More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
There's no doubt a traditional Christmas with carol singing, holly wreathes and turkey dinner is a wonderful thing.
But some people like to add a little quirkiness to the festive period. Check out the unique and creative ways people are celebrating in Kent below.
Knitted angels appear on benches and gateposts
A host of angels have descended on two Kent villages, where residents have been finding the heavenly figures attached to fences and gateposts.
In High Halden, near Tenterden, 500 knitted angels have been left in various places, waiting to be found.
A card which reads: "A gift of love. Take me home" along with the hashtag #AngelicHostHighHalden. is fixed to each of the figures.
Mysterious well-wishers secretly distributed the angels overnight.
Cally Honeysett. 33, who has lived in High Halden for eight years discovered an angel on the tree in her front garden.
The mum-of-four, who is married to Matt, said: "Finding the angel made our day. It was such a sweet thing to do."
Bearsted Methodist Church has similarly been scattering knitted angels around the village green, discovered by delighted dog walkers and families.
The Bearsted angels also have a special message attached. This time it reads: "Please take me, I'm free. Bearsted Methodist Church wishes you a happy Christmas."
Knitted festive friends sit upon a postbox
Instead of angels, a number of other knitted creations have appeared in the village of Upchurch.
Snowmen, Christmas trees, lanterns and more adorn the railings which surround St Mary the Virgin churchyard and also the fence around Nursery Days pre school.
Several characters have also been found perched upon a postbox.
They were made by the Upchurch ladies knitting group.
A rather impressive woolly tree sits upon another postbox outside Barming post office.
The base fits around the top like a hat and presents surround the carefully crafted tree, a yellow star fixed atop.
A Dickensian Christmas Festival
While most towns will drape festive lights across the streets and see Santa ride in on his sleigh, Rochester has a slightly different way of celebrating.
Inspired by author Charles Dickens who spent much of his childhood here, the historic district is transformed into a Victorian festive scene for a weekend.
Costumed characters parade through the streets and there is a Christmas market in Rochester Castle Gardens - plus guaranteed snowfall.
Highlights include street performers, an open air carol concert, a candlelit procession and a funfair.
This year's event has already been and gone, held on December 6 to 8. But don't worry if you missed it - it happens every year.
Deck the halls of Tovil tip
You know Christmas has really arrived when the staff at the Household Waste Recycling Station in Burial Ground Lane, Tovil get out the decorations.
Visitors seeking to dispose of their old bedsteads, washing machines and tree cuttings are treated to an array of Santas, baubles, snowmen and Christmas wreaths as they drive up to the tip, with two further extensive displays outside the staff cabin.
If you are lucky, you will even hear operative John Clark humming Christmas carols.
Lisa Rackett, clerk to Tovil Parish Council, said: "The staff at the recycling station always put on a grand display every year. It really cheers you up on your pre-Christmas tip-run."
The Boxing Day dip
Perhaps it's excessive mulled wine consumption sending everyone a bit mad or just good old Christmas spirit but either way, Deal's Boxing Day dip is a sight you don't want to miss.
On December 26, hundreds of residents clad in festive costumes gather on the beach before plunging into the freezing cold sea.
The Rotary Club of Deal has taken over the annual event from Margaret Edwards of Deal Icebreakers 1981 who hosted its for almost four decades.
It is now under a new name of Deal Rotary Icebreakers.
Go to realrotaryicebreakers.co.uk if you want to take part.
Santas float into town on paddle boards
To finish - possibly our favourite quirky story this Christmas - more than 100 Santas were seen drifting along a river in Tonbridge.
The plethora of Father Christmases were also joined by the Grinch, a turkey, a Christmas tree and several dogs, all stood on paddle boards.
This was the annual Santa flotilla's first time in the town.
People came from as far afield as Southampton, Norfolk and London to take part.
Jay Manning is the organiser. Known as 'J-Sup' in the paddle-boarding community, he has been SUPing (stand up paddle boarding) for around 16 years.
He said: "It's just a chance to have a bit of fun and to promote the sport, which is still relatively new."
Have you got anything quirky going on in your town this Christmas? Let us know by emailing rtuffin@thekmgroup.co.uk
