I hope everyone who celebrates Christmas has had a pleasant time this year, we certainly did and we had a very different Christmas too. For once we didn’t stay at home, but yesterday morning, as soon as we’d looked in our stockings to see if we’d been good boys and girls and Santa had bought us something, and had our breakfast, we loaded bags of goodies into the car, jumped in and set off.
We were worried there might be a lot of other travellers but fortunately although the motorway was busy, all was flowing smoothly. We crossed the River Severn by The Prince Of Wales Bridge and headed west until we were driving from the countryside into the city. The driver thought he knew the way, and after a fashion he did, but thanks to the navigator stepping in with the last few directions, we arrived! The door was flung open and embraces were given and received as we excitedly exchanged wishes for a very merry Christmas. We seemed to have more luggage than expected but all was carried in and after handing over bags of brightly wrapped seasonal gifts, we headed upstairs to leave our bags.
Refreshments were offered when we joined our hosts and the other side of the family, and soon we were nibbling nuts and sipping from sparkling glasses, smelling gorgeous aromas from the oven and helping with little last-minute tasks. Our hosts were so well organised, everything thought of and anticipated, that we had time to exchange news and catch up with everyone until we were called to table. A magnificent bird had been roasted to perfection, a wonderful selection of accompaniments and vegetables were presented, wine uncorked and poured, soft drinks opened and fizzed into glasses, and our Christmas really began.
It was indeed a merry Christmas, a very merry and lovely Christmas – wonderful company, attentive hosts, a well-behaved four-legged friend, delicious food beautifully cooked, crackers, surprises, stories and chatter. At some point, when we had all finished, we made a brief attempt to clear everything away and then we retired to the sitting room with a magnificent and beautifully decorated tree. Now was the time to exchange gifts, and how thoughtful, kind, and generous everyone was. All the while, even as we exclaimed over what was being unwrapped, we exchanged news and caught up with all the latest gossip.
We were fortunate enough to be staying the night, and after an evening of playing all sorts of games (including one in which I had clearly lost the plot as well as my marbles and probably my wits) the other guests departed after hugs and embraces, and we headed up to our comfortable beds.
What a wonderful Christmas Day! We returned home this afternoon and our house did seem very dull and quiet, but fortunately we had gift books to look at, delicious things to nibble, and a few interesting bottles to open and imbibe. How fortunate we are indeed, and I’m looking forward already to the next time we are together.
Lois Elsden 