Christmas Word on the Street

We’re back again, pounding the streets of Colne to discover what plans folk have for Christmas this year, their favourite and most cherished festive memories, and what they have planned for 2026…

Meet… Imelda

How will you be spending Christmas this year?

I’ll be spending Christmas with my family.

My two sons live in Manchester, and every year I stay at home, and they come to me.

One of my sons, the one who’s not married, always comes over on Christmas Eve, and we always have a Chinese takeaway together – it’s become a bit of a tradition, and it just wouldn’t feel like Christmas without it! He usually helps me with the preparations and getting things ready for the next day.

Then my other son, who’s married, comes over on Christmas Day with my grandson.

It’s so lovely having everyone together. Christmas is about family.

What is your most cherished, favourite Christmas memory?

I’m from a big family – there were nine of us growing up – so Christmas was always something special.

My mum used to cook the turkey every year, and for years we never realised that she couldn’t stand the stuff! She didn’t even like chicken, bless her, but she still cooked it every Christmas for the rest of us. It wasn’t until we were adults that we found out she never actually ate it herself.

It was always a real team effort in our house too; everyone had a job to do, whether it was helping with the cooking or tackling the mountain of washing up afterwards.

Those big, bustling family Christmases will always be some of my fondest memories.

Do you have anything special planned for 2026?

I’ve not got anything set in stone yet, but there are a few exciting things on the horizon.

One of my sons turns 40 next year, so that’ll be something to celebrate.

I’m also planning to retire, finally. I intended to retire this year, but the thought of not working daunted me, so I cut my hours instead. A friend of mine at work did the same, so between us we’ve found a nice work balance.

Hopefully, I will be retiring, which will allow me to try something new, like Pilates or a walking group.

I’ve done a cruise before and loved it, so that’s something I’d like to do again. I’m really looking forward to slowing down a bit, enjoying myself, and seeing what 2026 brings.

Meet… Lyndsey

How will you be spending Christmas this year?

We’ll be spending a lovely, quiet Christmas Day at home this year, surrounded by family.

It’s always nice to slow down and enjoy a bit of calm after the usual rush leading up to Christmas. There’ll be plenty of good food, laughter.

Then, on Boxing Day, we’ll be setting off in our camper van for a much-needed break, and a bit of adventure to round off the year.

What is your most cherished, favourite Christmas memory?

I remember sitting on the top step of the stairs, full of excitement, waiting for my mum to tell us we could go down because Santa had been.

She’d always go first to ‘check’ that everything was ready, making sure the presents were in place.

We weren’t allowed to move a muscle until she gave the word. The anticipation was almost too much to bear, but when she finally called us down, the magic of it all made it worth the wait.

It was such a special moment – one I’ve never forgotten.

Do you have anything special planned for 2026?

My plans for 2026 are all about putting my work front and centre.

I really want to build on the success of my florist business and take it to the next level. Expanding into wedding flowers is something I really want to try; it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

I’m sure we will also get away in our camper van whenever we can, too.

So, it’s shaping up to be a hectic year, but an exciting one.

Meet… Mandy & Teddy

How will you be spending Christmas this year?

I’ll be spending Christmas at home in Colne with my family – and of course, with Teddy!

For me, Christmas is really all about family. My son and his family will come, as well as my daughter. We have such a lovely time together.

Everyone wears matching pyjamas, and on Christmas Eve we always sit together with mugs of hot chocolate. It’s become one of those little traditions that make it feel extra cosy.

Then on Christmas Day, we all gather again. My daughter’s taking charge of the cooking this year, which is a treat for the rest of us because she absolutely loves it!

It’ll be lovely to just relax and enjoy the day together.

What is your most cherished, favourite Christmas memory?

Some of our best Christmas memories are from when our children were younger.

We used to own a couple of pubs – one in Heywood and another in Middleton and every year we’d have Santa come to visit. All the children who came to the Christmas party would get a little selection box, and the place would be filled with laughter and excitement.

Those were such special times.

But honestly, it’s the simple things that stay with you too – like when the children were little and the sofa was piled high with presents, and you could see the joy on their faces. After all, Christmas is really all about the children, isn’t it?

Do you have anything special planned for 2026?

Next year’s looking like a busy one, but in a good way!

We moved to Colne about 16  months ago to be closer to our son and his family. He’s got his own loaded fries business here, and it’s been great to be nearby.

We’ve really fallen in love with the town.

Now, we’re finishing up a few jobs around the house. With the new kitchens on the way, and once that’s done, we’ll be sorting out the floors too.

We both work from home, so we make sure to get out for plenty of walks with Teddy, which keeps us active. I’m aiming to focus on my health a bit more next year too – more exercise, more time outdoors, and hopefully plenty more time spent with the family.

Meet… Lowenna

How will you be spending Christmas this year?

We’re all looking forward to a really big family Christmas this year! We’re going to spend it at Haven’s Primrose Valley near Whitby, which will be our first time away from home for the Christmas holidays.

The kids are so excited, and honestly, so are we. There will be nearly 30 of us, so it’ll be wonderful to spend time together with our family.

What is your most cherished, favourite Christmas memory?

All the Christmases after our children were born.

In fact, I remember not particularly enjoying Christmas so much before the children were born. It’s just so nice to see Christmas through their eyes.

That’s what it’s all about — there’s nothing more wonderful than seeing their faces on Christmas morning.

Do you have anything special planned for 2026?

I haven’t made any big plans. But I am excited to be lucky enough to be homeschooling my son though.

I am looking forward to all the wonderful learning experiences it will bring. I know it’s going to be a challenge, but this is something I have always wanted to do.

Meet… Leanne

 

 

How will you be spending Christmas this year?

My little girl and little boy will have me up at the crack of dawn, no doubt about it. They’ll be excited to see what Father Christmas has brought them.

After the kids open all the presents, we will get ready and go to church. The kids love it — it’s such a lovely place, really welcoming and child-friendly, and it always feels so calm and cheerful, especially at Christmas.

After church, we’ll head home, and it’ll be chaos with two very happy children. Once we’ve had Christmas dinner, I’ll finally be able to put my feet up.

What is your most cherished, favourite Christmas memory?

I remember when I was a child, and how Christmas used to be with all the family together.

My grandma was always there. She used to hide Quality Street all around the house for us to find. We’d spend ages searching for them.

It’s funny how something so small sticks with you. Every time I see a tin of Quality Street now, it always reminds me of those times, and it reminds me of my grandma.

Do you have anything special planned for 2026?

I’ll be spending my spare time with my two children, coming to church every week.

I help at the church every Monday for breakfast, and I help at Sunday school too. So, I’ll be continuing to volunteer next year.

I love helping, and I love how the church feels like an extended family; all the people here are lovely, and you just click straight away.

It’s not just about helping; it’s about the people as well. Everyone’s friendly and down-to-earth, and it feels like a proper community. You just fit in straight away, and it’s nice having that sense of belonging.

 

Want to know what Reverend Alex will be getting up to? Click here to find out.