With the festive season almost upon us, the Impartial Reporter asked the public how they celebrate Christmas. From Grinch pyjamas to spiritual Christmas traditions, the holiday is a special time of year, unique to everyone.

Gillian and Howard Porter from Co. Donegal, enjoy a classic Christmas, dressed in greens and golds, one of the memories from their youth and Neven Maguire’s plum pudding.

Mrs. Porter said: “Old fashioned Christmas, that’s me, no pink Christmas trees.”

The best kind of present according to the Porter’s, is the practical kind, particularly for DIY projects around the home.

“I want a sander this year, to sand my own furniture.”

Chris, Rachel and their charming son Ben Brown enjoy life to the fullest, exploring exciting activities during the summer holidays.

Mr. Brown said: “I’ve got three boys, two disabled and one able-bodied.”

At Christmas time, they focus on family. Enjoying red wine, mince pies, a lamb roast with all the trimmings, and watching Bill Mury’s 'Scrooged' or 'The Polar Express'.

The best Christmas present according to Ben is a thrilling police car ride.

Janet Dowson is transforming her home into a winter wonderland for her daughter Anna coming home. Anna has been away since August working as a primary school teacher in hot Qatar.

Mrs. Dowson spends Christmas with her mother, brother, sister, and all their children, playing board games and quizzes or eating Christmas cheeses and watching 'The Grinch'.

Making memories is important to Mrs. Dowson, especially now that her children are grown up, and doing their own thing now.

However, you are never too old to enjoy traditions, Mrs. Dowson said: “I have twins, they are 24 and since they were one, they get new pyjamas on Christmas Eve.”

For Sharon Wallace Christmas is a magical time of year, decorating and shopping early, ensuring the house is stocked with Shloer.

Mrs. Wallace said: “Now it’s also a sad time because I lost my mum last year around this time, but I still love Christmas, I love the lights, the holy side of it too.”

This year Mrs. Wallace is celebrating her Christmas in Liverpool with her two sons: “I’m going to have a different Christmas, I’m having my Christmas dinner out in a restaurant, that’s the first for me.”

The Parker family are making new traditions, recently moving to Northern Ireland two years ago.

Natalie Parker makes chutneys and handcrafted wreaths with her children.

Mrs. Parker said: “Started last year, foraged lots of natural things around the farm and this year we have bought some things to last forever.”

The Parker children, Frankie, Indie, Jude and Winnie leave carrots, mince pies, homemade cookies and a glass of milk out for Santa.