Twas a Happy Christmas

Another Christmas has come and gone. Yet not just any Christmas...my first in England. Many things very much the same...a few quite different. My first in quite some time that was looked forward to by family and celebrated in the company of children the entire time. We were invited (or ordered:) to stay at my brother and sister-in-laws home in Alveley. I was more than happy...they have a lovely home in a quiet and pretty community. My other brother-in-law Jeremy and his wife Jackie were there too. Of course, Mum as well. Nick and Leanne have 3 lively children aged 3-7...and they ARE lively. Leanne is quite ill and the opportunity to share the holiday and help in any way was done whole heartedly. She loves Christmas and family...something so many of us take for granted. Life is so unfair at times.

The Eve was spent chatting with family and preparing items for the Christmas meal ahead of time. I assisted with broth and bread sauce. My best skill....kitchen helper. I can fetch spices, utensils and wash dishes like a whiz. I leave the true mixing and concocting to the pros....content to stand back and learn. In the evening, we had a meal of baked salmon and salad...very light and tasty. A lovely quiet eve with a few toddies and relaxation.

Early morning came and the chatter and much-too-loud cantor of small children wafted into the room. Soon they came bounding in all gleeful and merry. Nothing says Christmas like a small child giddy over the gummy eyeballs found in a stocking....yummy. *sigh* To be a kid again.

The day was full of preparation and present opening ... my jolly brother-in-law Nick playing Father Christmas this year....hat and all. I was spoiled rotten.

The meal was lovely and the usual fare....with the exception of a few bits and bobs....bread sauce...bacon wrapped prunes...(yes kids...prunes...) bacon wrapped mini sausages and I can't forget Christmas pudding.....(ok...I must be honest....this stuff is awful....like a soft fruitcake...full of the the taste of ginger, cloves and orange rind...not for the faint of heart...like me....it doesn't matter that they light it on fire before serving.....still tastes a bit much).

After the meal and dessert...there are medium sized tubular wrapped gifts by our plates. Like a large twisted wrapped toilet roll....only frilly. This would be a Christmas cracker....the family crosses arms and holds one end of their own and the one of the person seated next to them. The kids love this....as you can see...displayed by the lovely Victoria, Katherine and Elizabeth... At the count of 3....everyone pulls and the room fills with loud pops/cracks. The inside gifts are revealed...along with a crown and joke that is read aloud by each person. This was fun and different....although I had some silly plastic arrow trick that made no sense to me....my husband was kind enough to give me his silver floating heart...that's my guy. After the meal clean up...by the MEN...(now THAT is REALLY different...) It was an early night for everyone...too much merriment and crown wearing.....

The next day is another holiday here in Blighty....Boxing Day. A day that originated with giving gifts to the underpriveledged and employees. I hear that many years ago...some families didn't open their gifts until then. Pity the folks with children....what a long day Christmas must have been. Now...children aren't used to waiting....what a concept.
This Boxing Day....we attended a pantomime. Now...I had no idea what to expect short of a puppet show. Not exactly. A full stage production that is a cross between a broadway show and vaudeville. Much humor, costumes, and elaborate sets...both for children and adults. The type of adult humor that would NEVER be seen in the USA....shame. Such a need for lightening up. Afterwards a luncheon at N & L's friends' lovely Georgian and Victorian home. Amazing. Lovely and sharing people.

I will treasure the memories made with this holiday season. Friends and family met and made. I am grateful that I have been welcomed into such a grand and wholesome tradition. A Happy Christmas indeed.