and what a lovely one it's been!

our tree went up before our krabi-trip.  the kids did a wonderful job decorating it... all covered in baubles, blue and silver tinsel, and a hand-made angel having pride of place on top. bits of tinsel and holly gave the rest of the place a festive cheer.

our Christmas dinner this year was had on Chritmas Eve. (so mam cd rest and enjoy festivities on Christmas Day itself ;)) the good thing about this set-up is that i delegated dh and the kids to help me peel and chop vegetables, while i got the turkey all cleaned, preened, and buttered-up. (yes, our 1st-year having turkey!)  i found a 4kg frozen monstrocity that we carted home in kay's stroller. the recipe was a fab fail-proof one off the net...lots of olive oil, butter, garlic powder and herbs. it turned out wonderfully moist and flavoursome, just as was promised. gravy was hardly a necessity, though it ame in handy as a casserole sauce the day after.  i made a celery, onion, mushroom, and carrot stuffing that was a welcome change from the usual bread-stuffing.  and it all came together really nicely with the little roasties thrown in. we all ate so much we didnt have space for dessert!   so with candles still flickering, we finished off the bubbyl grape juice and set about preparing for bed.  Kiddies Christian songs were playing and Christmas lights flashing.... we re-arranged the nativity, set down cookies and bandung beneath the tree, and moved Christmas stockings to the floor. then off to bed with the Chrisams Story, thanks and prayers.

Christmas Day itself was quiet. we opened gifts and went out for a late breakfast. then on to deliver gifts to neighbours and family. i also received a surprise call from my sister in s/africa, (and probably chatted for way too long.) as we fell asleep that night, e kids and i discussed what we cd give away as Boxing Day presents to strangers, friends, and neighbours. the excitement of the last two days caused the kids to fall asleep lickity-split. :)