“Yippee-ki-yay – Rob shares his Christmas traditions”

We’re well and truly in the run up to the most exciting day of the year. The most magical of days, when children all over look forward in eager anticipation of the excitement of Die Hard Day. (24th Dec).

As we approach this day of tense anxiety, wondering if this is the year Hans Gruber gets away with it, we have a lovely opportunity to travel to the highlands and the snowscapes thereat.

Traditional songs and carols escape from every shop and pub, who also offer traditional food: turkey, roast potatoes and parsnips, sage and onion stuffing and the vegetable ignored pretty much for the rest of the year, the humble Brussel sprout.

A traditional Scottish Christmas usually involves at least one hangover, drunken declarations of undying devotion- usually to a complete stranger as you stagger through the pub door and of course pass the parcel. A wondrous game of musical strategy and swift gift unwrapping. The usual order to which the festivities unravel would be-

A day of carousing and carolling, especially that special Christmas ditty ‘Merry Christmas everybody’, a song that’s been around since the 17th century, famous for its initial cry of ‘It’s Christmas’, in fact for many people, the season officially begins when Noddy shouts that very cry.

Then a day of rest, hangover cures and a fried breakfast as the Die Hard countdown begins.

On Christmas Day comes the food (turkey, pigs in blankets, roasties, mashed tattie and the singular appearance of the Brussel sprout.)

Of course, for visitors in Scotland for the first time it often comes as a surprise that it’s not a land of porridge, Pro-golf and Proclaimers, so it’s an ideal opportunity to visit the highlands. Dress warmly and carry spare socks and enjoy the scenery which is of course why most people are here.

Castles, historic buildings and the snow capped peaks will captivate but always remember. Die Hard.

Have a cool yule y’all❤️✌🏾