We keep it short sweet and simple. Greenery (tree is optional, but we gather a variety of evergreens to drape about the room) and candles go up on or around the Winter Solstice/Yule, to be taken out (to be burned later) a day or two after New Year.

I've become fond of a new 'tradition' we've kept for the past couple of Yules, where friends VTam and SO come over for a short walk to gather in the evergreens and a vegetarian Yule meal.

Christmas proper is kept just for the three days of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. I'll often go out for a wander through the high street to see the lights and a wee drink of Baileys in the pub with my Dad on Christmas Eve, but since his Mam died he doesn't bother with Christmas for himself and prefers to get away on his boat with his dog.

Me and my partner usually get in a duck to roast (with spuds and veg.), get in some decent cheese and salad, some smoked salmon, some booze and some films and hole up for Christmas and Boxing day. Presents are rare, though we sometimes surprise one another with a little something. This year I've been tempted by the idea of foregoing the Duck and instead ordering in a Vegetarian Thali from a local curry house for Christmas day.