Let the Festivities Commence

 I was so relieved to log off at lunchtime on Friday, and to know that I won’t be logging on again until New Year. I definitely need the break. Once I picked little Miss up from school, it was a quick change of outfit before we headed across to Helmsley to meet little Misses Godparents, the chap and his sister for a Christmas meal at the Black Swan.

We were originally meant to meet up a couple of weeks back, but storm Darragh put paid to that, and the lovely folks at the Black Swan kindly rescheduled our meal for us. This week was altogether better anyway because, even though the cough is still fiercely hanging on in there, most of our flu symptoms have now passed. 

We had a fabulous seat for our party of seven, and as we settled in it was time to exchange some gifts. Of course, little Miss was thoroughly spoiled as she so often is. A beautiful new backpack, sooo many amazing gifts. 

Me and the chap also got a fabulous escape room type game, Curse of the Dark, which we’re really looking forward to playing. Then, it was time for dinner. I started off with Heritage Beet Salad (delicious), followed by roast turkey dinner (delicious) and followed by Christmas pudding and custard (delicious).

A blurred photo of some of us in front of the gorgeous Black Swan Christmas tree

I was as stuffed as the turkey, and we’d had so much fun talking, laughing and catching up. It was a joyful start to the Christmas break, and felt like exactly what I needed to kick start my festive spirit.

Helmsley at Night

Back at the car, the chap filled the boot with more goodies (spoiled again), before we all said our goodbyes and headed home, full and happy.

Yesterday, I braved town because I needed to do my grocery shopping. I was dreading it. I hate grocery shopping at the best of times, so doing it at Christmas time doesn’t fill me with joy. To be fair, it wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected, and at least it’s done and out of the way. I’ve over done it as I so often do, I think I’ve got enough food to last until May! 

I had a relaxed evening, and finished my latest book. A thoroughly frivolous and light hearted read that was quite a contrast to some of the heavy going reading I’ve been doing recently. 

This morning, little Miss went to a Christmas party that was thrown by one of her classmates. It was wonderful, and I got to relax with the other parents over cups of coffee and tales of Christmas preparations. I already feel like I’ve wound down from work, and am ready to enjoy what the next week has to bring. 

I hope you have a very merry Christmas, and I’ll see you on the other side.