I’m glad I could give you a laugh Debbie. It’s funny, I often write things and wonder if anyone will know what I’m talking about! It’s so pleasing when readers ‘get it’. Wow, 97? How impressive. Hope you all have a great time x
Wow Kay, you’re a woman of many talents! Good for you, making so many of the elements of Christmas yourself. It sounds like you really make the most of it all. Isn’t it lovely we can still get so enthused about Christmas regardless of how many times we’ve done it all before? Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Our family went to see the Peter Pan at the Rose Theatre in Kingston, the only good thing we enjoyed was the skilful manner in which the scenery and sets were moved about, the play was “updated”, overlong with unnecessary dance routines, speeches about the role of mothers and very politically correct.
A family tradition has started that DD, her husband, DS, his wife and their children, 8 and 6, DH and I have lunch together before Christmas, then visit a pantomime, however the only date possible was December 2nd before any pantomimes started so we opted for Rose Theatre’s production. That Saturday was the day the temperature didn’t rise above freezing so rather unpleasant being outside for the performance didn’t start till 5.30.
In previous years we have been to Richmond theatre which I’ve visited all my life, that theatre appears in so many films.
Hello! So sorry to hear about your slightly disappointing panto experience this year ……I live on Skye, so the closest theatre is 150 miles away in Inverness, Eden Court Theatre. My husband, who is retired, has taken the children (all 6 of them) plus staff to the pantomime in Inverness for a few year’s running now in the local community mini bus and in return he gets to watch the panto! This year it was Sleeping Beauty. There was no pantomime horse either but plenty of slapstick, water pistol soaking (which apparently woke him up - it’s a long day driving after all !!) and sweetie throwing. All in all a grand day out which was finished off with a tour of the Christmas lights and a trip to McDonald’s for tea (no takeaways where we live, so it’s always a great treat!). Thank you for your stories which I enjoy very much 😊. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you and your family.
Oh Suzy - that did make me laugh! I too remember those wonderful honeycomb paper decorations and garlands and all the fun of making paper chains! I also considered a pre lit fake tree this year for the first time to save time but have ended up with a real one again - it just wouldn't be the same. My 28 year old daughter still expects a stocking and now her boyfriend too! But the most important thing is that Christmas is all about gathering your family together like you are and we will be treasuring this one even more as our 97 year old Dad is still able to enjoy it with us. Happy Christmas! xx
Thank you Linda. I’m so pleased you enjoyed it. I know exactly what you mean about wishing we could apologise to our parents - I put mine through hell on occasions and feel very guilty about it now! Have a wonderful Christmas
Oh Sue I completely understand about not throwing old decorations away. Every year as I have six or seven large plastic crates out of the loft I tell myself I must have a clear out after Christmas. It never happens. I can’t bear to get rid of any of them. Thanks for sharing. I loved your description of all the things you enjoy about Christmas. Have a great time this year.
I still follow my Mums traditions and have some decorations of my Nan and my mum. I always do my Mums Christmas cakes and puddings. Greenery is gathered with my husband. Always an open fire on Christmas Day. There is a magic in the name of Christmas. As soon as the boxes come out of the loft, the tinsel, the baubles, always finding something that is a surprise! A boot with babies first Christmas - bought for when my son was born 26 years ago! Our first Christmas bauble when I met my husband 15 years ago! Always a wreath on the door which I always make! I try to do everything myself from drawing my own cards to making my own cranberry sauce! I love it! Thank you for sharing with us. I so enjoyed and always enjoy your writings!
Playing pipe chimes as a family is always a hit at our house. The kids up to the grandparents get to be involved trying to play Christmas songs by hitting their one chime when it's their turn in the song. No musical talent needed and is always filled with smiles and laughs - and occasional pretty chime music.
As always I love reading your updates here. Yes think Christmas is really my all favourite time of year as mostly everyone is celebrating in their own unique way at the same time. It can also be a sad reflective time for some (sister and I lost our 90+ mother a week before Christmas few years ago) but just seeing the twinkling lights, the pine trees, the aroma of mulled wines and spices is such a tonic! I can’t bear to throw tatty decorations away but tell myself if I do, I can look forward to sourcing another beautiful one as a consolation! Wishing you & your family a good festive season & healthy 2024
I absolutely LOVED reading this Susy! Well, as I do with all your writing, but this one in particular resonates on so many levels.
Bittersweetly it’s not until we reach the life stages that our parents were at throughout our own childhoods and growing into adulthood that we come understand our parents so much more, but then they aren’t here for us to tell (or apologise to!).
The story of the family at your local shop brought a tear to my eye - what truly beautiful souls!
My very best wishes to you and yours for a wonderful traditional Christmas, filled with all the good things in life, even the 6 month old pine needle mementos!
Hey, merry Christmas. Unlike your celebrations mine have changed drastically, mostly for sad reasons. But Meet and Deep have just the best of traditions just up the road from the Green. This year I am nursing a broken arm, I fell as I got out of The Lensbury swimming pool.
