We had a very nice Christmas here in England this year, beautifully set by a soft dusting of snow over the sleepy countryside. Emily was very much looking forward to making snowmen and having snowball fights, but there was never enough snow for any of that. We did get to skate on the frozen canal just in front of the house and we went for a brisk walk down the road to pet the horses in a nearby field. Sebastian enjoyed throwing snow, slipping on ice, trying to jump into the canal, and bopping the horses on the nose. We were never in the cold for very long thanks to the cozy warm homes here.
Christmas dinner (lunch) was a grand little affair here at the Clayton household with our little family feasting with Jan’s parents. Turkey, roast potatoes, sprouts, stuffing, carrots, sausages, apple sauce, and who-remembers-what-else. Christmas crackers and crowns and full full bellies. Then we headed down to Jan’s sister’s house for an afternoon of cartoons, pressies, and naps.
Emily was very excited about the arrival of Santa Claus. It was amazing how much she remembered about the whole process from the year before. She thoughtfully set out the mince pie and glass of Bailey’s by the chimney (yum yum), along with the bowl of carrots for the reindeer. We had to play the Santa card a few times this week to get her to eat her dinner but she finished every time and so knew that quality presents were certainly in store for her. And Santa delivered. Sebastian was enthralled by countless cars and trains as well as a plethora of new socks, all of which he insisted on trying on immediately. Emily was over the moon with dolls, a game of Connect Four, and arts and crafts projects of many shapes and sizes. But I think her favorite was a new Disney Fairy nightlight than can be also used as a flashlight. Jan got a Kindle (and socks and chocolates) and I got a new lens for my camera (and socks and chocolates). Score!
Connect Four
Today is Boxing Day and all is quiet. We’ll be calling in to Parki’s house in a bit before calling it an early one tonight. Tomorrow should see us heading to a local indoor play park for the kids before we fly home on Tuesday. I have to admit, as much as I love the quiet holidays with family, I’m really looking forward to being home again. With nothing to do. And no one to talk to. It’s been so long. And it won’t be long before work and school and life begin anew somewhere around the 10th of January. I hope you and yours had a happy and healthy holiday season.
Christmas Wave