Warrington locals reveal their top Christmas traditions

As we all know, the pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives and Christmas might not be exactly the same this year.

However, this won’t stop us from indulging in some our favourite Christmas traditions and making the most of the festive season.

We have rounded up some of the best local traditions and also asked Warrington Guardian readers about some of their favourite festive activities- here are some of the best responses:

Overwhelmingly, one of the most popular Christmas traditions for the people of Warrington is spending time with family.

Eileen Bright said: “Spending the day with my family, my dad, sisters, niece, nephews, grand daughter... [it will be a] much smaller event this year, sadly."

Another even commented that their favourite tradition is the family “Monopoly fight after dinner”.

Other readers are nostalgic for their childhood, reminiscing about heading to the pantomime on Christmas Eve or “waking up at 4am” to tear open presents.

One Warrington Guardian reader said their favourite traditions include: “[Getting] new matching pjs every Christmas Eve, always counting down with an advent calendar, having treats left in a stocking for Christmas morning, eating my mum’s Christmas dinner”

As you know, Christmas and food go hand in hand. However, for one Warrington Guardian reader it’s not the main Christmas Day meal she looks forward to, but the “leftover turkey sandwiches on Christmas night.”

Kaylee Knee Smith said she loves “Dressing up like I'm off for a posh meal to literally stand in my nan's kitchen all day… perfect!”

For many, there is nothing more magical than heading to the local Christmas light switch on.

Sadly, it was only a virtual event this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

However, in previous years the event has been incredibly popular with locals- the lights have even been attended by famous faces.

Kerry McFadden and Simon Webb are just some stars to have graced the event in previous years.

Speaking of Christmas lights, one Warrington Guardian reader said their favourite festive tradition is driving around on a Sunday night to admire the neighbour’s dazzling displays.

If you uphold a similar tradition, there are plenty of beautifully decorated streets in Warrington.

Nik Crosby said their favourite Christmas tradition is watching It’s a Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve, as it sparks fond memories of her mother.

Another reader said one of her favourite traditions Is having a Christmas pub lunch with all of her friends- a  tradition she can’t uphold this year.

She wrote: “For 30 years we’ve had a Christmas pub lunch with a group of widespread friends on the 2nd Sunday in December - but not this year”

Another reader said one of his favourite traditions used to be the local derby that took place on Boxing Day between the Warrington Wolves and rivals the Widnes Vikings.

Elf on the Shelf is a more modern Christmas tradition for those with young children.

For those who don’t know, this is a tradition that runs every day in December until Christmas Eve.

During these days, cheeky elves run rampant at home pulling pranks and causing mischief before finally flying back to Santa on Christmas Eve to report on how good the children have been

This Burtonwood shared this photo of her naughty elf(Photo: Lynsey Ward) .

The people of Warrington have shared some fantastic elf on the shelf photos, including a naughty elf who wrapped up the living room furniture and other elves who decided to bathe in marshmallows.

For Ashlee Spencer, there isn’t one single tradition that makes Christmas so special.

She wrote:  “It’s the whole Christmas period... Christmas Eve traditions of family time... then home for tea, bath and new Christmas pjs [sic] and a film, ready for the big man to come.”

What are some of your favourite Christmas traditions? Let us know in the comments.