I am slowly, gently, secretly breathing my customary post-christmas Sigh of Relief. Whhhooooooaaaaaoooh. Exhale. It's all over for another year, and I am full of gratitude, relief, and waaaay too much food. Thank goodness for days spent loafing around wearing pyjamas with an elasticated waist.
Our Christmas was wonderful and everything I hoped it would be. It was relaxing, fun and joyful, with just the right sprinkling of excitement and chaos. I was predictably sleep deprived following many false early starts to the morning... No no NO, it's 3am and you may NOT go downstairs yet, Get Back To Bed until a 5 appears on your clock. Variations of this same sentence were repeated at least 4 more times. I wish I was kidding about that, but that's how it really was.
The Little People are thrilled with their gifts, it's been really terrific watching them work their way through the possibilities of so many new things. This is especially true of Little B who is having a complete ball with his new toys. Who knew a pop-up toaster could generate such laughter and amusement time after time after time?
The older the Little Peeps get, the more unsure I become about the whole present business. I found I was holding my breath through much of the present unwrapping, secretly keeping fingers crossed that the gifts would be gratefully received. It's quite easy to get it rather wrong, to spend precious time and money buying the Wrong Kind of Thing, and they sure let you know it (Shower gel??? What a boring present!!!). But like I say, on the whole, pretty much every gift was received with big smiles, and on occasion even a spontaneous and excited whoop.
J is reluctantly back at work today, it's been so lovely having him home for the past eleven days. It still seems a long time until Normal Routine will resume here though as the Little People don't return to school until the 9th January. I'm kind of glad we've still got eleven lazy mornings left but also kind of wishing for some sort of calm and order to return. The house is in complete chaos and all the sweet new routines that I carefully built up during the Autumn have evaporated in a fug of festive laziness. The laundry basket is overflowing. Stuff has piled up everywhere, on every surface in every room. But this is the remarkable and lovely thing :: yesterday I realised that for the first time EVER I am actually missing doing the housework. I am actually looking forward to doing it!!! Wow. Wonders will never cease.
In amongst all the full-on chaos of the holiday season, I've been finding a few quiet moments to create. My festive bunting is progressing nicely, and although I didn't manage to get it made in time for Christmas, I'm aiming for a New Year ta-dah. I am also itching to get back to some rippling, it's been weeks and weeks since I worked on my blanket.
Mostly this Christmas has been about giving in to laziness. Allowing oneself to Slob Out and do very little. It takes a wee while to unwind and slow down the pace doesn't it? After such a lot of rush and activity in the run up to Christmas, I've had to almost force myself to just hang out at home with no plans to do anything much or go anywhere at all.
The fire has been at the focus of our stay-home days, and as a family we've spent countless hours sat around it, enjoying it's cosy light and warmth. Watching films, playing games, toasting marshmallows, listening to music, cuddling, snuggling, hanging out. The pleasure it gives us is huge, and each Winter I always give thanks for it, most especially during the Christmas period.
Bedtimes too, oh how I give thanks for Bedtime!!! HaHAHA!! It can be remarkably tiring sitting around eating and drinking and slobbing out all day you know!!!!
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I think your blog is truly scrumptious. You have inspired me no end. I am hooked on granny stripes right now see http://www.facebook.com/pages/Granny-Squares/132512464144
Thank you so much
Posted by: Sue | January 15, 2012 at 01:21 PM
Oh! Oh! Oh! Please! Please share your Granny Wheels square with those of us who find the pattern so inspiring! It is just beautiful! (like all your creations I have seen).
Thank you, Lucy, for all you so willingly share with those of us who find such inspiration in what you do. Not only in your crochet, in all phases of your life that you share with us.
You are the greatest!
Carolyn G.
Texas, USA
Posted by: Carolyn Geoffrey | January 11, 2012 at 11:22 PM
I just gave this post a shout-out on my blog - hope you don't mind:
http://www.actuallymummy.co.uk/2011/12/31/how-to-celebrate-new-years-eve-with-kids/
Posted by: Actually mummy... | December 30, 2011 at 11:21 PM
Lovely photos!
Posted by: Tracy | December 30, 2011 at 01:43 AM
Such a lovely post! I love what you did with the tiny baubles and your mantelpiece looks stunning! I spent Christmas in Spain with my lovely family-in-law, it was quite strange to be celebrating under a surprisingly hot sun and with palmtrees around, for a moment I actually missed the cold Belgian wheather :-) I too was holding my breath when my nieces and nephews opened their gifts, I do like shopping for kids so much. Looking forward to your festive bunting Ta-dah! xxxx
Posted by: Nanita | December 29, 2011 at 09:38 AM
Gorgeous photos as always! I also find myself holding my breath when dealing out the gifts. We give our boys one gift each night for the 8 days of Hanukkah. This year some were huge hits and others less so :(
Posted by: Handmade in Israel | December 29, 2011 at 09:07 AM
Hello Lucy, I can't see an e-mail contact address, but I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your family life and craft projects blog entries. It reminds me of when I was younger with my three children around me and how I spent lots of time crafting with and for them. I recognize my own enthusiasm for life through yours!
