Christmas Preparations and Celebrations: A Festive Journey
As Christmas approaches, our house transforms into a festive wonderland with decorations going up early. However, they come down just a few days after Christmas as I crave a return to normality after weeks of excitement and the pressure of finding perfect gifts for loved ones.
This December, I had a couple of trips to Guys and St Thomas’s Hospital for an ongoing throat issue. My follow-up appointment at Pembury Hospital brought good news: I could choose between surgery or managing my condition, where my throat sometimes causes food to get lodged. I’ve learned to eat slower, take smaller bites, and be mindful of my eating habits. The surgery option is daunting, so I’m focusing on adapting my eating style.
Our annual Christmas light show was a highlight, and this year we attended the Leeds Castle lights. The event was spectacular, with a seamless flow, mini festival rides, and food options. Despite the potential for high costs, we enjoyed the experience without breaking the bank by bringing flasks of hot chocolate and purchasing a few extras. It was wonderful to share the excitement with friends and see the joy on the kids’ faces.
We balanced our festive activities with shopping trips to Bluewater and town, and cherished family time watching Christmas movies, playing on the computer, and enjoying our home. I feel incredibly lucky that we are content with what we have and don’t feel the need to constantly be out and about. However, it does take a lot to motivate us to go outside during the colder months, even though we love being outdoors in better weather.
Christmas Day is always special. I struggle to sleep on Christmas night, eager to see the kids’ faces. Malorie and Stan set an alarm to make the most of the day. We start with stockings and presents under the tree, then pack the van to visit the crematorium and sing carols with my cousins from my dad’s side. This tradition, which began when I was 17, keeps my cousin’s memory alive and brings us together every year.
After the crematorium, we visit Nanny and Ganga for kisses, cuddles, and coffee before heading to my parents’ house. This year, we spent the day with my brother’s family, enjoying fabulous food and great company. With the kids older now, there’s no need for damage control, and we can simply enjoy each other’s presence. Hearing the kids laugh and play is the best part of Christmas for me.
As the day winds down, someone usually falls asleep—this year, it was Jon, which was a rare and funny sight. Nick’s family left earlier to visit Julia’s side, so we decided to give my parents some peace after their wonderful hosting. We ended the night with coffee and chocolates at Nanny and Ganga’s before heading to bed, ready for Boxing Day.
Boxing Day Feasts and New Year Reflections
Boxing Day is always a feast from start to finish. Lynda takes pride in catering for everyone, ensuring our favourite foods are in abundance. We spend a relaxed day around the dining table and lounge, which is exactly what we need after the Christmas build-up and the day itself. Relaxing on the sofa, surrounded by our favourite foods, is such a treat. For the past two years, we’ve talked about an Easter holiday and ended up booking it on Boxing Day. This year, we spent the afternoon finding the best deals and locations for a week away. We booked it all up, got super excited, and watched YouTube videos of the hotel and area, which heightened our excitement even more.
As the festive season comes to an end, we find ourselves in the limbo of a new year looming but still have time off to fill with activities and memory-making. We enjoyed some chilled days, appreciating our new items and relaxing at home—there’s nothing better. One of our Christmas presents to all of us was tickets to the War of the Worlds interactive experience in London on the 29th. It was a lovely day out, with a train ride, good food, and an amazing experience in London with the cousins. I can’t recommend it enough.
As December draws to an end and so does the year 2024, I find myself reflecting on the past year. While I often hope the following year will be bigger and better, 2024 has been a happy year for the most part. If we all remain happy and healthy like we have this year, what more could I wish for? Blogging has allowed me to reflect on our months and realize that we do plenty, we are happy, and I feel very fulfilled and content. While I can always wish for more, I realised I needed to enjoy the journey don’t rush it, keep learning, and reflect on our achievements, and sometimes just slow down.
Malorie’s best friend, Arabella, turned 13 on New Year’s Eve, and it’s always a pleasure to see out the year with her family and friends. They welcome us in and don’t let us go, and we love it. I hope your year has been filled with love, health, and success. Here’s to 2025: start it strong and keep going.
