This year we spent a few days before Christmas and Christmas Day at my grandparents with the whole of my family. I have a very small extended family so we normally manage to all get together at some point over Christmas. When we stay with my grandparents on Christmas Eve we always go to a traditional candlelit carol service at their C of E Church. This was a bit of a challenge with a three year old and a 10-month-old but I'm so glad we tried because we managed to keep them occupied between us the whole service. It is the ultimate way to feel Christmassy, belting out Hark the Herald Angels Sing and holding candles (or a baby!) in a beautiful church.
On Christmas Day morning we had the whole family experience of all piling onto the bed and opening stockings. Then checking the mantelpiece to see if Father Christmas had eaten his cake and drunk his apple juice (Chloe's choices). Then church, then massive lunch, then opening all the rest of the presents, then Christmas TV. I think our Christmas day is pretty traditional! (But wouldn't change it!).
Boxing day we drove down to stay with J's parents. Although they only live round the corner we wanted to stay overnight so that we got more time with them and had some childfree time once the girls had gone to bed. It can be a bit tiring doing one day with one family, one day with the other, but at the same time it's also nice that the celebrations don't have to stop after Christmas day. I really believe in being fair with the time that we spend with both families as well.
The next few days we have more family celebrations but also lots of time with lovely friends which I'm really looking forward to. Last night we saw some old friends and i found it so refreshing to have a change from seeing family and all the emotions that can come with that (although I do love my family lots!!).
I hope you all had really wonderful Christmases. What a special time of year and I'm so glad we get to do it again next year and the year after and the year after etc.
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