New Christmas Tradition

[KentuckyCeltophile]

This year I am starting a new Christmas tradition. Last year, my wife and I went to our Christmas Eve service. I went kilted despite the 18 degree F temperature. This year I wore my kilt to our family Thanksgiving dinner. It went over with some laughs and snide remarks, generally positive though. Yet, most of my younger relatives didn't know what to think. They gave me a wide berth as if scared or weirded out. Mostly, the experience was fun and positive. Then, yesterday, at my mother's birthday party, my mother asked me, "Where is your kilt? I hoped to see you in it." It meant alot that she liked it that much. So, I told her, "Wait until Christmas." This will be 2 years in a row. I think it may extend to any Christmas dinner, concert/chior, caroling, church/religious event, or anything specifically associated with Christmas. Many of you already do this being daily wearers of the kilt. Any thoughts? Maybe some advise?
Cheers and Happy Christmas,
KC

[MacEanruig]

My thoughts are don your kilt attired with your finest accessories and accoutrements. Celebrate merrily!

[tulloch]

It is a great idea to wear the kilt to significant functions. I was asked, via my mother, by my sister not to wear my kilt to her son's wedding because she did not want attention drawn away from the bride and groom. Otherwise I am likely to wear it to all festivals and celebrations. It breaks the ice and gets talk going like a good drink.

[gordontaos]

Just strap it on and feel good about yourself. However, be aware that you become an instant lady magnet of the highest order.

[Hawk]

Well done KC.....keep up the "ice breaking" and education......the young folk will eventually be asking questions and come to the conclusion that you're just a well dressed gentleman......you'll have to capture the moments and share them when you can via photo.....

Hawk

[KentuckyCeltophile]

It is a great idea to wear the kilt to significant functions. I was asked, via my mother, by my sister not to wear my kilt to her son's wedding because she did not want attention drawn away from the bride and groom. Otherwise I am likely to wear it to all festivals and celebrations. It breaks the ice and gets talk going like a good drink.

Right, I understand it wouldn't be proper at weddings unless others are doing it too. For this reason, I was reluctant to wear to church-so as to keep the focus on Christ, not my wardrobe. Yet, others wear bright red sweaters, skirts, and blouses for the Christmas season. My particular kilt is mostly red and is a more formal form of dress like one might expect at a church service or other Christmas service.

[KentuckyCeltophile]

Well done KC.....keep up the "ice breaking" and education......the young folk will eventually be asking questions and come to the conclusion that you're just a well dressed gentleman......you'll have to capture the moments and share them when you can via photo.....

Hawk

Thanks Hawk. And yes, it is an educational experience which is a positive thing. I love to share knowledge (I come from a family of preachers and teachers).

[Pleater]

If you are wearing a kilt in bad weather than a long plaid is very handy and also warm.

I wear one which is long enough to go from left shoulder to ankles at the back, it loops around under the right arm having started off at mid shin in front, if looped tightly, but can be shortened by loosening the loop.

In rain it can be spread to keep all of the kilt dry - in really bad storms it can be wrapped around in a spiral.

It seems a pity to put off wearing the kilt at times of celebration - I am not quite sure of the design of an ephod, but I think it must have been kiltish - as worn by David when he danced before the arc of the covenant as it was brought into Jerusalem - danced with all his might, though he did get told off for it afterwards, as I recall.... but isn't it usually easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission?

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[frank_a]

I've posted this pic elsewhere, but here are me and two of my boys on Thanksgiving day. We had some disparaging comments as well, but not from my side of the family!



We'll do the same for Christmas. More pics soon!

Frank

[ctbuchanan]

Because I am first generation American, the men in our family regularly wear the kilt to family celebrations, weddings etc.

But many years ago I started wearing my kilts to many festive occasions outside of the family and I always felt it was well received. To the point now that if I don't wear it my friends will question me. I've never had a stranger say an unkind word but many will look perplexed.

As for weddings outside the family I always ask the bride or her parents first. And I can only think of one wedding out of dozens where they asked me not to wear it. I've even worn it to two bar mitvahs! I will often tell them that because of the pride I have in my family tartan I only wear my kilt to the most important occasions.

So, let good taste and common sense be your guide. The more you wear the kilt the more comfortable you will feel in it.