C – Christmas Eve – One of the best things about Christmas Day is the anticipation of what it may bring. Christmas Eve, especially now I have children, is one the most magical days of the year. I am so excited that it is just around the corner.
H – Home – I love being at home with my family. All wrapped up warm, indoors, together. I dream that in years to come my house will be full or friends, family, children, grandchildren – the more the merrier.
R – Roast Dinner - And this coming from someone who doesn’t like Turkey, or brussel sprouts! Sitting around the table together, talking about the year, our plans and what we are thankful for – that is the most important, and special, part of Christmas Day for me.
I – Israel – Back where it all began, Bethlehem. Sometimes it is easy to forget, amongst the present buying and card writing, that this day isn’t actually about a big man dressed in red leaving us all gifts, it’s about the birth of a baby boy who many believe was sent to save mankind. I think it is important for the girls to know the real meaning of Christmas, if not it just becomes all about giving presents, when it should be about giving love.
S – Specials – Christmas Day TV is always a big deal isn’t it? It wouldn’t be Christmas without some soap characters affair being uncovered or someone leaving in the back of a black cab. I don’t watch soaps at all during the year, but even I find myself tuning in on Christmas Day ready for a scandal.
T – Traditions – I’m big on traditions. I don’t really have many from my childhood, but we are certainly making some now. Christmas Eve we go to church and then everyone comes back to ours for boiled ham and mash potato. Christmas morning is time for stocking presents and then we go for a walk (getting out as a family is very important as Nick Oot says). Dinner is served around 2pm and then we will listen to the Queen on the radio as I serve dessert. Boxing Day my husbands great-aunt always has a party at hers – secretly its my favourite part of the few days as I don’t have to do any cooking.
M – Music – I love Christmas songs, I’d play them all year if The Essex Husband let me. They evoke a magical feeling that makes it hard for me not to smile.
A – Alcohol – Well Tia Maria, the first alcoholic drink I ever really liked. I only tried it because I wanted to be just like my Mother. Served straight over ice, the perfect Xmas night drink.
S – Sleep – Going to bed in my new PJs, playing back our wonderful family day in my mind, perfection. It’s there and then I understand the song ‘I wish it could be Christmas every day’
D – Daughters – Christmas have always been lovely, a time for family and friends, but now with children it is the highlight of the year. I live to make those girls happy, it makes my heart sing to see them opening presents and smiling on Christmas Day. Perfect family moments right there.
A – Anticipation – Everything I have listed above is made 10x better by the anticipation of it all…..the build up to the big day is sometimes better than the day itself. Shopping, writing cards, school plays, wrapping presents, carol concerts and Love Actually on TV….I adore it!
Y – You! – What do you love about Christmas Day??
photo credit http://www.centerparcs.co.uk
‘This is my entry to the Center Parcs and Tots 100 December challenge. If I’m chosen, I would like to visit Elveden’
