Christmas

Well what a lovely busy family Christmas we had. We spent time with most close members of our family over the holiday period, which was lovely, and the girls have been making the most of lie ins, a bit more TV and family activities. Including loads of baking - biscuits, sweets, cakes, and a chocolate Yule log.

The real fun started on Christmas Eve with the arrival of Grandad and Wendy and Hayden, who were soon joined by my mum and dad and sister and nephew, so that whole family could attend the Christingle service at our church. It was a lovely service and really got me into the Christmassy spirit.

Then it was dinner (always boiled ham, jackets and red cabbage on Christmas Eve) and a change into Christmas pj's before commencing the traditional Christmas reading of "The Night Before Christmas", which rather amusingly Grandad and Wendy's new pup (a lovely springer called Lucille) also seemed to enjoy!

Stockings were hung and a mince pie, carrot and nip of southern comfort were left out for Santa and his reindeer.

The next morning started at 5am! With a very excited Megan shouting "he's been, he's been". Thus waking up the rest of the house and starting Christmas day with stockings in our bed and then heading downstairs to see if Santa has left anything else.

They were almost as excited by the arrival of baby Jesus in the manger as they were by the presents left under the tree. The much longed for Dolly pram for Isobel and a wooden fairy castle and fairies for Megan. Santa also left mummy a very nice pair of boots and a Cath Kidson bag so Mummy was rather impressed.

So after presents and the traditional breakfast of coffee/hot chocolate and pastries, we all showered and dressed for Christmas dinner. My two scrubbed up fairly well (I'm especially impressed by Meg's £4 ebay dress - Monsoon no less!).

Christmas dinner was a lively affair, with a very traditional prawn cocktail, beef roast dinner and Christmas pudding.
The afternoon was spent with a doggy walk, a movie and then a visit from Mom and Dad and my sister and her hubby and Liam for Christmas tea and lots of games and chatter.

Boxing day was spent over at my parents, which included a lovely walk and visit to the local park, a hilarious game of charades, some silly dancing and a lovely tea of veggie chili and rice.

Before coming home, so the girls could enjoy some time playing with their new toys (and I'm very pleased to say so far we've managed not to fight (too much) over who plays with which toys and when!)
All in all it's gone really well and has been lovely and restful and relaxing and a true family Christmas.