strange_complex | Day 09- Best holiday traditions (Reply)

Oh, plural form of the word 'tradition' in this title, how I love thee! Because now I can just list all my favourite traditions without having to choose between them. Here goes:

Buying everyone candles to mark the Saturnalia, because I can, and people indulging me over it.
For the thirteen years that we did it, the annual Christmas dinner with my Bristol buddies.
Decorating the family tree with my sister while listening to CDs of cheesy Christmas music and trying to stop the cat chasing after all the decorations.
Going out into my parents' frosty, wintry garden to find sprigs of greenery, berries and winter-flowering plants, slot them into a log drilled with holes which my Dad made me for the purpose and make a winter display for the top of the fireplace.
Helping to host a Christmas party at my parents' house, including taking charge of the mulled wine, singing carols and enjoying getting all dressed up and into the festive spirit.
Staying up until midnight on Christmas eve to toast in Christmas with my sister.
Putting sherry and mince pies out for Santa, which I still do even though we stopped having stockings any more in 2005. I'll say more about why I do that when we get to day 15, 'Do you still believe in Santa Claus?'.
Bringing the presents from underneath the tree and into the lounge, sorting them out into piles according to who they're for, and then taking turns for each member of the family to open one present at a time, while sipping delicious coffee and eating chocolates.
Having angel chimes on the table during Christmas dinner.
Everything about the dinner itself.
Setting fire to the pudding! I'm not sure when this became 'my' job, but it is now, and I love doing it.
Sitting around afterwards with a roaring fire in the grate, drinking more coffee and playing with new presents.
Watching Doctor Who.
Staying up late after everyone else has gone to bed watching TV and catching up on other peoples' days, and opinions of Doctor Who via the internet.
Going to see my oldest friend Amy and her family on Boxing Day.