I had a wonderful Christmas this year. Full of all the best things: Great friends, great places, yummy food and lots of laughing. There were so mnay bits of it that I’d like to freeze frame, but I’ll have to suffice with writing about them instead.
My first favourite Christmas moment was on Monday evening. It had been an intriguing old day, to say the least, and my very good friends, having some awareness of this, invited me back to their house. We cooked tuna steak and fried potatoes, which are not traditional Christmas fayre, but it was just lovely to spend time together. I had been creating some complex Christmas presents this year, so they helped me with some last minute packing conundrums, and then we drunk tea and planned a post-christmas shopping trip. Perfection.
Christmas really began on Wednesday, when I hot-footed it to Canterbury. I love travelling on Christmas eve, everyone on the trains have that misty-eyed, ‘I’m making a significant journey’ look about them. Most are lugging bright bags brimming with presents. Everyone smiles and even the ticket inspectors wish you seasons greetings.
Once there, the first highlight of my Christmas had to be the community carol singing. Picture a couple of thousand people squished into a crossroad of streets, an open-topped, double decker bus with a conductor, attempting to keep everyone in time, an enthusiastic Salvation Army band, lots of carols, and the Archbishop of Canterbury. The carols were an intrigue, not least the bizarre Canterbury version of jingle bells, but the whole experience was very festive. And the Archbishop’s message, if short, was fantasticly relevent to where I’m at.
Christmas day itself was great. We woke early and opened presents. I always knew that I had some lovely friends, but the haul of lovely gifts I received confirmed that again. I’ve been trying to work out what my favourite gift was. Perhaps the notebook personalised with photos of us down the side. Perhaps the vase shaped like a coal scuttle. Perhaps the bright pink bath towel, or the cuddly reindeer. I think probably the homemade toadstool hat wins the prize, but it’s a close call. The rest of the day passed quickly. We went to Church, we had a fantastic Christmas meal, we played games, we laughed a lot. Highlight of the day was probably my friend sitting down on a cuddly pheasant in the middle of the church service. This would have been fine, except said pheasant is musical, in that it makes a sound not dissimilar to a whoopee cushion when squeezed. We had some trouble composing ourselves after that.
Boxing day was marvellous. We decided to brave the sales. I realised that I enjoyed shopping in Debenhams more than shops like New Look and River Island, and wondered if this was evidence that I am getting old before my time?We had a lovely coffee and a natter in Starbucks, which is a random place to end up in on Boxing day. Then it was back home, to watch Doctor Who, which was very, very good. Then off out to some friends in a nearby village. We had some more lovely food, and there were more lovely presents, (including a test to check the dog and cat’s IQ… genuis!) and I don’t think I’ve laughed as much as I did that evening, in a very long time. Photographic evidence of the hilarity will hopefully follow.
Saturday and Sunday were quieter, it was just great to be there and to be able to take things at a slower pace. I could feel myself unwinding and relaxing and enjoying it all lots.
This week I am looking forward to New Year’s celebrations, another Canterburian trip, and the wonders that 2009 will bring 
Vicky,
It was an utter pleasure and a joy to have the pleasure of your company on Boxing Day. You are always welcome here.