We made it to The Eve with a tiny margin to spare - just big enough to squeeze in some homemade sausage rolls, mulled cider and the Good Life Christmas special which is a bit of a ritual of ours.
I couldn't wait to get cosy and as soon as the door was shut on Christmas Eve the baking began and we settled in. There's been much loafing about in new slippers, munching of cake, game playing and long afternoon reads.
Our Christmas Day was wet and dreary but all the more snug for it I think. We ate lunch late in the afternoon, just as the light was going. There was a moment when the turkey went onto the table with the candles flickering when I felt so grateful and happy to be with my little family at home together. I'll never forget it.
The boys have been thrilled with everything they were given and our family and friends have been so kind. We were all happiest though about Grandma staying for three whole days and she's back tomorrow for New Year.
The lurgy has spared us so far but I'm trying not to mention it as everyone else has succumbed and I can't bear to think about it. Luckily we've still managed to catch up with the family and had some of those precious, slumpy afternoons full of laughter, party games and mince pies.
I'll miss the decorations when they go - but not for a little while yet. I want to squeeze the last drops of Yuletide out before I step back out into the real world again.
The rain has been relentless so we've not ventured far, aside from an ice skating treat and a Boxing Morning walk down past the water meadows. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for New Year's Day and a stroll over the hills. Not a bad way to start 2013. Happy New Year xxx
