Merry Christmas!

We have been deliberately refusing to get caught up in the anxiety about food preparations and perfect presents for everyone in the run up to Christmas. Nevertheless, a certain amount of thinking and preparation ahead of time is actually required if the event is to be perceived as a success! I think this year we nailed it in terms of striking the right balance. We've also been able to spend good quality time taking long walks in the forest and carving out time to be with some people - not many, though! We did invite Charles and Simon over on Friday night for drinks and nibbles, and that was absolutely wonderful.

Anyway, today was the main event! We slept in until 9am, although the kids were up much earlier (of course). Here is a collage I made from the photos taken throughout the day:

We had a relaxing morning of slowly opening presents and enjoying warm cinnamon rolls with coffee.  Rhiannon got an electric guitar and Tryfan got a Lego set he has been wanting, but the best part was that the kids put real thought and joy into choosing and buying gifts for all of us, including each other. That was truly heartwarming to observe.

All 5 of us pitched in to prepare a lovely meal as well. While the turkey was in the oven, we went for a walk down to the Coach and Horses but sadly arrived just as they were closing. We weren't too sad though because the purpose was primarily to get out of the house and stretch our legs, which we did!

Sions and the rest of us with the Coach & Horses pub in the background

We ended up sitting down around 4:30pm and had a great meal: Nigella's turkey, Kristin's spicy stuffing, sprouts that even Sioned liked (!), and roasted potatoes, carrots and parsnips. Yum!

We followed with some Christmas cake and sour sweets...

 

And then lounged on the sofas until bedtime. Merry Christmas!