When does the Christmas season traditionally start in your house?

Every family has different Xmas traditions. I find it fascinating. When do you get the tree? We get our tree usually on the first Saturday, but this is more because then its done. My daughters used to love decorating itm but they've left home, so now Clare is doing it. When do you put up the decorations? Ours start going up with the tree.  When do you take them down? I like to take them down after boxing day, I feel it's done then,, 

When do you start feeling like its Xmas, do you have an official start of the Xmas season? Until 2014, the official start of Xmas festivities for me was The Pogues Xmas gig. A large group of friends would go down and let our hair down. When the Pogues hunbg up their boots, I realised we needed a new tradition. So we cemented the False Dots Xmas party in the calendar in 2015. I came up with the idea of having the Barneteye Community awards at the gig. It seemed like a good idea, get everyone out, recognise people who were making a difference in the community and they have a boogie. For me, it became the official start of the Xmas season. It worked really well. We staged it at the Chandos Arms in Colindale, the Midland Hotel in Hendon and the Mill Hill Rugby club. The last awards night was in 2019. Sadly Covid hit in the new year, by the time we could stage gigs, things had changed. The Chandos had changed management. The Midland Hotel had shut. This blog had also changed. However, I've always loved an Xmas gig and when Tony at The Dublin Castle offered us a residency, it was the perfect excuse to resume the tradition, so we are back again for our third Xmas bash in Camden. It is a brilliant night. 

Click image for more details of gig

This year, our Xmas starts officially on Friday. The False Dots are playing supporting the amazing Radical Dance Faction, we'll be on at 8pm and for those about to boogie, the Dublin Castle is open with music until 2am! It really is a good noight out there. 

Having launched the Xmas season, on Saturday, we are at my sister in law's for her Xmas party. This is another key event. Her partner is a rather good cook, so we get fed Royally and it is always a good laugh. Another recent tradition is also occurring, one which I wasn't expecting this year. Since 2019, I've gone with my nephew to watch an Xmas game at Hadley FC. As he moved down to the West Country earlier in the year, I thought the visit wouldn't happen this year, but he's just told me he's going as he's in town, which is wonderful.

Another new-ish tradition has been going to see Pogues Tribute band The Pogue Traders, who this year are at Dingwalls on the 21st. That will be a grand night. Xmas Eve is a big event. We go to mass at the Sacred Heart, then go for a meal with friends and family on Mill Hill Broadway. For years, it was Layla's Turkish restaurant. In recent years it has been The Mill Hill Tandoori, this year we may try the new Turkish restaurant, we will discuss with the crowd. 

Then on Xmas day, I cook. The morning involves playing punk rock at loud volume until the guests arrive. Then we have Clare's Xmas playlist. Noisy punk rock helps drive me on with the spud bashing. The official end of the Xmas Season is a visit to the Adam and Eve for beers on Boxing day, then some vegging out in front of the Telly. We are then into New Year, which is a completely different story!

What are your traditions and what music do you like to listen to? Have you made an Xmas playlist? Here's mine, a few of the classics and few things that I rather like! Enjoy