The 12 Pubs of Christmas: A Festive Tradition Decoded
The 12 Pubs of Christmas: a festive rite of passage, a social marathon, and a hilarious holiday tradition all rolled into one. If you’re planning your own festive pub crawl, understanding the ‘rules’ (or, more accurately, guidelines) is key to a successful and memorable night. Forget about visions of sugar plums; this is about navigating crowded pubs, adhering to silly stipulations, and generally embracing the Christmas spirit, one pint at a time.
This guide dives deep into the unofficial rules, offers creative theme ideas, and provides tips to ensure your 12 Pubs adventure is a resounding success.
The Unofficial Rules of the 12 Pubs
The beauty of the 12 Pubs of Christmas is its inherent flexibility. There’s no governing body handing out official rulings. However, certain conventions have evolved over the years. These are more like guidelines, really. Feel free to adapt them to your group’s preferences and the specific pubs you’ll be visiting.
The Core Principles
* **One Drink Per Pub:** This is the most fundamental rule. You consume one alcoholic drink in each of the 12 pubs. This can be a pint of beer, a glass of wine, a festive cocktail, or even a shot (though 12 shots might be pushing it!). Consider exploring lighter options for a smoother experience, especially if you’re looking to pace yourself.
* **The Route:** Planning is essential. Decide on your 12 pubs in advance and map out a logical route. Walking between pubs is part of the experience (and helps burn off some of those liquid calories!).
* **Designated Dress Code:** A festive Christmas jumper is practically mandatory. But feel free to get creative with themed outfits, Santa hats, reindeer antlers, or even full-blown elf costumes.
* **The Buddies:** Stick together! This isn’t a solo mission. The 12 Pubs is a social event, so make sure your group stays together and looks out for each other.
* **Embrace the Chaos:** Things will inevitably go wrong. Someone will spill a drink, get lost, or forget a rule. Don’t sweat it. Embrace the chaos and enjoy the ride.
Rule Variations and Challenges
The real fun begins when you introduce additional rules and challenges. These add an element of unpredictability and hilarity to the evening.
* **Themed Pubs:** Assign a theme to each pub (e.g., Christmas Carols, Moustache Mandatory, Wear a Hat). This adds a layer of creativity and encourages interaction with other pub-goers.
* **Speaking Restrictions:** In one pub, you might only be allowed to speak in movie quotes. In another, you might have to sing everything you say. The possibilities are endless.
* **Drinking Rules:** Specific actions trigger drinking penalties. For example, anyone who says the word “Christmas” has to take a sip of their drink. Or, the last person to finish their drink in each pub has to buy the next round (use sparingly!).
* **Physical Challenges:** Introduce simple physical challenges in each pub. This could be anything from arm wrestling to completing a short obstacle course.
* **The “No Phone” Rule:** At least in one pub, ban phone usage except for emergencies or pre-approved pictures. Encourage genuine interaction and conversation.
Theme Ideas to Spice Up Your 12 Pubs
A well-chosen theme can elevate your 12 Pubs experience from a simple pub crawl to a legendary event.
* **Ugly Christmas Jumper Extravaganza:** The classic choice. The uglier, the better.
* **Christmas Movie Characters:** Dress up as your favorite characters from Christmas films.
* **Christmas Carols:** Each pub is dedicated to a specific Christmas carol. Attendees must sing a verse before entering or ordering a drink.
* **Decades Theme:** Assign a different decade to each pub (e.g., 1950s, 1980s, 2000s). Dress and music should reflect the chosen decade.
* **Superheroes vs. Villains:** Divide your group into superheroes and villains, and let the festive chaos ensue.
Tips for a Successful and Safe 12 Pubs
* **Pace Yourself:** It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Remember to drink water and eat food throughout the evening.
* **Stay Hydrated:** Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks.
* **Eat Before You Start:** A solid meal before embarking on your pub crawl is essential.
* **Travel Safely:** Plan your transportation in advance. Designate a driver or use public transport.
* **Look After Each Other:** Stick together and make sure everyone gets home safely.
* **Be Respectful:** Remember to be respectful of pub staff and other patrons.
* **Have Fun!:** Most importantly, relax, embrace the silliness, and enjoy the festive spirit of the 12 Pubs of Christmas.