No one in Ireland I ever knew put real candles on a tree, never heard much about it until I came to Switzerland - but then I could be wrong

There's a reason why the Christmas tree in CH is left outside until Christmas eve so it is not bone dry and a fire hazard when the real candles are lit.

Father Christmas likes Hennessy brandy round these parts

But must admit it can be dangerous. Was once at a Xmas eve celebration with 100 guests and a 6 metre high Xmas tree in a room. It had real candles. Suddenly the tree exploded in flames. In 10 seconds the tree was no more. They said it was a sign from the gods

Led candles. The ultimate kitsch.

My contribution to 'candlegate'

Back in the 70s, I only knew two people and the local churches that had real candles on their trees. After reports of the fires caused by the Blue Peter Advent calendar made from 2 coathangers, tinsel and 4 candles, my mum bought naff flower-shaped multi-coloured lights. I didn't see candles on a tree again until Salzburg in 1994, where our hotel had a real tree with blue candles on each floor opposite the lift, and they were only lit on Christmas Eve. The hotel staff also left a bottle of wine and a very generous plate of Christmas biscuits, nuts and tangerines in each room.

I'll be selling Port and Stilton 7 days a week for 24 days in December. I'll then get the last flight out to the Netherlands on Christmas Eve for a British/Dutch Christmas and to catch up with some sleep for a couple of days. Beer will be involved.

And re when Christmas should start. I remember my mother telling me that when she a kid, her father would be allowed to finish work early on the 24th (even as early as 2pm!). He would then buy a Christmas tree and the family would decorate it that afternoon!

__________________
Mike

Monger of fine British Cheeses

I've only known one family in Ireland to use a tree with real candles in recent times, although I think that one side of the family was German/Austrian.

My father often mentioned trees with real candles when talking about his childhood, and that would have been in the 50s/60's, I think my mothers house had power, my fathers didn't.

Santa was a Powers man around my house, sometimes even crystal clear "whiskey" from a repurposed whiskey bottle appeared.

"canadian club"

Is that Hakapik? It'll put you under all right.

When we lived in Kleinbasel we had a German neighbour one floor down who had real candles on her tree. I used to worry about the building burning down

I like Christmas to be a quiet affair because for me it's a time of reflection and showing gratitude for still being on the planet. The most difficult Christmas for me was 2006 when I was 6 weeks into cancer treatment and absolutely exhausted as I was crashing from the high dose of steroids I had to take every 3 weeks before a chemo cycle. Poor husband cooked a lovely Christmas dinner and made the dining room look all festive, but I just picked at it and had to go back to bed. He's so sweet he came to bed and watched TV with me, he even had a little light up tree ornament on the chest of drawers. The only thing I could actually taste at that point was advocaat and biscuits, so I lived on them all through the festive season.

Tom

Admit it. Thats your house!

I'll admit, our Christmas tree goes up early.

But it's a fir tree growing outside in the garden, and the ornaments hanging from the bows boughs are fatballs, peanut cones, popcorn garlands, a bird-seed/suet star topper, and other winter bird delights.

We can't have a tree inside, so this is a good compromise. Festive and functional.

.

Yes, we have to remember the birds at this cold time of the year.

Generally, they go into the oven around here.

That warms them up!



Tom

Only saw the title and I thought you were showing us what you're gonna burn at Christmas .... until I scrolled.

Bah humbug.

no Christmas tree for me but all other decoration yes. I just love Christmas lights and decorations. I will be putting them this weekend


few days before Christmas I am off to Thailand and Laos, away from everybody until 2020 is already there.

I was told that my Christmas party at work has been moved to January 2020. This much for tradition

must be a brexit party

I think that my X-mad party will take place sooner