The special days of Christmas...

AS the song says “it’s the most wonderful time of the year”.

But what are the essential Christmas customs that make the festive season so special? Advent calendars, a carrot for Rudolph, a sherry for Santa, watching the Queen’s Speech, unwanted Brussels sprouts or falling asleep in front of the TV?

Reporter Karen Doherty asked shoppers in Uppermill what their must-have traditions are.“I like pantomime, especially now I have got two grandchildren, said 44-year-old Jacinta Nelson from Uppermill.

“I think it is quite nice round here because there are a lot of amateur productions which are apparently really good.

“I make my own Christmas decorations and I try to to make everybody’s presents There is always a theme — last year everybody got hats!”

For Jo Brierley (40) from Dobcross it is all about the children.

She has two girls and said: “We have a wooden house with little boxes for gifts and chocolates as opposed to an advent calendar.zz

“A lot of the Christmas traditions are to do with school and church. With young children it is all about attending church services and Christmas concerts.”

Lorraine Highton’s two grown-up sons are assured of one gift and the 54-year-old from Lees explained: “I always buy the kids, no matter how old they are, a selection box. One is nearly 30 now but I still get them.

“And real Christmas trees, I can’t be doing with artificial ones. I always put it up on the 19th because my son’s birthday is on the 12th.

“I give him a week for his birthday — and then the tree is not bald by New Year as well!”

Home from university for Christmas in Uppermill is Shaun Barber (19) who said: “I think the new tradition of turning on the lights everywhere is a good one. It gets the kids involved.

“I also like the way all the shops get matching lights — a bit of community spirit.

“As soon as all my siblings are home we always put up the decorations but I think we have got rid of the ones we had for years.”

Charles Muller (71) from Uppermill celebrates with friends at Uppermill Cricket Club and said: “We have a service on Christmas day with traditional carols. I have been going there for nearly 20 years.”

Family Christmas dinners are essential for Ken Goodwin (69) from Grasscroft who said “We have about 12 at my daughter’s. I also like the midnight mass carol service.” And Santa’s annual Christmas lights switch on in Uppermill is a hit with Winifred Buckley (74) who added: “I like the traditions that go on here.

“Father Christmas walking around, the Christmas trees and going to church on Christmas Eve.”