Now I have a little grandson of seven and we do wonderful things together! I used your really well-explained crocheted holly tutorial to decorate his newly crocheted Christmas stocking this year. Wish I could send you a photo, but it isn't possible here!
I know I'll find colour and sunshine and laughter here!
Posted by: Zinnia | December 29, 2011 at 07:26 AM
Leave it to you to find a candle with colorful dots!!!
Posted by: eva | December 29, 2011 at 03:40 AM
Lucy, I love your posts especially the ones about bedtime. I have a terrible time sleeping and wonder if I should be more deliberative about getting ready for bed. You always make beddy-bye seem so inviting.
Holly
Posted by: Holly | December 29, 2011 at 02:59 AM
Your blog gives me a taste of England!! You are quite a photographer too!! I am saving up to take my dream trip, the thought of walking through an English garden fills me with joy. I have seen many picture and I am sure the pics do not do them justice.
Your fire looks cozy!! We don't use them much here in Hawaii, although up on Haleakala they do.
Aloha from Hawaii...keep on blogging, it brings such joy to others.
Posted by: Rosie, Hawaii | December 29, 2011 at 02:23 AM
So fun to peek at your holiday through the pics!! It looks quite joyous!! And a day long jammie day!!! I'm jealous!!! Happy New Year!!!! (can't wait to see the bunting!)
Posted by: Steph @woolythyme | December 29, 2011 at 01:13 AM
What a happy post-Christmas entry! I always feel a bit glum to see the holidays pass, it is a grey and dreary time here in January. I will have to take a page out of your book and light the fire. Thanks for always brightening up my day!
Posted by: Shannon | December 28, 2011 at 11:47 PM
I so love your fire, I so wish I still had one (I actually do here in this house but it is too dangerous to use) Your Christmas sounds lovely and jim jam time is wonderful isn't it. I am enjoying my few days off, I go back when your little people go back. Lucy I have to tell you, my kids bought me a slow cooker for my birthday, well I was raving about yours so I guess they got the hint. I ordered the book you have and made my first meal in it last night it was delicious (Beef rolls pg 89). I am going to make the Chicken and Barley one over the next couple of days. It is going to be such a help when I am working.
xx Sandi
Posted by: Sandi Lee | December 28, 2011 at 11:45 PM
Beautiful photos! That toaster is the cutest thing. I love kitcheny toys!
What a wonderful celebration with the family!
Posted by: penelope10 | December 28, 2011 at 11:09 PM
Sounds like a lovely Christmas. Enjoy the rest of your holidays and here's hoping some of the housework love rubs off on me :-)
Posted by: Katie | December 28, 2011 at 10:37 PM
Thank you for finding time to share your Christmas Cheer with us!
Posted by: sew | December 28, 2011 at 10:30 PM
Hurrah for post-Christmas elasticated waists and jammies! Nasty shock when I had to button up work trousers this morning.
I did giggle at your his n hers feet mingling by the fire photo...immediately followed by the romantic candle lit bed photo....!
Posted by: Kate | December 28, 2011 at 09:42 PM
beautiful ! have good holidays ! happy new year from Canada !
Posted by: celine | December 28, 2011 at 09:30 PM
I work at a school and we regrettfully go back on Jan. 3. How I wish we had until the 9th! But I love all your wonderfully festive decor and look forward to more pictures of your bunting and blanket as they progress!
Posted by: Taylor | December 28, 2011 at 09:24 PM
I soooo agree, being lazy over these holidays does make you tired!! Not sure how I'll cope when school starts again.......But in some strange way, I feel the need to do some washing of clothes, dusting etc.....just not too sure when I will feel like starting my chores again......:)
Posted by: busylittlechicken | December 28, 2011 at 09:11 PM
Can't believe you said that about the housework....look what I posted on Flylady Facebook page yesterday....laugh!!!!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/TheFlyLady/posts/10150564894631844
Nonetheless...glad you've had am enjoyable and expanding Christmas! Whole house gorgeous! Can't wait for the Ta-Dah...how exciting to have something to look forward to after the Festive Excitement! Thanks Lucy xx
Posted by: KayElleC | December 28, 2011 at 08:07 PM
Slobbing days still happening here to two grandparents, tea and a read in bed before the day starts that's our weakness till hubby returns to work in the new year.
Posted by: Julie | December 28, 2011 at 08:02 PM
Your christmas with your family seems to be as weel as mine : so well. So Il hope you many pleasants times to prepare the new year's arrival.
Kisses from britany.
Sophie
xxx
PS : it is allways a very good time to read your blog.
Posted by: Sophie | December 28, 2011 at 07:59 PM
So glad you and your family enjoying a wonderful slow postChristmas recup.
Wish I had a fire place {real one} to hang around during the day.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Posted by: Eileen | December 28, 2011 at 07:48 PM
Hi Lucy , great to see more of your beautiful Christmas decorations. I love you bauble branches and need to try that next year !!
Can't wait to see your finished banner...I know it will be gorgeous.
It's pretty chaotic here with 5 people at home and stuff every where .
Loved your picture of the party popper streamers on the light ....I've done that too :0)
Thanks for your lovely comment over at mine , here's to a happy,crafty 2012.
Jacquie x
Posted by: Jacquie | December 28, 2011 at 07:32 PM