Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Celebrating Christmas British Style!

Wow, I finally have a minute to breathe.  It's been non-stop partying around here since Christmas Eve.  Here's a few pictures of how we celebrate Christmas British style, (very similar to America, but with a few variations).

Christmas Eve starts off with a visit to Christmas Street in Sugarhouse.  Sorry no pictures, but it's a quaint little cul-de-sac where every house is decorated with lights, Santas and various inflatable characters.  Picture Clark Griswald's house but multiplied by 30.  (No it's actually quite tasteful, they even have a lighted Christmas tree in the middle of the turnaround.)


It's then back home where we change into new PJ's and read Christmas stories in front of the fire.  This year we had a new addition to the library, Enid Blyton's The Christmas Book, written in the 1950's and documenting British Traditions and their provenance.  We all take it in turns reading a page.

Notice the egg nog mug 


T'was the Night Before Christmas


Finally it's time to put out a treat for Santa & his reindeer.  This year Roman decided to leave a little note.

The puff pastry tart is a Mince Pie, a traditional British desert at Xmas (doesn't actually contain mince meat!)

The next few hours are spent wrapping presents and we finally fall into bed past midnight.

Meanwhile..............Look what Santa brought!



Oh Ringo!  There you go again, stealing the limelight.
Callum's favourite present, Lego X-wing fighter.


Roman's favourite present, Heelies!


Christmas crackers!



Chef Dingley cooking a lovely Tofu Turkey!  Yum.




Meanwhile, in the family room...............



Look what I spotted Max doing with his new girlfriend, shocking!


Tofu Turkey, roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, brussel sprouts & carrots


Pull harder

Wow, a mini stapler, just what I always wanted!
 And I almost forgot, Callum lost his tooth on Xmas eve, and was left $5 by the Tooth Fairy!  Lucky him.




Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Christmas decorations 2010, part 1

Well, we finally dressed the tree.  I don't know about you, but it's really hard to edit which ornaments to use.  Sometimes I think that it looks like a toyshop has thrown up on it, but maybe that's the effect I'm going for.  All I know is that it doesn't look like one of those decorated trees from Modern Display, but overall I think it looks charming and the kids love it.


  

       





How many sock monkeys and cupcakes can you fit on a tree?  Lots!
  
  
  
  
  


If it's not enough having to tell the boys to stop playing with the decorations, look what else I have to contend with!
 
  
Ringo growling at me after I told him to leave the ornaments alone

  

 

 I think that the target tablecloth curtains look pretty good.


Hope you get what you wish for.  Happy Holidays!