Andy Park, known as Mr Christmas, has celebrated Christmas Day every single day for 33 years. The 62-year-old from Melksham, Wiltshire, has marked every day since July 14, 1993, with presents, Christmas dinner, crackers, mince pies and a glass of sherry.
Despite the UK heatwave making his daily celebrations a struggle, Andy insists nothing will stop him. He has adapted by opening presents in a paddling pool and cooking his Christmas dinner on the barbecue.
A tradition that began in 1993
Andy, who repairs washing machines and cookers, said: “It’s been so hot, it’s been unbearable. It’s been crazy – up to 36 degrees here, I believe. But every day is Christmas Day to me and I’ve got to do what I do, no matter what. No matter if it’s freezing cold or boiling up, I still do it.”
The tradition began on July 14, 1993, when Andy was out delivering a washing machine on a hot day. He said: “I got back home and thought, ‘there must be something I can do other than what I’m doing now.’ I got into the loft, got all the decorations out, the Christmas tree, crackers, party poppers, the lights. I found a VHS copy of the Queen’s speech, then I put all the decorations and the tree up.”
Daily routine and costs
Andy now buys himself presents every day and writes Christmas cards to himself. He said: “I don’t post the cards anymore because stamps are a bit expensive, so I deliver them myself, through my own letter box. I also watch the Queen’s speech every day at 3 o’clock, sometimes the King’s, depending on how I feel.”
His day begins at around 8am with four or five mince pies and a glass of sherry. He then prepares Christmas dinner before heading to work. At 3pm, he watches the Christmas speech.
Costs and family support
Andy estimates he has spent around £1 million on Christmas over 33 years. He claims to get through about 7,500 Christmas crackers and 7,500 party poppers every year. He also estimates eating almost 14,000 turkeys, 1.25 million Brussels sprouts and 2.25 million mince pies, plus around 14,000 bottles of champagne.
He keeps decoration costs down by buying in January sales. His family lets him get on with it, and his grandchildren enjoy visiting because there is always a present for them. Andy is also excited about a dedicated Christmas TV channel launched on Freeview on 26 Aug, saying: “Christmas movies right up until January. Can you imagine? I can watch Christmas movies every single day.”
