Categories: uncategorized
Date: 27 December 2009 20:52:39
It was, I think, one of the nicest Christmases I could have asked for, and for that I am truly grateful. I am sitting here feeling quite contented (though warily contented as this feeling usually precedes yet another crisis). A simple Christmas, a relaxed Christmas, a Christmas of games and companionship and unforced happiness.
It was the first Christmas ever that was spent just the Smudgelet and me. I had been feeling guilty, thinking it was hard on him to have no other company, but then remembered my own childhood Christmases had been spent with my mum, just her and me (I used to think my dad was real hero volunteering to work so that those colleagues with young children could have the holiday off - only later did I realise that he had a young family too and that it was simply that he didn't like Christmas!) and I didn't feel hard done by at all. My brother had planned to join us for a few days, but the snow put paid to that.
I was woken at silly-o'clock by a rampaging twelve-year-old bearing the stocking he'd found at the foot of his bed. I knew he wouldn't have woken me before six. Hmmm.... how come, then, that by by the time he'd finished making sure I was well and truly awake and then had opened every single present out of his stocking, I looked at the clock and found it was still only ten to six!!!
He had far too many presents... but the joy in his face as he opened each one and found a longed-for treat inside was worth every penny, and to be honest, he's far from spoilt. He is a boy to be proud of.
Church, which was really lovely - it had been the biggest reason that's I'd wanted to stay at home for Christmas as I'd wanted the chance to celebrate in my new home church. Then home to dinner. A success, mostly, apart from the small battle with the electric stove which resulted in a few bits being slightly overcooked, but we managed a three course meal with absolute minimum stress.. and it was ready to eat by 1.30 too! Just as well as we were invited out for supper and games at a new friend's house in the evening of Christmas Day. (The Smudgelet was particularly relieved when they asked if we'd be terribly offended if they watched Doctor Who before supper!)
It was quite something, being invited to be part of the family celebrations with a new friend. And we arrived back, rather late at night, to find an invitation from another new friend on my answerphone inviting us for supper and games with their family on Boxing Day. We slept in, then spent a couple of blissful hours walking in Richmond Park trying out our new cameras (flickr soon to be added to) before going for another fun evening.
Then today a visit from some of my favourite people, my friend and my Goddaughter, for yet more games, food, videos and nattering.
I miss my eldest son greatly, but it was actually lovely to spend such quality time with the Smudgelet and enjoy the companionship of my growing son without the two of them getting overexcited and competing for attention. Wish I could have spoken to him on Christmas Day, but goodness knows what I would have said, so maybe it's as well that I couldn't. It wasn't an option.
And now I sit here, relaxing on the sofa with no sense of needing to be doing anything at all, while the Smudgelet plays in the bath (perhaps he's not in too much of a hurry to grow up) and listens to his new CD. (Thank you, God, for a son with relatively decent taste in music).
I hope and pray that your Christmases held at least one simple blessing and a chance to rejoice.