wants it.

:har:

[Eichhörnchen]

http://i.imgur.com/Sxy7CsA.jpg?1


Made this in the garden with my boy a few Christmases back: best one I ever did!

[Aktungbby]

That describes me now.

You gots the knowledge to pass on. My knowledge is so dated that no one wants it.

SAME HERE...the polite ones just respond "That's old school...Sir" :stare:

[Wolferz]

SAME HERE...the polite ones just respond "That's old school...Sir" :stare:


Then you say; " Like you I was and like me you'll be"

[Jimbuna]

Starting to get a tad concerned, I've spent more than a few bob on the wife getting her what she wants as well as a few surprises and up to now she's got me nowt :stare:

Must be my fault because I can't think of anything I want or need :doh:

[Aktungbby]

Must be my fault because I can't think of anything I want or need :doh:
REALLY! :up: I generally appreciate if I don't have to get something to go with it; replacement parts; wonder where to put it; or wonder 'who am I going to leave it to'(not anytime soon:O:) My wife generally renews my Wall Street Journal and the daughter buys me good reads for the kindle...I've got everything else!

[Betonov]

Must be my fault because I can't think of anything I want or need :doh:

Light cotton shirts, straw hat, sun cream and shades for your trip to Croatia.
Dalmatia sun can be a killer to the English :)

And a Croat-English dictionary

[Wolferz]

Starting to get a tad concerned, I've spent more than a few bob on the wife getting her what she wants as well as a few surprises and up to now she's got me nowt :stare:

Must be my fault because I can't think of anything I want or need :doh:

Really? Don't you have a case full of want in your study? Adding to your aviation collection would be the way to go methinks.:)

[Kptlt. Neuerburg]

Every Christmas I have a harder and harder time coming up with what to put on the list, as the things I do want (or think I want anyways) are a bit up there in price and I really can't think of anything I really need. So I just put things on the list that are a little bit more difficult to find each year.:O:

[swamprat69er]

IF you all really want to know what I want for Christmas.....
It is peace throughout the world.
Being as I am an old hippie, how about peace, love and I think the older ones of you will know the last of that statement.

[Wolferz]

http://www.msn.com/en-us/video/viral/car-interior-gets-a-lot-cheerier/vi-BBgidyV

[Jimbuna]

REALLY! :up: I generally appreciate if I don't have to get something to go with it; replacement parts; wonder where to put it; or wonder 'who am I going to leave it to'(not anytime soon:O:) My wife generally renews my Wall Street Journal and the daughter buys me good reads for the kindle...I've got everything else!


My lad has almost forced me to pick a book (I strongly suspect to save him thinking of something appropriate) but the book I'm really after isn't going to be published/released until March 2015 so I predict a lot of underwear and Nelsons Blood will be arriving on the day of 25th.

Light cotton shirts, straw hat, sun cream and shades for your trip to Croatia.
Dalmatia sun can be a killer to the English :)

And a Croat-English dictionary

LOL :)

Really? Don't you have a case full of want in your study? Adding to your aviation collection would be the way to go methinks.:)

TBH, no....I've everything I want that is currently available but I am aware of a few releases due post xmas, F-35B, Gazelle chopper etc.

[STEED]

Just for mega rich members here the perfect cracker for a snip at rock bottom price of £4 Million..:huh:

World's most expensive Xmas cracker costs £4m and comes with most extravagant gifts ever

From Cartier necklaces to an Aston Martin coupé, the world's most expensive Christmas cracker set contains staggering luxury gifts but no cheesy jokes

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/simply-crackers--the-luxury-christmas-crackers-that-cost-%C2%A34-million-145137469.html#zrsZPwS

[Jimbuna]

Just for mega rich members here the perfect cracker for a snip at rock bottom price of £4 Million..:huh:



https://uk.news.yahoo.com/simply-crackers--the-luxury-christmas-crackers-that-cost-%C2%A34-million-145137469.html#zrsZPwS


Well we all know what you'll be pulling before the turkey then :)

[BossMark]

http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee374/rothwellwhite1/rothwellwhite1001/merry-christmas_zps1021d076.jpg

[Eichhörnchen]

I'll have some small amount of cash to spend on a gift from my old mum; I've been thinking, now that I have a decent laptop, of getting a microphone suitable for recording birdsong (I guess I'd have to sit in the car with the mic out the window) as we have some large variety out here near The Wash. The birds seem so much louder here, and no traffic noise to spoil things if you know where to go.

This would be a completely new hobby, so I'd be learning as I went along; I just thought I'd mention it as there seem to be a lot of guys saying they've got everything they want.

[Sailor Steve]

What would we want? My computer is almost ten years old. I'd like a new one before this one dies. One that will run SH3 with all the bells and whistles, including the MFM, and will let me play Rise Of Flight. :D

[Buddahaid]

It's funny but the only reason I have RoF is for the digital models to play with. I'm just not able to invest the time to really play any games anymore so I guess I'm getting old, or I've just grown out of them. I find much more satisfaction making real things now.

