What’s on your list?

Santa Claus already knows who’s been bad or good, but there are a few traditional treats and festive flash points missing from his naughty and nice roll call. We’ve been reviewing our Christmas highs and lows

The seasonal traditions you either love or loathe

Naughty

■ Overcooked sprouts – they should be a fresh, bright green. Six minutes is long enough, so if they’ve turned yellow or khaki, they’re overdone…

■ Peeling chestnuts for stuffing – it ruins your nails. Buy readypeeled ones, unless you’re roasting on an open fire, of course ■ January sales before Christmas ■ Trailing fruitlessly around the shops looking for inspiration for Christmas presents

■ Naff Christmas jumpers –bah humbug!

■ Struggling to fit the turkey in the oven

■ Having to go to work between Christmas and New Year

Undecided…

■ Mistletoe - it depends who’s hanging around nearby, but it’s a pretty plant and a bit of fun. And who doesn’t love greenery? ■ Round robin letters in Christmas cards. Are they a good way to share news, or a self-indulgent bragfest?

■ Tinsel – if you’re not a fan of its sparkly glitz, be sure to hide it from the children – they love it! ■ Eggnog – or you could make a rum and nutmeg omelette…

Nice

■ Homemade mince pies

■ White Christmases

■ Weather cold enough to light an open fire

■ Boxing Day walks followed by a pub lunch and a welcome day off for the cook

■ Thoughtful handmade gifts

■ Christmas markets

■ Mulled wine with all the colours, flavours and spicy scents of Christmas

■ Christmas Eve in the pub

(perhaps followed by midnight mass if not too merry!)

■ Watching It’s a Wonderful

Life in our (naff) festive jumpers

■ Pigs in blankets, proper roast potatoes and bread sauce

■ The children’s faces as they open their stockings and discover each little treat

■ Christmas Day dog walk

(antlers or festive coats optional for dogs and owners!)

■ Switching the television off and playing charades. Song title, three words. First word… sounds like sherry. Second word… sounds like witless. Third word… (makes a sweeping gesture to all the players around the room)…

■ Slade’s Merry Xmas Everybody!