I love Christmas for all the special time we can enjoy together with our families and the fun we have with our kids, seeing Christmas through their eyes. I must admit, for the first time in many years, I felt ill-prepared for Christmas this year, especially as I took ill with tonsilitis just a few days before Christmas, and I never managed to bake anything in preparation, not to mention that I only wrapped most of my gifts on the 24th. Despite that, I must say that I didn't feel I’d seriously over-indulged and as it often happens we buy too much for Christmas, but this year, it was a case of doing things in moderation (for once). In some respects, Christmas this year was 'low-key', but it was a very happy one, especially since the main focus is on the kids, watching them open their gifts and delight in the many surprises and gifts, and seeing the magic of it all just as they do. That for us is Christmas - not the mad rush to get shopping done or fretting over the food, worrying if there'll be enough... that's somehow inconsequential, but for some it is important, and so be it. It's also not about buying fancy toys, but finding something the kids will enjoy. Having said that, I must admit Jordy got spoilt with many lovely gifts for Christmas this year, and what’s even better is we play with the toys with him and it’s nice to have new things to use and play with!
We spent Christmas eve with my folks at their place, in Westville, which was lovely. We enjoyed a more ‘traditional’ Christmas meal in the way of roast fillet and lamb with veggies, and of course followed by Christmas pudding which was delish. On Christmas day, we went to the morning Christmas service, and then back to my folks to open our gifts, before heading up to Kirsty and Jason’s place for lunch - spending time with Jason’s family too, so it was a festive gathering. We’ve had Mark’s mom with us this Christmas which she has really enjoyed - especially having time with Jordy. It’s been lovely having Anna with us too - with it being her first Christmas which she seems to have really enjoyed... and with a birthday party to look forward to over the weekend, where we’ll be going to celebrate with her.
Needless to say we are making the most of this week to kick back and relax and wherever necessary, we dabble in a bit of housework to keep our home in some semblance of order, but the ironing is never top of the list of things to get done. I might be more inclined to want to iron when we have inclement weather. Lately we’ve had such lovely warm and sunny weather, it makes for lots of fun in the sun and splashing around in the pool with little regard for the ‘duties’.
Today was a good one... visiting with family we didn’t get to see yesterday, and spending some much needed time in the garden - weeding and pulling out ‘alien’ plants and generally doing a tidy-up. Now that we’ve made space we need to visit the nursery for plants to fill the spaces and hopefully get closer to achieving our ‘dream garden’ this summer.
Tomorrow is Mark’s mom’s birthday, so we are taking her out for lunch to Robyndale nursery, and giving her the chance to do what she enjoys. Later this evening, we’re all getting together as a family at the Shreibers for a braai which will be festive and fun.
Saturday will be Anna’s party so I’ll need to help Flea a bit with the preparation, but all in the name of fun. I can’t believe Anna’s going to be one already... where has the year gone?
Before we know it, it will be 2008 and back to work for most on the 7th, but not before enjoying a little bit of a break, which I will most certainly do. May you all enjoy a few days of R&R too before the slog begins again. More than that, we wish you a year filled with all good things - all you wish for and more.
Take Care
x Robs, Mark and Jordy
