[Maritime Q-Scout]

The Christmas Party's. They are so much more than just getting together on a random Saturday night. There is structure to them, everyone special for different reasons.

Starting last year the Friday before Christmas, my fiancé (now wife) host our annual Christmas party. In addition to having friends over, we have food, candy cannot chocolate (with Bailey's), Irish Coffee, and I'm attempting Layered (Vodka) Jello Squares. It's nice to have people come over and simply walk in, say hi, and have a laugh.

The 23rd, or Old Man's Tipsy Eve is a chance for those coming home for literally just Christmas to get out and see friends when they wouldn't otherwise get out.

Christmas Day friends of the family hold a huge Christmas Party for my friend's uncle who was born with Down Syndrome. The party is more than just Christmas but to let his uncle celebrate a day he love so much and show off everything "Ho Ho" brought him.

Afterwards another friend of mine has a Potluck in the evening (Shot-Luck) where tons of people show up in a more rural area and. Everyone brings a different kind of holiday drink (shooter or specalty beer) and then unwinds after the stresses of Christmas.

Boxing Day is at the wife's aunt and uncle's with her extended family for supper and carrying on with the in-laws.

New Year's we along with a few of our closest friends get dressed up and head to a dance. We used to rent a hall and put one on ourselves but it got to be too much work. This year we have tickets for Andrew Doyle, who is amazing if you're ever on Cape Breton Island and see his name at a bar, trust me duck in. During a break ask for a request, doesn't matter what it is he can play it came play it well.

The only tradition that I really miss I stopped last year was eating Chrisas dinner with my grandmother in her nursing home. She passed away last year on October 19th (the day Community was supposed to return for those wondering why that date sticks out).

I hope that helps. I tried to keep the alcohol refenreces to a minimum as it's for a school project, but did include them in brackets for context for the board.

If you want any elaboration, I'm more than happy to share. Send me a PM and I'll add whatever you need.