Our Favourite Scouse Christmas Traditions

Have Yourself A Merry Little Crimbo With These Super Scouse Traditions

Because are you even a Scouser if you don't get dragged around St John's by your Ma, get new PJs for Christmas Eve and watch the footie on Boxing Day?

We're an old city steeped in history, shaped by the people who travelled from near and far to build this special town. We've got a big heart, a strong sense of community and a love of independence. We've picked up a few quirks along the way and developed our own traditions. How many of these Scouse Christmas rituals can you tick off the list?

The Fab Four Having A Very Scouse Christmas

1. Heading Into Town To Watch The Lights Get Switched On

Tree of Hearts Outside Our **Liverpool One** Store

We love dragging the entire family into town to watch some local celeb flick the switch and light the city up. From the giant snowflakes of Bold st to the massive tree of hearts in L1, we love it all! Until it's time to get home and the busses are rammed, the trains are full, the kids are screamin' and every taxi in the city has its light switched off.

2. New Jarmies On Christmas Eve

New Crimbo PJs and If You're Lucky A New Pair of **Slippers**!

Does your ma even love you if she doesn't buy you a pair of fresh PJs for Christmas Eve? 18 months old or 18 years, it doesn't matter, get in those garish Christmas garbs and keep them on until midday! Snuggle up and settle down, it's time to chill, watch a Christmas film and wait for the best day of the year. Matching PJs for the whole fam? Even better.

The Coca Cola Truck Is Another Crimbo Feature That Visits **Liverpool One**

The big red symbol of Christmas joy. Not Santa, but the Coca-Cola truck! Why do Scousers love it so much? Rain or shine, we'll follow it wherever it goes. We all remember that glorious year it parked near our Utility store in Liverpool One. The queues were huge and the wait was long but they brought snow machines and the big man himself. The things we'll do for a decent pic of the kids in front of a giant Christmassy carriage.

4. Panto At The Empire

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Because 'IT'S BEHIND YOUUUUU' never gets old. We love a bit of high-energy, lowbrow entertainment. Music, fairytales, comedy and heckling without the threat of getting kicked out. There's just something comforting about those familiar storylines, predictable plot twists and audience interactions. Good, wholesome family fun.

5. Last Minute Shopping At St John's With Your Ma

St John's Has A Special Place In All Scouse Hearts

It's the Saturday before Christmas and you wanna stay in and watch cartoons, but your Ma's got other plans. We've all been dragged around every shop and stall at the market in a cloud of last-minute panic, but St John's never fails to solve all problems. Socks for your Da, stilettos for your sister and sprouts from the veg-man.

6. Seeing The First Christmas Robin Of The Year And Thinking It’s Yer Nan

We're a sentimental bunch and Crimbo is a time for family. Every scouser on the planet sees that beautiful Robin Red Breast in the garden and thinks 'Aww, me little nan'. Deny it, we dare you.

7. Chippy Dinner On Christmas Eve

Crimbo Eve is for chilling out filling up

The fridge is brimming with food but the kitchen is off-limits. We're literally named after a pan of stew, so it's no surprise that food's pretty important to us. We love a full roast with all the trimmings, but we love a cheeky chippy din-dins on Crimbo Eve too! The big question; Chinese food or Fish and Chips?

8. Watching The Footie On Boxing Day

It's Boxing Day, your dad's in his chair with a Christmas hat on his head and a beer in his hand. Time for the footie! It's not the most glamorous scene, but there's something so pure about kicking it back with the family and watching the beautiful game. The lucky ones, the true Reds, the committed Kopites, will go on that Christmas pilgrimage and journey down to Anfield to watch Jurgen and the boys play on the pitch.

9. A New Crimbo Day Outfit

Who knew this was just a scouse thing? It's the Saturday before Christmas and you're heading out with your mates. The outfit that you and your mum spent a full day looking for is hanging in your wardrobe, sad, lonely, desperate to be worn. But you'd die before you'd ask to wear it because you know what the answer would be. The Crimbo Day outfit is a sacred thing and wearing it before the 25th just wouldn't be right. Scouse self-pride and style! Extra points for getting your nails and a curly blow done.

10. Leftover Turkey Scouse On Boxing Day

After the hustle and bustle of Christmas Day, all we want to do is sit in our jimjams and eat picky bits. And we can, because there's a mountain of food left over. What better way to repurpose those veggie scraps than to throw them all in a pan and cook up a pot of scouse? Meat, carrots, onions, roasties, the essential ingredients are ready to go! Too much effort? Rustle up a turkey butty instead.