Friday 27 December 2013

CHRISTMAS WRAPPED UP

It was a different kind of celebration for us this year.  To start, we were on our own and I don't remember a time when it has just been the two of us. But that was okay as an opportunity to play it down was welcome after living in the fast line for so long and with the run up to Christmas added. I didn't even get round to putting up decorations this year. It felt a bit bah-humbug but we were not expecting visitors and as I have so much around the house I want to achieve I decided the time spent putting decorations up and down could be put to better use.

So holding true to my plan for Christmas day I had a shower and put on my new fluffy fleece robe and slippers.  And I did little else except open presents, relax, and cook dinner for two. We had decided on an alternative to turkey and I chose a recipe from my new Jamie Oliver cookbook 'Save with Jamie'. We love roast pork with it's crisp crackling, and this recipe was a new take on a favourite. It didn't disappoint.



I also indulged in another favourite pastime, relaxing in front of the TV and catching up with films and favourite programmes.  Kirsty's Crafty Christmas was one that I watched and I loved the pom-pom maker that she demonstrated. Sadly I have been online and everywhere is sold out.  That's not surprising but I have made a note to remind myself to look again in a week or so. Obviously other people liked the look of these too!

While watching TV I suddenly heard a robin. He was sitting right outside the window and a big smile crossed my face.  My Dad always joked that he would come back as a robin and at his funeral one of these beautiful birds made its presence very known as we climbed back into the cars, ready to leave. We had already made our visit to the cemetery with wreaths and memories but this robin was another warm reminder of those who are not here to share this festive time.


Boxing Day was also a favourite kind of day, surrounded by family. Summer received the karaoke machine she hoped for and spent much of the time singing. I am always amazed that she knows the words to so many songs, and her just-three year old sister is fast in her shoes.
We were highly entertained and kept amused.


In the run up to Christmas we spent a wonderful day at a local RHS garden. They had arranged a barn full of craft activities for children as well as story telling and meeting Father Christmas. Now this was the most wonderful experience of all, and a moment I will always treasure. And so I was devastated afterwards to delete my memory card without downloading the video and photos to my computer! I have never done this before and was so annoyed with myself, it just showed the pressure I was under at the time. Luckily I had saved a couple of my favourite photos onto the Playstation and have since learnt that my daughter also took a video of Father Christmas. So I can make a copy. Phew!! I will save the story of this meeting for another time, meanwhile I hope your own Christmas has been restful, and just as you would have chosen. Sometimes it is important just to be where you need to be, regardless of expectation and time of year.



Summer with one of her cats.


10 comments:

  1. I loved reading about your different Christmas this year....It has never been just the two of us...I've done Christmas dinner 39 times out of 42. TOO MANY!! Loved the little video....we are so blessed to have grandchildren! I'm sorry you've not been able to retrieve the pictures. M xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. sounds like a relaxing Christmas that suited you this year.... love the Robin and all he represents xxx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Our Christmas was also very relaxing, we have worked hard over the years to make it that way, and this year was THE very best.
    So looking forward to seeing the girls meet Father Christmas, how lucky that your daughter also recorded it.
    Happy New Year, Joy x x x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Enjoyed your post Sandie and like the idea of total relaxation and an alternative Christmas. I've told my family that it's Christmas at mine next year - we're not going anywhere! So we might take a leaf out of your book.
    Patricia x

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a joyous Christmas you had Sandie. Sometimes it is good to step away from the mania that is Christmas and do your own thing.

    ReplyDelete
  6. We had a quiet one too here, a bit odd but fine. How lovely of the robin to show up. x

    ReplyDelete
  7. We had a quiet day as usual, but the mob descended on us Boxing Day - however, it was wonderful to see all those little faces opening their present and playing together with no, well few, arguments!

    ReplyDelete
  8. We had a quiet day as usual, but were descended upon by the mob on Boxing Day. It was wonderful to see all the little faces as they opened their present and played together with no, well little, arguing! Hope you are feeling chilled Sandie!

    ReplyDelete
  9. It sounds like a perfect restful Christmas celebration. Bet you feel all the better for it too!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sounds like a perfect Christmas Sandie - looking forward to hearing more about the Santa visit.

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...