Christmas Time, Mistletoe and (too much) Wine

Finally, after 365 days of waiting for my favourite day of the year once again, I woke up at 9am to Christmas day. Despite feeling slightly worse for wear due to going out after work on Christmas Eve, I bundled down the stairs with my family in tow, absolutely raring to start the day.

 Our family always starts with present opening, before the coffee is even put on, we all sit down and open our presents... me and Sarah are just about at the age where we still get stacks and stockings and honestly, my excitement hasn't lessened at all growing up. 

The aftermath was absolutely carnage. Every single year we throw all the paper into the middle to create a paper mountain (unless it's salvageable- then my mother is a very keen recycler) and after our mass present opening we stare in awe at the paper mound! My sister bought me my own Olaf from Build-a-Bear, I became attached very quickly! 

Finally it was time to get some coffee down our necks and as it's Christmas, we bring out the bagels, cream cheese and smoked salmon. Although I absolutely love Christmas dinner, I think breakfast may just be my absolute favourite meal of Christmas day- before the jeans start getting too tight! Despite the excitement of breakfast, it's always very rushed as all four of us need to shower and prepare for the real beginning of Christmas day, where we all head over to my aunty's... to join a 15 strong family gathering! 

One of my favourite presents this year was this cape from Marks and Spencer's, it's fur lined around the neckline and sleeves and is super cosy! I've been searching for a cape all winter and after finding this a couple of days ago I knew if it wasn't in my Santa sack I would be heading straight for the boxing day sales! 

Finally we were out the door and on the road! Ready to start the big festivities with the whole family. After arriving, toasting and having some delicious starters (featuring cheese sticks- a definite favourite part of Christmas for me), we took our seats and Christmas dinner was thrown upon us! Honey roasted gammon, turkey, stuffing, pigs in blankets, by the end of it I was so stuffed I'm surprised my tights hadn't fallen apart at the seams! But, as I always say, there is a second stomach for dessert, and when the desserts came, none of us had any problem eating even more,  despite initial complaints at our fullness level! 

After a lot of eating and drinking, we were finally fed and watered to our hearts content. Another family tradition is the 'Christmas Walk' where we all take a stroll around the block before coming home for even more present opening (and drinking)! So in an attempt to gain back some of our humanness we decided to take a walk down to the cliffs to overlook the sea on Christmas night. And despite the freezing cold, it was so very lovely! 

We were happy to get back into the warm house though, and we headed into the living room for the present opening ceremony round 2. People were very generous and I received lovely gifts! 

And what is Christmas without a game? It was time for the 'Pointless Quiz' (a British TV show) we divided into four teams and tried to take on my mother and uncle as Alexander and Richard. In order to fuel us for the excitement of the quiz, 'Margarita Hour' was announced, and everyone was bought out a Margarita cocktail, something I may have ended up regretting this morning! We came second from last, but you could view it as third! After the quiz, apparently more food was needed! And out came the cheese! As a cheese fiend, this is my heaven, and it became even more heavenly when my next favourite 'ch' word was bought out, chocolate! More specifically Fererro Rocher, a lot of them at that! Apparently they're Spot's favourite things too. 

Despite the food ending, the night continued. With round the table singing, laughing and just generally being merry, perhaps even too merry, all the way to gone 3 in the morning! Completely and utterly what Christmas is all about? Although I am sure I can wait another year before I hear my uncle and dad sing 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me'! 

I hope all of your Christmases were as lovely and joyous as I had. Despite being up at 8am for work, I have absolutely no regrets for the occasion and feel so lucky to be part of such a wonderful family! 

Merry Christmas to you al! 

Ciao for Now 

x