Since I last wrote I've fitted in a lot of different bits and bobs, mainly revolving around making sure that my son had a great Christmas - not easy when you have a teenage son - trust me!
On the Tuesday we went to Ditchling where they 'used' to have a garden centre that did an amazing Christmas, with loads of trees, a 20 foot lit up reindeer, reindeer singing cheesy songs, loads of decorations and amazing dioramas of Christmas scenes.
When son was little they went one better and also had real reindeer, but that was stopped for safeguarding reasons (so I can't complain).
However, when it was amazing it was a Garden Pride Garden centre. Notcutts have taken it over and have stripped it back so much that I don't think we will bother next year. It takes a lot for me to brave Ditchling High Street, which is basically wide enough for a horse and cart and definitely not 2 way car traffic. I suspect the people of Ditching are relieved that the Christmas traffic will begin to calm down.
Still we had a nice time and chose gifts for Granny and husband, looked at the decorations and had a good Christmassy hot chocolate. After that we went home and curled up to watch Polar Express.
On Wednesday I met up with a friend for a long natter which was great, then went home for a long sleep. In the evening we went to the light show at Leaonardslee. I picked it because it was a good price, I didn't expect much. Wakehurst Place is just down the road and is the one that people rave about. I have to say that Leonardslee was amazing. They do something different from other shows I've seen. The music is quite moody and the lights are things like spaceships and planets. The planets are also hanging over lakes and so you get the most amazing reflections.
As a family we all agreed it was amazing - we'll definitely go back next year.
I'm trying to remember what we did on Thursday and Friday, I can't imagine that we relaxed and did nothing, but I honestly cannot remember. Though we did all have a great time. Ahh I remember, we made a whole batch of chocolate truffles to give away as presents. An extremely messy experience, but great to do something with son.
Christmas Eve is a busy one in our house, lots of traditions. The stars go on the top of the tree (though son has had star up all Christmas because we couldn't find his Santa). Then we decorate a bush in the garden and hang up the Santa key. Then we put out carrots for the reindeer.
It all used to be far more exciting because son wanted to get everything just right, but now he is really just going through the motions to keep his mother happy. I even had to lay out the carrots myself! I definitely need to borrow a young kid at Christmas. I remember the first time we put out carrots, when he was about 5. In the morning all that were left were the remnants that the reindeer had eaten with teeth marks in them. Son's eyes were so wide with excitement.
We walked into village and passed a neighbour's 15 year old daughter. They said Happy Christmas to Felix and all he could blurt out back to her was one word - CARROTS! I explained what it was about and we continued on.
This year I gave a present to that very same girl/lady for her to hand to her 3 year old son for Christmas. Time marches on huh!
Other traditions include watching Micky & Donald's Christmas Carol - which is increasingly difficult to get hold of - as I used to watch it on a video. This year we found it on Disney Plus and also going to the Crib Service at the church. Son is now at an age when he is enjoying watching the little one's so excited for Christmas. I just sit next to him yearning for him to be one of those kids bouncing up and down. But it's great that he continues with the traditions - for how much longer I wonder.
We also went to a more local garden centre. Every Christmas Eve I purchase a new tree decoration - and usually on Christmas Eve their is a sale. Then we go and have another hot chocolate.
Christmas traditions over we had some party food and watched a film and then we all went to bed to give Santa a chance to do his thing.
I ended up waking up at 03:30 - I was up for about 2 hours and then shut my eyes for 5 minutes and woke up at 07:45. That may be the latest I've woken up on Christmas Day ever! I normally have to wake up son, but this year we both woke at the same time.
Son loved his stocking, which was more grown up than it used to be, with a grooming kit, lunchbox, chess set and bag for his D&D stuff. But he seemed really pleased with it.
After that we opened presents and I made us all a croque monsieur. The only issue with this was that I'd definitely had too many treats by Christmas day and the whole thing was too rich for me. I ended up sharing mine out with the others. Then I took dog out for a walk.
At about 13:30 we headed for brothers. Weather was absolutely horrible, windy and rainy my least favourite combination. Somehow it was also really warm and so once you put a coat on you overheated. Arriving at brothers it was great to see everybody and despite my concerns it didn't feel strange at all to have such a strange mix of people.
As well as the Ukrainians who had originally stayed with brother, there was another little girl and also a 17 year old boy. My father excelled himself by explaining to the 17 year old that he must stay in England as if he went home he'd be cannon fodder. He didn't just explain this once, he explained it 4 times. No amount of 'not now' looks was going to stop him.
Apart from that somewhat strained moment the meal and company was great. After about 5 hours we headed home to finish our Christmas in front of the telly.
Yesterday was Boxing Day. The weather was a lot better and so as a family we all went out for a light lunch and a dog walk.
And today, today I go back to work!
As I say - that may have been the most rapid week I can remember. I can't believe Christmas is over - this year the whole thing went by in a whirl. I suspect because I spent so much of December travelling.
Anyway, the clock is ticking and I must do that work thing - start time is minutes away.......................
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