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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Hi Lucy! Your Christmas pictures are just lovely! I always enjoy visiting your blog. Just wanted to let you know I linked back to your blog when I posted about the birdie decoration I made as a gift using your pattern.
http://craftymoosecrafts.blogspot.com/2011/12/whats-off-my-knitting-needles.html
Happy New Year to all of you!
Posted by: Debbie | December 28, 2011 at 07:30 PM
I just love your blog! Glad all of you had a wonderful Christmas!
Posted by: shannon hassouneh | December 28, 2011 at 07:23 PM
Lovely, Christmassy pictures, thanks for sharing once again.
Posted by: Linda | December 28, 2011 at 07:18 PM
In my haste to reply to Sarah, I forgot to comment on your gorgeous pictures, I Love Love love your twig, I always mean to get one and forget. I also love the colours in your home, so homely and alive!
Posted by: maypole | December 28, 2011 at 06:31 PM
Your trees with the little coloured baubles are so lovely! I must remember to do something with coloured baubles next year - we are a bit minimalist and colour-coordinated. It was lovely when we were a stylish young couple but now we are bit more cosy and comfy (!) I feel some colour is called for!
Posted by: Actually mummy... | December 28, 2011 at 06:27 PM
How Lovely! So glad you had a splendid Christmas♥ Beautiful Christmas photographs! I love how you decorate, so very festive!
Posted by: Janis | December 28, 2011 at 05:29 PM
I love all your colourful baubles together on the branches, I wish I'd thought of that! The fire is such a cosy addition to the christmas TV watching isn't it? You're right, it's the best time of year to enjoy it!
Jess x
Posted by: Jessie | December 28, 2011 at 05:12 PM
I too miss having order in my house. I am getting better at embracing a certain kind of chaos though. I just hope the mountain of recycling gets put away properly before we head off to visit the in laws tomorrow. I'd hate to come home to that. I wish we had a fire like yours. Enjoy the rest of the hols.
Posted by: Rachael Iddon | December 28, 2011 at 04:18 PM
I so enjoyed reading about your Christmas and loved the festive photos! Ahhh, the elasticated waist on the pj's were a necessity here...lol...I am hoping the jeans still fit after the feasting and "slobbing" we enjoyed!
Relish the time that is left...soon the New Year commences!
--Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth | December 28, 2011 at 04:17 PM
I have had a cold this week so have been very lazy. Under the best of circumstances I have housework up to my ears -- but today the sun is shining, I feel a bit better, and I may just mop the floors. Thank you for encouraging me to crochet, to be cheerful, and even to clean :)
Posted by: Angela | December 28, 2011 at 04:16 PM
The english home like yours are christmas home number 1! It is decorated with warmth and a creative heart, and I love it.
Thanks. Unn, Norway
Posted by: Unn | December 28, 2011 at 03:29 PM
Wonderful Christmas photos, Lucy. Lovely when all your hard work and thoughtfulness in present buying is so happily received. The toaster looks fun, simple pleasure.
Enjoy your extended time with your littlies, the housework will be waiting for you in the new year.
Carol xx
Posted by: Carol | December 28, 2011 at 03:28 PM
Lets here it for a BIG sign of relief!!Maybe that was why we had a wind storm the other night;)I miss the early mornings now that mine are teenagers and like to sleep in.We were waiting for them to get up!Thankfully it was a good one.WHAT!! ,miss housework!do you have a fever?;)I like my routines.Can't wait to see the bunting.I never seem to finish everything I start for Christmas.Most of the crocheted owl ornaments are still eyeless.I have candy canes half finished in my basket too.Have to add baby blankets to my list now too.NOT MINE thank goodness:)New ripples!Enjoy the lazy days that are left.
Posted by: angela-southern USA | December 28, 2011 at 03:19 PM
My DH and I are retired so I have LOTS of "slobbing" days...LOL
Enjoy your days with the Little People :)
Thanks for all the great pictures you post.
Posted by: Colleen | December 28, 2011 at 03:17 PM
What kind of camera do you use? Such beautiful photos.
Posted by: CB | December 28, 2011 at 03:13 PM
I love christmas very much too, but am somehow always glad when it is done. Something wonderful to look forward to are the presents your teenagers give you - thoughtful, precious, hilarious and sometimes poignant as they pick out something that refers back to their childhood.
Lucky things starting school later: I am back teaching my 30 x 5 year olds on the 4th. Hey ho. Happy new year!
Posted by: Adele | December 28, 2011 at 02:44 PM
Oh, I feel the same way. Housework - where are you? but it is true, as our children grow older, gift giving takes on a different meaning - sadly they are not the naive little ones of before, now, they know exactly what they want and ask for it and expect it!
Taking time to just relax during this time is ideal and necessary. As a home schooling mother of three, I just took December off. I needed the time to rest and to just enjoy the holidays.
Thank you for sharing...and enjoy your housework - I know I'll enjoy mine today :-D
Be blessed!
Maria
Posted by: Maria | December 28, 2011 at 01:51 PM
Lovely post Lucy ~ I'm glad you had such a wonderful time at Christmas, it's also nice to know that other children were up so early too. We were woken abruptly at 2.30 am by a small boy bouncing up and down on our bed, clutching his stocking and shouting "he's been"!! We allowed him to open his stocking and then thankfully he went back to sleep again until 7 am ~ which was a much more civilized time to be awake ~ Jackie :O)xxx
Posted by: Jackie | December 28, 2011 at 01:30 PM
Such pretty pics - keep enjoying your days! :-)
Posted by: tinajo | December 28, 2011 at 01:27 PM
I am loving this week, no more presents to buy, wrap, or make. No more get togethers. Just time at home with my little one. My husband is back at work too. Your home looks lovely. I have to admit, the mess got to me here and I spent the morning cleaning and (gasp) putting decorations away. I usually keep them up. I am ready to relax today with crochet and a cup of coffee. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Posted by: Kashi Griffith | December 28, 2011 at 01:25 PM
Oh yes, the pleasure of the 'hibernation' week between Christmas and New Year.Sofa, left-overs and family.
Posted by: Kate | December 28, 2011 at 01:19 PM
Lucy! I finally figured out the ripples, thanks to your neat ripple pattern! I'm so happy!
Your house looks absolutely fairy-like! I love all your colors, of course.
It's good to be lazy and elastic waists are affirming instead of distressing.
Posted by: Pom Pom | December 28, 2011 at 01:14 PM
Hello Lucy ! Thanks for all these beautiful pictures. I like your way of life, specially with the fire and the pyjamas !.... I also have pyjama's evening during holidays.
You can see it on my blog
http://www.canalblog.com/cf/my/?nav=blog.manage&bid=653262&pid=22996862
Enjoy the last days of the year.
Posted by: Dominique | December 28, 2011 at 01:01 PM
I love hearing about your children's school schedule. Here in Charlotte, NC my children will return to school Monday January 2.
P.S. I too was holding my breath when my older little people were opening their gifts!
Posted by: Danielle | December 28, 2011 at 12:44 PM
Lovely post-Christmas post Lucy. It sounds as though you all had a well-deserved rest! Glad you and yours had a wonderful family time. Nikki x
Posted by: Nikki Relffe-Arnold | December 28, 2011 at 12:12 PM