Christmas 2017

Last year Christmas was loud and boisterous. This year it was quiet and sleepy.

Last year a tiny boy (not that we knew he was a boy) was snuggled up inside me. This year a very active little boy was on the move and into mischief.

We have made the decision to do one year there one year here when it comes to family Christmases. We are too far apart to do both. I know though that I will always wish I was there but what I have here is nice too.

This was our little Possum's first Christmas and at nearly 9 months old, things are fun to look at and get into but the unknown is also a little scary, or should I say Santa was a bit scary.

 We went to the Community Health Christmas party in the park and to Daddy's work Christmas Party too. Our little man even gate crashed the spread at Mummy's work just before Christmas.

 

 We did the Santa photo thing and I thought is might be a screaming mess, like the first Santa experience, but it wasn't. The mechanised display was way more interesting than Santa himself, although he wasn't too bad, from a distance.

 There were decorations hung and more photos of our little elf. Hard to think that the tree I posed him with (mind you who poses a 8.5mth old on the move, hilarious) was the same one I took a photo with a pair of booties in front of, that wouldn't even fit him now. There was a Christmas tree erected on the coffee table, out of reach of little fingers, and last minute Christmas shopping.

Mr Sparky insisted on some photos mucking around with a Santa hat. We never got as far as photos with me, or a family photo, pretty usual around here. Might have to just do the tripod thing and take my own.

Christmas day saw paper torn (mostly by our little Possum and mostly after the present was open) and new toys played with. It left our bellies full of roast meat and salad along with generous amounts of nibbles and it shared naps all around for the afternoon.

And oh, look, I did find some Christmas day photos of the little possum and me, selfies of cause.

The day ended beautifully and lazily, with a gorgeous sky and not too much effort put into dinner.

And then it was done, Christmas 2017. We laid our still weary heads down to sleep and dream of actually getting to sleep through the night (fat chance).

 

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas this year.

Christmas Day

Our family Christmas is, in a word, chaotic. It is however, a chaos we enjoy. A business full of fun, laughter, silliness, craziness and togetherness.

This year we came to the end of a long and lovely day feeling that it had been a good one. No drama, no meltdowns (unless you count the 3yr old who hadn't had a sleep) and plenty of everyone getting in a helping out so everyone could enjoy the day.

What was going to be Christmas with 14 turned into Christmas lunch with 18 and a very nice group it was, filled with plenty of giggles (and not just because of the grog because most of us were stone cold sober).

Of cause, Christmas Eve left us in a flurry of present wrapping while watching carols on t.v and impatiently waiting for a certain young sir (bro S) to go to bed, so that his stocking could be stuffed and final gifts wrapped. It seems to be a bit a tradition, this last minute wrapping.

I woke up early Christmas morning, as I had been doing every morning. Just in time for sunrise.

A quiet start to the day, after less than enough sleep. It was perfect.

Breakfast had by all and a rush to get out the door for a 7am service. The early Christmas service was a good way to start the day, presents could happen after instead of being rushed before. It was good to have a quick catch up with everyone too, it has been a while since I've seen them.

Back at home we squashed into to lounge room and waited, now that everyone was there.

Waiting is hard when you are 3 and 1.5 years old. My nieces were brimming with excitement and so was bro S. Well honestly, who isn't early on Christmas day.

Then the present opening and copious amounts of paper being strewn around happened. Actually, we have the paper thing down to an art, although this year required a grain bag rather than the normal washing basket for collection.

Gifts were given and faces watched for reactions, we do love the act of giving gifts around here, as a adult it is my favourite part (although the receiving is pretty great too).

Everyone scored well and I hope they all enjoyed their gifts. I know I did.

Then it was time for morning tea, the Christmas cake, a bit of a relax and the putting together of gifts before lunch preparations were started. The extra 4 arrived, another Aunt and Uncle along with cousin and Grandfather. Salads were thrown together, punch mixed and the table laid. It was ham (both baked and fresh), roast chicken and roast beef all round with whatever combination of sides you preferred. Food was passed up and down the table, conversations enjoyed, laughter and teasing and of cause bellies too full, especially once the trifle and plum pudding were devoured.

An afternoon of catching up, chatting and plain old silliness kept things mellow and light. Kids on the trampoline and adults playing with plastic jumping frogs that came in the bonbons. Some had naps and some did not. We had a few showers come across during Christmas lunch so the afternoon was pleasant and not too hot. The extras left, bikes were ridden, pigs fed and piglets played with. A dinner of leftovers was prepared and then everyone headed home for a early-ish night with smiles on their dials and that feeling of family belonging.

It was a lovely Christmas, especially as it was my first home after 3 years of not being able to come.

I hope your Christmas was a great one too!