So here we are, at the end of yet another year. I’ll be honest – I’ll be quite happy to see the back of 2022. Saying that there have been some good times, just not quite enough of them sadly. Speaking of the good times, here are some of the things that I have #LikedandLoved throughout December.
The White Stuff
December saw the UK being blasted by the ‘big freeze’ with temperatures dropping to minus ten in some places. Though it’s nothing in comparison to the likes of the USA, it was still flipping freezing! The kids were delighted to see the arrival of the white stuff, it’s been such a long time since we last saw snow. Sadly, it didn’t last long here at home but for J and I, we were surrounded by it for a good fortnight as we traveled back and forth to work/ school – it was like a winter wonderland!
The Star of the Shows
E spent the majority of December sharing the stage with her peers as she rehearsed for both her school Christmas concert and her annual dance show, both of which were held over a succession of evenings during the final week of term. Talk about full on, poor E barely had time to take a breath never mind a bow!
Decorating For Christmas
Each year we decorate our house for Christmas on the first Saturday of December and this year was no exception. Whilst I’d once spend hours perfectly placing the ornaments on the tree in a symmetrical pattern, the kids like to take charge these days leaving me redundant to ‘decorating duty’. Surprisingly, the kids are even more precise than I am thus the tree looks stunning.
Santa Came To Town
Each year Santa visits the houses in and around the area in order to raise funds for the local inshore rescue. Though J is a little too big for ‘the big man’ these days, E however was delighted to see Santa arrive outside the house on his sleigh quad bike and couldn’t wait to have her photo taken with the man in red prior to the big day.
With Knobs On
Having replaced our tiny dressing table with a beautiful mahogany dresser during the autumn, we finally replaced the outdated brass handles with crystal knobs and it’s made a huge difference to the aesthetics of the room and the dresser – Success!
Traditional Television
There’s nothing better than snuggling on the sofa as a family to watch festive films and seasonal shows. Due to the freezing temperatures and chilly weather, we’ve done a fair amount of sofa surfing this Christmas and we’ve enjoyed every moment of it.
Family Fun
We’ve enjoyed a number of days with our family over Christmas, including Christmas Eve when we somehow found ourselves hosting an impromptu disco/ clubbing evening in the kitchen. Though our heads were a little worse for wear the following morning (which wasn’t the best timing considering we were hosting Christmas dinner) it was well worth it for the fun factor.
Time Out Together
It’s been quite some time since Paul and I last went ‘out out’. Having bagged ourselves a babysitter, we managed to make our way through wrapping the piles of presents before squeezing in a short stint in ‘the local’. It felt good to get out, though Paul and I both felt our age as we barely knew the music and every second person seemed to approach us with memories of having been taught by myself, this didn’t feel entirely comfortable thus we left earlier than planned but it was still a good night all in all.
The Italian Job
Each year Paul and I book a table at our favoured Italian restaurant to round off the final Christmas shop. This year we mixed things up a little and ate before the big shop which perhaps wasn’t the best plan as we both felt full to bursting which made for somewhat lethargic shopping. It was however a beautiful meal and such a treat to get out and spend time together.
Christmas
Though this Christmas was difficult and rather different from a personal perspective, the kids had a magnificent day opening their presents, tucking into their turkey, and spending time together as a family. One thing is for sure, Christmas magic doesn’t come via Santa nor via snow or festive music or films. Christmas magic comes directly from kids, they are the magic!
Thanks again for reading my blog – I hope that you enjoyed reading what I have #LikedandLoved throughout December.
If you fancy sharing some of your own #LikedAndLoved points from the month then why not join in either through your own blog post or by leaving a comment below, I would love to hear what you #LikedAndLoved this month!