I’m glad I could give you a laugh Debbie. It’s funny, I often write things and wonder if anyone will know what I’m talking about! It’s so pleasing when readers ‘get it’. Wow, 97? How impressive. Hope you all have a great time x
Wow Kay, you’re a woman of many talents! Good for you, making so many of the elements of Christmas yourself. It sounds like you really make the most of it all. Isn’t it lovely we can still get so enthused about Christmas regardless of how many times we’ve done it all before? Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Oh no! Poor you. That must be hampering you quite a bit. I hope whatever your plans are you have a Merry Christmas
Our family went to see the Peter Pan at the Rose Theatre in Kingston, the only good thing we enjoyed was the skilful manner in which the scenery and sets were moved about, the play was “updated”, overlong with unnecessary dance routines, speeches about the role of mothers and very politically correct.
A family tradition has started that DD, her husband, DS, his wife and their children, 8 and 6, DH and I have lunch together before Christmas, then visit a pantomime, however the only date possible was December 2nd before any pantomimes started so we opted for Rose Theatre’s production. That Saturday was the day the temperature didn’t rise above freezing so rather unpleasant being outside for the performance didn’t start till 5.30.
In previous years we have been to Richmond theatre which I’ve visited all my life, that theatre appears in so many films.
Hello! So sorry to hear about your slightly disappointing panto experience this year ……I live on Skye, so the closest theatre is 150 miles away in Inverness, Eden Court Theatre. My husband, who is retired, has taken the children (all 6 of them) plus staff to the pantomime in Inverness for a few year’s running now in the local community mini bus and in return he gets to watch the panto! This year it was Sleeping Beauty. There was no pantomime horse either but plenty of slapstick, water pistol soaking (which apparently woke him up - it’s a long day driving after all !!) and sweetie throwing. All in all a grand day out which was finished off with a tour of the Christmas lights and a trip to McDonald’s for tea (no takeaways where we live, so it’s always a great treat!). Thank you for your stories which I enjoy very much 😊. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you and your family.
Oh Suzy - that did make me laugh! I too remember those wonderful honeycomb paper decorations and garlands and all the fun of making paper chains! I also considered a pre lit fake tree this year for the first time to save time but have ended up with a real one again - it just wouldn't be the same. My 28 year old daughter still expects a stocking and now her boyfriend too! But the most important thing is that Christmas is all about gathering your family together like you are and we will be treasuring this one even more as our 97 year old Dad is still able to enjoy it with us. Happy Christmas! xx
That’s so kind of you. Thank you x
Thank you Linda. I’m so pleased you enjoyed it. I know exactly what you mean about wishing we could apologise to our parents - I put mine through hell on occasions and feel very guilty about it now! Have a wonderful Christmas
Oh Sue I completely understand about not throwing old decorations away. Every year as I have six or seven large plastic crates out of the loft I tell myself I must have a clear out after Christmas. It never happens. I can’t bear to get rid of any of them. Thanks for sharing. I loved your description of all the things you enjoy about Christmas. Have a great time this year.
I still follow my Mums traditions and have some decorations of my Nan and my mum. I always do my Mums Christmas cakes and puddings. Greenery is gathered with my husband. Always an open fire on Christmas Day. There is a magic in the name of Christmas. As soon as the boxes come out of the loft, the tinsel, the baubles, always finding something that is a surprise! A boot with babies first Christmas - bought for when my son was born 26 years ago! Our first Christmas bauble when I met my husband 15 years ago! Always a wreath on the door which I always make! I try to do everything myself from drawing my own cards to making my own cranberry sauce! I love it! Thank you for sharing with us. I so enjoyed and always enjoy your writings!
Playing pipe chimes as a family is always a hit at our house. The kids up to the grandparents get to be involved trying to play Christmas songs by hitting their one chime when it's their turn in the song. No musical talent needed and is always filled with smiles and laughs - and occasional pretty chime music.
Hello Susy,
As always I love reading your updates here. Yes think Christmas is really my all favourite time of year as mostly everyone is celebrating in their own unique way at the same time. It can also be a sad reflective time for some (sister and I lost our 90+ mother a week before Christmas few years ago) but just seeing the twinkling lights, the pine trees, the aroma of mulled wines and spices is such a tonic! I can’t bear to throw tatty decorations away but tell myself if I do, I can look forward to sourcing another beautiful one as a consolation! Wishing you & your family a good festive season & healthy 2024
🎄🥂
I absolutely LOVED reading this Susy! Well, as I do with all your writing, but this one in particular resonates on so many levels.
Bittersweetly it’s not until we reach the life stages that our parents were at throughout our own childhoods and growing into adulthood that we come understand our parents so much more, but then they aren’t here for us to tell (or apologise to!).
The story of the family at your local shop brought a tear to my eye - what truly beautiful souls!
My very best wishes to you and yours for a wonderful traditional Christmas, filled with all the good things in life, even the 6 month old pine needle mementos!
Hey, merry Christmas. Unlike your celebrations mine have changed drastically, mostly for sad reasons. But Meet and Deep have just the best of traditions just up the road from the Green. This year I am nursing a broken arm, I fell as I got out of The Lensbury swimming pool.