Xmas 2012 – City Celebrations
This year it was my husband’s family’s ‘turn’ to host Christmas on December 25. We do alternate years for each family – and my brother-in-law S and his lovely wife P provided the venue (as they so often do, because they have such a fabulous big hosting-kinda house).
Grandad A’s wife Gwen brought a gorgeous plum pud.
And despite many of the kids growing up super fast, there were enough young ‘uns around to take care of Santa and the reindeer before bed.
And our Hostess with the Mostest even thought to festive-up the smallest room in the house …
(No this is not the loo – I brought it out to show the others the instagrammed it while I was in the living room!)
Dinner Christmas Eve…
Chops, mashed peas, roasted capsicum… mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm….
We woke up Christmas morning at 5.30am. And yes, we had a little alarm clock named Dash!
After Santa sacks were dealt with, and poached eggs and ham taken care of, we faced up to the real task…
Christmas mid-morning… all that present opening was very thirsty work!
Cheers!
Of course, the task of setting the Christmas table is always a serious one. SIL P provided the colour scheme and all the basics, while SIL Neata styled. She’s a seriously good stylist. Shame she’s wasting her life being a nurse. 😉
I was in charge of… photos and appreciation. My two specialty areas.
Simple but very pretty.
Aqua and pink at Christmas. Cute!
Of course, the food was pretty fab too. *burp*
Many family photos were taken too – I won’t share them here, but though these two of the grandkids was worth a look.
The giant paper chain was given to P by a friend (I think it was a store decoration). Instant gift-wrapped grandkids!
The obligatory crazy-face photo. (Everyone does them, right?)
Among the other crazy things we did during out 72 hours in the Big Smoke? Shopping on Christmas Eve. Shopping on Boxing Day (I am still recovering from the trauma of THOSE crowds). Visiting friends. And driving straight into THIS traffic…
You are not in Kansas the bush now, Dorothy BB. But you sure are looking forward to getting back there!
And then, as we drew into Gympie (still some 3 1/2 hours drive from home) and we were bracing ourselves for a fast-food meal, I spotted a teeny Thai restaurant…
We devoured Pad Thai, spring rolls and satay chicken skewers and soaked in this unexpected sunset.
The perfect final meal for an excellent, exhausting Christmas road trip. We arrived home at 11pm Boxing Day. To a massive Great Dane welcome and the divine sight of our own beds.
Hope your festive season was a good one too.
Do share. My comments section awaits your input!
♥
BB
8 Comments
Lynda M O
The best post yet !~! The aqua and pink really works-incredibly well. What a group of family members you have, how much fun are all those cousins !~!
We enjoyed a quiet “old-person” kinda day and it was just what we needed. With family on the other side of those big old Rocky Mountains, we spent the day smiling at each other over the top of our respective computer screens; exchanging a few grateful-that-we-have-each-other hugs and eating the goodies our Son and DIL were kind enough to send us.
I live vicariously thru you as I recall the days when we were kids and Minnesota grandparents’ home was the place to be for Xmas.
Lynda M O´s last blog post ..Tower of Babel Hook Holder
jeanie
Ours was spectacularly low key compared to that – just the way we like it!!
jeanie´s last blog post ..Mother Knows Best
Nancy in Iowa
What a fabulous Christmas you had! Mine was quiet – the high point was talking to Diane AND Henry! I expect to make the move to Savannah before next Christmas so I can be with them and Darrin then.
Fleur McDonald
How the hell do you make the city look stunning in your photos? That is what I would like to know!
Fleur McDonald´s last blog post ..The dreaded Christmas card
Fiona
Compliments of the season to you and yours Amanda. Here’s to a wonderfully wet New Year.
Fiona´s last blog post ..A Room Make-Over
debby
Oh, ours was wonderful. I just love the holidays. Of course, every time I see a post like yours, I think, “Dang. I’m doing it all wrong…”
debby´s last blog post ..Snippets from the holiday
Kelly
It’s aways fun seeing how others celebrate! Of course my holiday was totally different, but equally satisfying I’m sure. Wishing you all the best for the coming year!
Kelly´s last blog post ..My latest obsession
Tara
This was my second Xmas in a row with the InLaws. Last year it was very unsettling. Thrown into new traditions and expectations, left without the comfort and security of the way WE did it. But this year it was better, more settled. I knew what to expect, I made a conscious decision to embrace the new, as well as sneaking in some of our own traditions. I was good. But next year (this year!) I’ve already told hubby that we’ll be heading to MY family! 🙂
Wishing you all things merry and bright for 2013!
Tara´s last blog post ..What a Year!