Merry Christmas and a Happy New Blog Post

In theory it shouldn't be that hard to keep up with a weekly post on one blog. In practice, these last few months, it just. did. not. happen.

So, new year, new resolution to do more writing. I'm starting with Christmas. Because it's easy. And you're not all ready to forget about Christmas quite yet, are you? If so, shut your eyes now, because here come lots of photos.

This Christmas....

...we had snow! Well, not on the day itself, but in December, which is unusual enough. And there was plenty of it - enough for a giant snowman.

Snowman and snowdog (or perhaps sheep)

...we went to the Christingle service at our local parish church (the proper dangerous kind with kids waving lighted candles at each other) and to see the lights at Calke Abbey (for the 4th year running - must count as a tradition by now).

...we had a real tree as a present from Graham's boss, which was thoroughly decorated and surrounded by gifts.

...we spent Christmas Day at home, which turned out to be a good thing when Graham woke up that morning feeling grotty. He spent most of the day lying down trying to be enthusiastic when the boys got excited. I called off Christmas dinner and defrosted some chicken casserole instead. Nice and easy!

...it was the year of the board games. Hungry Hungry Hippos, Minions Monopoly, Rebound, Kerplunk and Pieface all turned up underneath the Christmas tree.

Kerplunk

Rebound

and Pieface!

...this was Toby's big present.

It's a desk!

...and this was Theo's big present.

Yep, that really was his top request this year

...we made it to my parents' on Boxing Day, despite Graham not really being better yet. We had Christmas dinner with them a few days late, went for some cold walks, and met up with some friends to go bowling.

...I made my first ever Christmas pudding, complete with suet and hours of steaming, but no brandy butter. I also made a chocolate Malteser Christmas pudding alternative.

Proper Christmas pudding

Chocolate Christmas pudding

...we finally ate our turkey on New Year's Eve. Much better time to have a festive dinner, I think!

Happy 2018 to you all!

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