I know everyone has already gone back to work and school and it’s time for a fresh start. I just have to share the last of my Christmas posts with you. Usually I continue blogging during the holidays but I took a complete break for the first time in years. It was really lovely to have relaxing time with our families and fun with the kids. I also had the chance to cuddle up with Dave watching TV dramas, but, sadly, all good things come to an end. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Take a look at this snapshot of our Christmas time:
Christmas Eve 2021
This year things have been slightly more normal than last Christmas (which was largely cancelled due to Covid). Although, just a few days before Christmas, changes came in meaning festive events such as Christmas Pantomimes and Bute Park Christmas Lights were sadly cancelled. Our local Christmas Eve Crib Service was once again not going ahead. Milford Haven Town Band did try and save the day by organising “Carols Around the Crib” which would have been lovely. Unfortunately, the bad weather put a stop to that. We greatly appreciate them trying and can’t wait to watch them play during the warmer months. Some small towns struggle to keep their town bands gong nowadays- we are so lucky to have them).
Christmas Eve Traditions
So on Christmas Eve we delivered presents to Great Gran and to Nanny, ahead of the big day. We rang our bells in Nanny’s garden and then wait home to enjoy our Christmas Eve Tea (thanks Dave). Then the kids sprinkled reindeer food in the garden. We put out their sacks and they left a mince pie and a glass of bubbly for Santa and carrots for his reindeer. As long as I’m able to, I will always leave these out on Christmas Eve, just like my mum still does. I think it’s the annual traditions that get us through, they’re so lovely to repeat each year and help us remember past celebrations. They should never be an added stress or something to worry about though. Don’t worry if you don’t have a mince pie or any carrots etc, just think what can I leave instead? We’ve left biscuits in the past and apples for the reindeer. We also can never find our special Santa plate, but the kids are happy using any plate. This year Izzy asked to use our heart slate cheese board so she could decorate it for Santa with chalk pens.
Christmas Day 2021
We woke up Christmas morning and watched the kids opening their presents from us and Santa. Caitlyn was funny. She opened her helmet etc and looked confused- she hadn’t seen the huge bike in the dining room! Everyone else had! The kids were all very happy and grateful for their presents.
Unfortunately I was feeling run down and had sore eyes so I had to make a huge effort to get on with the day when I really could have down with just having a lie down in a dark room. But it was Christmas so I plodded on. Thankfully we had no symptoms of Covid and all our lateral flow tests were negative so we were able to see family as planned.
Christmas at Nanny’s House
First we went to the cemetery to see my late dad, as we always do on Christmas morning. It wouldn’t feel right to not “visit him” on Christmas day. Then it was back to Nanny’s for more presents from family. Every year I say to the kids, you’re getting older now so there may be less presents but they’re always very lucky and appreciate all they have. Then we had a delicious Christmas dinner (thank you, Mum). By the time we’d cleared up, it was time for the Queen’s speech so some of us watched that and then it was time to get ready to go to Gran’s. We used to walk there but I was too poorly this year so we drove up.
Christmas at Great Gran’s House
At Great Granny’s, the kids played games, opened even more presents and then we enjoyed another Christmas tea. I love how this portrait of one of the kids ancestors (through Great Grampy) always gets into family photos, always a part of the family. I wonder whether future generations will look at and still include our photos when we’re no longer all around (oh goose bumps!).
A photo with Great Granny. Last year we couldn’t go around to Nanny’s or Great Gran’s so we’re so grateful to be back (safely, of course). Last year was the first Christmas that Great Grampy was sadly no longer with us, so this was our first Christmas there without him. He is greatly missed but you can almost sense that he’d still be there sitting in his chair smiling down watching the kids play. The kids and I looked back on photos of him during our last Christmas together in 2019. Sid (the dog) was there too, so that will always be a special Christmas to treasure in our memories.
Dave with Gran and the kids with Great Gran.
Andy told me to get in one too. I know I look awful with my bad eyes but I won’t worry about that when I look back at photos in the future.
The kids with Granny and Grampy.
Uncle Andy managed to take an amazing selfie of everyone together again too.
Back to Nanny’s House
After tea, it was time to head back to Nanny’s house.
Danny made us laugh playing on his VR set. It was also funny when Jo and Ceri had a go. Then Caitlyn was the most dramatic, suddenly running towards the table which sent lots of drinks and glasses flying (sorry Mum!). We’d been watching the “gamers” and telling them to be careful etc but we hadn’t expected her to suddenly run towards us. I couldn’t have a go with my sore eyes so I will soon (when there are no glasses in sight…).
At Nanny’s we got into our PJ’s and watched Christmas TV. I usually love Call the Midwife but it was about a bad eye, which wasn’t great viewing for me on this occasion when I wanted to take my mind off eyes.
On Boxing Day we popped to see Gran to pick up our presents and then played games at Nanny’s house. I still feel there just wasn’t enough time to watch lots of Christmas TV and play lots of games altogether but we did have a lovely Christmas and hope you did too. I also found more presents of mine to open on Boxing Day too! Thank you to everyone for my presents, I never expect anything now I’m older so it’s always a nice surprise.
Hopefully, I’ll get the chance to write our New Year post and then I can make a fresh start…Happy New Year All!
xxx
