Where are you going to spend Christmas?

[MissLT]

What sort of special meal do you have on Christmas Day Lenny? My family tends to lean towards the English Traditional Lunch. Like roast Turkey, baked veges, plum pudding etc. I have to walk for a bout six months straight to burn off all the calories.

I often wonder what a traditional Christmas meal is in other countries.

In our past Christmases, we usually cooked Vietnamese food for main dishes and a cake for dessert. Since my cousin's birthday is on the 27th of December, we usually throw her a birthday party on Christmas's Eve with the actual Christmas party. Lately, we've been ordering food for the xmas party, so the grown-ups won't have to cook that much. We order mini-croissants and sandwiches. My mom and aunts still cook Vietnamese soup, noodles and some appetizers. We don't drink eggnogs like Americans say they do; we only drink wines and soft drinks. Also, my cousins has been baking cupcakes and cookies for the party. That's pretty all.

[Shazzam]

My daughters' birthday is on the 29th December. She gets so ripped-off as everyone buys her combined presents. I hate that!!!! I wish they would seperate them as it is her birthday not Christ's birthday. I have spoken to her grandfather about it but he still keeps doing it....I feel so sorry for her.

[MissLT]

My daughters' birthday is on the 29th December. She gets so ripped-off as everyone buys her combined presents. I hate that!!!! I wish they would seperate them as it is her birthday not Christ's birthday. I have spoken to her grandfather about it but he still keeps doing it....I feel so sorry for her.

I have to be truthful with you, I know 6 people who were born around this time: my guy friend's bday is Dec. 19th, my cousin's is Dec. 22nd, my girl friend's is Dec. 25th, my other cousin's is Dec. 27th, my uncle's and neighbor's is Dec. 31st. You see, if I have to get each of them two presents for their birthdays and their Xmas presents, I would be broke. Not only me but everyone else I know would be broke. People I know can't afford to do things like this; therefore, we decide to combine their presents as one. Instead of getting two presents, they will get one big present that might worth a little bit much more than each one of the two. Also, think of the time that people have to get the presents if they can't combine them. Each present is a much thought to be done, and with this season of the year, it's too stressful to do things like this.

[Shazzam]

As you get older Lenny I don't think it matters that much, but for children it is so important that they have their individual birthday. My daughter always has her birthday celebrated seperately; except for some members of the family (that is ok) but I know that she does get a little disappointed especially when her grandfather does it.

[MissLT]

Same thing for my cousin. She's been disappointed since her first bday because of this one-present-instead-of-two thing; however, she doesn't dare to complain because according to her mom, "your relatives are not made of money. You have to be happy for having presents. Kids out there are still dying on Xmas day" blah blah blah blah blah..... Seeee, how can she complain with this talk? I feel sorry for her, but sadly it's true-- I'm not made of money (still living at home sometime, still asking for money sometime, etc. ). I've tried to do whatever I could, and it means I've tried to get her a bigger present to make her feel more special since she only gets one.

[Shazzam]

Lenny I think it is lovely that you buy for your extended family! We don't anymore as they are all over 16 and that was the deal; it gets too expensive. Family understands. My daughter just gets a little disappointed with her grandfather; i suppose the reason for this is that all the other grandchildren get acknowledged on their birthdays and she doesn't. He doesn't even ring her. He just gives her one gift before christmas and that is that.

The fact that you keep up with cousins etc is amazing! That must love you heaps!!!! I hope they all get you something nice too.

[Danyet]

You better send me a present too Lenny and it had better be expensive!

[MissLT]

You better send me a present too Lenny and it had better be expensive!

This is getting creepy! You're starting to sound like my boyfriend even more...

[MissLT]

Lenny I think it is lovely that you buy for your extended family! We don't anymore as they are all over 16 and that was the deal; it gets too expensive. Family understands. My daughter just gets a little disappointed with her grandfather; i suppose the reason for this is that all the other grandchildren get acknowledged on their birthdays and she doesn't. He doesn't even ring her. He just gives her one gift before christmas and that is that.

The fact that you keep up with cousins etc is amazing! That must love you heaps!!!! I hope they all get you something nice too.

Thank you! I'm really closed with my cousins. They're like my brothers or sisters. Also, I call my uncles' wives as moms and aunts' husbands as dads. I call some uncles as dads. My cousins call some of our aunts as moms. I was in the labor room with my cousin's wife when she was giving birth. This is how close I am with them.

[Shazzam]

I am not a Christian,
but I congratulate my foreign friends ,specially in my center ,,
I was born in Italian hospital with italian Nuns's hand....in Amman
and i have 2 arabic Christian friends .and I will give them postcards..but I don't celebrate Christmas

I LOVE YOUR SANTA!

Do you have a lunch? See special friends? What makes Christmas day different in your country from Australia do you think?

Hi Shrone:
I don't know many things about Christemas in amman ,
just Amman awakes all night from 25/des-3/jaun, and many people go shopping and go to cafes,I talk about all people ,Christian ...etc.
about church, we have a lot of church here ,but when I pass them I don't see many people in it .
but every sunday all churchs bell their bell .
in christmas many christian people bandy presents and postcards .
In christmas there are many muslims introduce postcards
and congratulate christian , kind of fraternising..just

That sounds very much like what Christmas is like everywhere. I don't think that many people go to Church on Christmas day either. Most people here just spend it with family and friends. We usually do church service Christmas eve. I must admit I'm normally too lazy to go, but my family does.

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful new year. Wouldn't it be nice if we had PEACE for this period, with no killing and no hatred. That is my wish for everyone this Christmas.