From Ben's first Christmas Hugh has dressed as Father Christmas. His outfit was made by his sister and is still going strong.
In my family, my Mum always had an extra little present for each of us which was left under the tree. This present was always from Father Christmas and was given out late in the afternoon on Christmas Day, so that there was something to look forward to later in the day.
When Hugh and I had children we decided to adopt this tradition, but change it a little and have Father Christmas actually arrive at our house (or whoever's house we were at!) with the presents.
Father Christmas always arrives to the jingle of sleigh bells (an old set of bells that Ben had from the Early Learning Centre) and much calling of 'whoa Dasher, slow down Dancer, whoa there Rudolph' and then Hugh will arrive, ahem, sorry, I mean Father Christmas!
Each person is then given their present, but Father Christmas always asks first if they have been good! There is the photo call with the children, and sometimes with the adults too! Each lady gets a kiss from him and then he asks where Hugh is. The children all shout 'he's gone to the toilet' -as that is where Hugh always says he is going! 'Oh dear' says Father Christmas 'I've missed him again. I'll leave his present on the table'. Then we all say goodbye and off he goes for another year.
Olivia (who is now 8) said last year 'I know it's not the real Father Christmas'. I asked how she knew and if it wasn't, who was it? 'I know it's Uncle Hugh because he is wearing his shoes!'.
We hope that one day Ben will take over and become Father Christmas for his children. Until then, Hugh is more than happy to continue in his once a year role.
10 comments:
How lovely that you have kept this tradition going....I can remember my grandad dressing as Father Christmas.
That is such a fantastic thing to do! Maybe one day when we have Grandchildren we'll start that tradition. Thanks for sharing.
Rinda
What a sweet story, Becky. And I love the reasoning by your niece. :o)
Oh, this is just lovely! For many years my aunt and uncle did something similar at their Christmas Party - the look on the faces of all the children is so special. You've got me feeling so Christmassy with this one! Perfect.
Many, many thanks for your CC'ing this year Becky - it is very much appreciated. A very merry Christmas to you and yours!
What a lovely tradition, it has reminded me that my father in law did the same thing so many years ago!
Merry Christmas to you Becky x
What a great family tradition.
What a wonderful family tradition! And I can't help but notice how different the costume is for "Father Christmas" vs. "Santa"
What an absolutely lovely post. A lovely tradition and I giggled at the 'whoa Dasher, slow down Dancer, whoa there Rudolph' bit.
A lovely story and a lovely tradition, these children are too clever aren't they?!
Such a lovely tradition - and a story well told, too :-)
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