Christmas Day was lovely! We had the usual morning present spree. Our theory is that we should treat it like the proverbial bandaid (rip it off as fast as possible), to get the present thing over and done with. I find it a bit overwhelming; the children were given a lot of gifts from lovely people, and we are so very grateful. We all got a sack from Santa too, with some little goodies in them. The children were so excited.

Monte and our children on Christmas morning

Georgia helps Ella open her present from Chris and Lori

Georgia and Matty play with their puppet theatre from Sarah, Russell, Isaac and Lily

Monte scared us all by being stung by two bees and having a rather severe allergic reaction. Being my usual highly-strung self, I watched him closely, wondering whether I should call an ambulance. When he returned to his normal colour, after being a rather unpleasant shade of beetroot, I relaxed. His face is still puffy from the sting and I am trying to dissuade him from beekeeping!

We had Christmas lunch with friends. It the perfect meal. It was the most relaxing and enjoyable Christmas dinner ever! We sat outside, overlooking the hills and plenty of greenery and pretty flowers. We ate gorgeous homegrown lamb and other meats, including the perfect pork crackling, and roasted vegetables. The desserts were sensational too: the biggest trifle I’ve ever seen (and the yummiest), lemon meringue pie, ice-cream brandy snap sandwiches and delicious pecan pie (all made by the amazing Linda!).

We are thankful to our hosts, Rhonda and John, and we very much enjoyed the wonderful company and illustrious conversations that went on into the early evening! The children had a great time as well. The highlight for Matthew would have been rummaging through John’s toolkit. Georgia loved playing ‘pictochat’ with Kira and Elora loved being cuddled by pretty much everybody!

Matthew playing in the garden on Christmas Day

Elora on her first Christmas (wearing a dress that Georgia was given on her first Christmas by Aunty Sarah)

Family photo

But Christmas evening is always delightful too. Coming home, taking shoes off and flopping onto the sofa to watch a family movie together over a tiny, simple tea of salad and ham and debriefing about our joys and blessings made the day a very special one to remember.

Georgia serenades her baby sister

Monte and me at the end of a long but happy Christmas day, our first in our new home!

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy New Year!