It’s that special time of the year when we love to celebrate.
Christmas brings families together when we eat, drink and be merry.
And Geordies have traditions that only us up north would appreciate.
From visiting Fenwick window to buying dad Newcastle Brown Ale and from ice skating at the Centre For Life to wearing new pyjamas on Christmas Eve, Geordies just adore December.
Here are 22 things a Geordie does at Christmas but if you have any others please tell us in the comments.
1. Tyne Bridge
When coming home any Geordie worth their salt will want to either go over the Tyne Bridge or pass by it on the train. It gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling inside and is the landmark that depicts home.
2. Fenwick window
It is a must see at Christmas. Fenwick window is always so special. It brings back memories from when you were a child and helps you make new ones with your own off-spring.
3. Socks on the mantlepiece
It is a Geordie tradition to hang your socks off the fireplace - the longer the better, such as your lucky football socks. And Santa always leaves an apple, orange and cash ( a coin of some sort) in the bottom of them.
4. Santa’s grotto
Who remembers Santa’s Grotto at Shephards of Gateshead back in the day? It was spectacular. There might not be anything that matches up to that these days but it is still so lovely to see your child’s face light up when Santa asks for their Christmas wish list.
5. Buy new PJs
Most Geordies buy new pyjamas to wear on Christmas Eve. It just has to be done.
6. Dad delight
All dads have to be the FIRST in the living room to check Santa has been. It is another tradition that never fails to get the kids excited.
7. Ice stating
It is such a magical experience going ice skating at the Centre for Life in Newcastle. All ages enjoy it and it doesn’t matter if you fall down a few times. It’s all part of the fun.
8. Shopping
It is one of those things that just makes you happy. To shop on Newcastle's Northumberland Street at Christmas under the festive light is absolutely gorgeous.
9. Christmas dinner
Throughout the year it is known that Geordies like their bait - and our Christmas dinner is no exception. We have everything - the biggest turkey with all the trimmings and lashings of gravy. We also go big on puddings too. There are always plenty on offer. Expect to put on a few pounds over the festive holidays.
10. Get bladdered
Newcastle is known for being a party capital and so many of us like to celebrate at Christmas. Pints, cocktails and shots - then finish off with karaoke at Cosy Joes. Sounds like a great night out to us.
11. Shop at Marks & Spencer
This is probably to only time of the year you do your big shop here. Even ordering your Christmas specialities well in advance. This isn’t just any Christmas dinner but an M&S Christmas dinner. Mmmmm!
12. Presents
Geordies are known for their generosity and we like to go overboard with our pressies at Christmas. We like to make our friends and family happy. Nothing wrong with that!
13. Sparkles
Now Geordie lasses like to get dressed up at Christmas and wear no coats. Sparkles are bang on trend each year so we like to pull on our little sequined numbers and even add a touch of glitter to our cheeks and nails. Stunning.
14. Spray tans
Most Geordie lasses also like a spray tan to go with that sequined outfit. A temporary Tenerife glow for a few quid always goes down well.
15. Prosecco
Christmas is that special time of year when we celebrate it with a bottle of fizz. Geordies don’t do things by halve. Order a crate of prosecco girls, you don’t want to run out.
16. Mistletoe
Don’t forget to take that sprig of mistletoe on a Christmas night out. A snog is always a plus.
17. Leave a carrot for Rudolph
It is Geordie tradition to leave a carrot for Rudolph, a mince pie for Santa with a glass of brandy/sherry. And Rudolph always bites off half of his carrot and leaves the remainder - much to the surprise of the little ones.
18. Newcastle Brown Ale
Newkie Brown is the amber nectar that originates from here so many Geordie dads get it as a present. It is one of those pressies that tends to find its way under the Christmas tree. And we don’t know many dads/grandads who moan about it.
19. Decorate the Christmas tree
This is tradition that plays a big part in Geordie family life. While mam and dad decorate the top of the tree, the little ones hang their baubles on the bottom half. Absolutely lovely!
20. Christmas Party
It is that one time of the year when everyone in the office mixes with each other. And sometimes it's the start of a few Christmas romances that get tongues wagging in the New Year.
21. Silly dancing.
Geordies are renowned for letting their hair down - and we do this a lot at Christmas. Many of us tend to make a fool of ourselves at this time of year with a spot of silly dancing. Well. why not?
22. Big hearts
Geordies are known for their big hearts and at Christmas time we like to remember our loved ones who aren’t here.
Miss you!
