On Christmas Day 2012 we booked a very special holiday for Matilda Mae’s first birthday in May 2013. We are going to Coombe Mill Farm. I have been wanting to go for over a year now and finally it is all confirmed. I cannot wait for our week away and for Esther and William, and Matilda Mae, to get really close to the animals. I know that we are going to have a wonderful time.

Because of this extra special family present I thought it fitting that I join in with Fiona’s Christmas Blog Hop.

So here I am.

Merry Christmas Everyone.

We have had a lovely time!

Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve we had some friends round for a champagne brunch. It was a lovely relaxed day and we ate smoked salmon, scrambled eggs and muffins. Our friend brought round a Yule Log and cream which made the meal complete. We cracked crackers and exchanged presents and the festivities were truly begun. After watching The Snowman together we said our goodbyes. David and I took the children to the local crib service. It was lovely to hear the Christmas story and sing some traditional carols. I love Christmas Eve. Esther and William went early to bed and Matilda Mae was not far behind. David and I finished the final preparations for Christmas Day. I was a little disappointed that Esther and William are still really too young to understand the intricacies of our Christmas traditions. Next year I think is going to be our first truly magical year. I am excited for it already!

Festive Fashion!

Meeting Matilda Mae

Exchanging Cards

Giving Gifts

Sharing Stories

Our Christmas Star

What’s In Santa’s Sack?

Stockings

Secret Santa!

Christmas Day 2012
Christmas Day started quietly as Matilda and I were alone exploring her Christmas Sensory Box. I have put all the contents of this away now to recreate next year as all three of the children enjoyed playing with it through advent. On reflection I wish that I had used this early morning time to open some presents with Matilda Mae as she did not really get to open any of her festive goodies until the day after Boxing Day. William was the first to open his stocking with David and I in the lounge. He was so excited and loved each off the traditional toys he pulled from his stocking. I think for Esther and William these stocking gifts would have been enough. They could not believe their eyes when they found all the rest of their presents in the playroom. They delighted in each of their openings and it really was wonderful to watch them open and explore all of their new books, puzzles and toys. They even liked the hats that I bought for them!
We had a lovely breakfast of pancakes, maple syrup and bacon whilst watching The Snowman and The Snow Dog which Esther and William enjoyed much more than David and I.

We joined the rest of the extended family for lunch with David’s Mum and Dad. We do this every year so that all the cousins can get together for presents and for lunch. It was a lovely afternoon and all the children were really well behaved. I was very proud of Esther and William indeed. They were great company for the whole day.

In the evening I got my presents from David including a very cool wireless printer. Living the dream!

Christmas Sensory Box

Stocking Sound Machine

Traditional Toys

Break On Through

Scoot Scoot!

Rock A Bye Baby

Wheels On The Bus!

First Christmas Dinner EVER!

Boxing Day
On Boxing Day we went for a walk and a scoot around Bedgebury Pinetum. We then went back to Granny’s for lunch. Another lovely family day. It was nice to get home though, especially for the children who really wanted to play with their presents. And still had presents to open!!

Scooter Sister

Scooter Brother

Scooter Envy from her Graco Evo

All through this Christmas 2012 I have been thinking about what has worked and what has not in preparation for Christmas 2013 which I think will be our most magical yet as Esther and William will really be ready to believe. This year they loved Father Christmas and knew that something exciting was going on but next year I think they will truly love putting out food for the reindeer, baking cookies for Father Christmas and all those other traditional things. I cannot wait!

David and I have agreed that we will always have Christmas morning home alone while Esther and William are young. It is such a magical time for our little family and I want to treasure the moments and the memories for always.

Merry Christmas Everyone x

We wish you all the best for a happy and healthy 2013 x