Christmas ‘celebrations’

I love Christmas. My family loves Christmas. The season for getting together and sharing good fortune and love. In the form of food and gifts.

My hubby and I have retired, so we make sure that through the year, we put money by for food for the family over Christmas. I’m quite frugal, so buy food on offer, and freeze them ready for the big day!! It certainly works. No one knows…

We are so lucky that the whole family – without exception gets along. So 3 days of celebration ran really smoothly. Well as smoothly as possible.

Christmas Eve, we hosted both sons and their girlfriends and wives and our two grandchildren and my oldest sons best friend. Together with my father in law, his 2nd Christmas without his wife, my husbands mother- the matriarch of the family. Oh, and a dog – he is an integral part of the family and this year’s Christmas story.

We shared good food, lovingly prepared, and fun and laughter. Our grandchildren entertained us as did my two sons. It was a time to remember. None of us know what next year will hold for the family or who will be sitting around the table next year.

Christmas morning was spent with our youngest son, his girlfriend, and our pup grandson! He had already caused chaos. He frightened my other sons cat, who climbed up the curtains. He jumped on his dad and scratched his eye.

They left with a big bag of gifts and drove to spend the holiday season with her mum and dad. This was her first Christmas spending some time with us and her boyfriend, our son. In the past, he has driven up on boxing day.

Then, the afternoon was spent with our eldest son, his wife, and her family. Not forgetting the two grandchildren. What a day – sharing good food, love, and laughter. And gifts a plenty.

If there were no gifts and less food. The simple acts of giving time and sharing time would be sufficient.

I have a phone full of photos and a heart bursting with love and pride for my family.

Im thinking of family members not with us, who I would love to share these special times with.

Twas the week before Christmas.

Well, 4 days to be precise.

I am looking after my grandchildren tomorrow. An enthusiastic girl of 6 1/2, and an enquisitive boy of 5 years and 3 months precisely! As precise as he is.

Our tree is up and sparkly. There are lights up and down the stairs and in the doorways. There are some presents sitting around. Not for them, I’ve removed all theirs to a safe place of hiding.

My problem will be if they ask me the dreaded question!

Who brings our presents? Is Santa real? Why have you got presents under your tree?

I think I need to ask their dad what story I’m working with this year…

I predicted this!

A few months ago, a neighbours hedge was full of bright orange berries.

I said to my hubby on our regular walk – that’s a sign of a harsh winter.

Low and behold on 11th December – it snowed. It’s not unheard of at this time of year, but still a shock none the less.