[Eichhörnchen]

No-one ever seems to mention this combat flight sim, which I've had for a while and (dare I say it) enjoy very much when I play it.

I don't stand a chance of playing RoF, not least because I can't play games online.

[Schroeder]

Starting to get a tad concerned, I've spent more than a few bob on the wife getting her what she wants as well as a few surprises and up to now she's got me nowt :stare:

Must be my fault because I can't think of anything I want or need :doh:
Well, she is too busy with all the Bobs. Seriously what did you think would happen if bring a few guys around for her?:doh:


:O:
:D

[Jimbuna]

Well, she is too busy with all the Bobs. Seriously what did you think would happen if bring a few guys around for her?:doh:


:O:
:D

I doubt they could afford her, only muggins here can do that :):03:

[Jeff-Groves]

Can't wait to see the surprise on Nancy's face when she sees what she got me for Christmas!
:D
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n12/privateer_2006/Air%20Rifles/QB57_2.gif

[Aktungbby]

I doubt they could afford her, only muggins here can do that :):03: Similar situation here; I occasionally remind her grace (SWMBO) when I'm losing the argument-actually a skillful disengâgement on my part after 36 years- that "I'll do until MR WONDERFUL comes along".:nope: She'll brighten up when her baby comes home for Christmas from her new two weekold job-meantime, thank heavens for Skype: the panacea to empty-nest-syndrome!

Can't wait to see the surprise on Nancy's face when she sees what she got me for Christmas!
:D
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n12/privateer_2006/Air%20Rifles/QB57_2.gif
http://images.gunsinternational.com/listings_sub/acc_19081/gi_100504886/100504886_19081_4613D42267FE4067.jpg
Likewise with my enamorata for Civil War reenacting so I can take it off the taxes; 'Living historical education' deduction and $pare myself her wrath!:sunny:

[swamprat69er]

Similar situation here; I occasionally remind her grace (SWMBO) when I'm losing the argument-actually a skillful disengâgement on my part after 36 years- that "I'll do until MR WONDERFUL comes along".:nope: She'll brighten up when her baby comes home for Christmas from her new two weekold job-meantime, thank heavens for Skype: the panacea to empty-nest-syndrome!


http://images.gunsinternational.com/listings_sub/acc_19081/gi_100504886/100504886_19081_4613D42267FE4067.jpg
Likewise with my enamorata for Civil War reenacting so I can take it off the taxes; 'Living historical education' deduction and $pare myself her wrath!:sunny:
Whatcha gonna do with the Army Colt

[Aktungbby]

Whatcha gonna do with the Army Colt
Why keep my powder dry and the nipples tight! just like Wild Bill:sunny: This particular gem is an actual 1855 cased '51 Colt's Navy with English style partitions lined with old green baize and contains a small original Colt pistol flask, Colt .36 caliber double cavity bullet mould, original tin of Eley caps, and a nipple wrench. The wood case is not original but the action is still tight. I have two other cased Colt's Navy's. Unfortunately the finish is 'partially' restored which is a negative against the asking price and there is no provenance as a combat weapon.

[Wolferz]

Can't wait to see the surprise on Nancy's face when she sees what she got me for Christmas!
:D
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n12/privateer_2006/Air%20Rifles/QB57_2.gif
Tranquilizer gun? I'm sure her look of surprise will end swiftly when she realizes you just put a dart in her tush.:O:

[Tango589]

Tranquilizer gun? I'm sure her look of surprise will end swiftly when she realizes you just put a dart in her tush.:O:
Anything for a quiet xmas...:D

[swamprat69er]

Why keep my powder dry and the nipples tight! just like Wild Bill:sunny: This particular gem is an actual 1855 cased '51 Colt's Navy with English style partitions lined with old green baize and contains a small original Colt pistol flask, Colt .36 caliber double cavity bullet mould, original tin of Eley caps, and a nipple wrench. The wood case is not original but the action is still tight. I have two other cased Colt's Navy's. Unfortunately the finish is 'partially' restored which is a negative against the asking price and there is no provenance as a combat weapon.
Army or Navy don't make much difference to me, BUT it is still a nice piece and probably would bring a fairly good price at auction. If I had it I sure would not want to sell it.

[Jeff-Groves]

Tranquilizer gun?

That is a QB57 Air Rifle.
Probably the next model to disappear from the market.
Much like the QB6 and the BAM B3.
I have the QB6 and still searching for that AK-47 looking Bam B3.
:yep:

[Wolferz]

Anything for a quiet xmas...:D

Get the weekender dart pack and tag the kids too.:arrgh!:

[Eichhörnchen]

http://i.imgur.com/1vSse2U.png?1


This has everything: it's a gun; it's a cake... (nice)