Merry Christmas and happy holidays! I’ve spent the better part of the day eating really good food and smiling so much that my cheeks hurt, so I’d say that it’s been a very good Christmas, indeed. I hope you’ve had a nice Sunday, too!
Seeing as this was our very first Christmas spent in England as a married couple, I’m really glad we have our own place so that we can unwind and relax after a long day of socializing with family members. In previous years I’ve found it quite stifling having to spend the whole day with family, but this year was really nice. We woke up at nine and opened the presents we got each other in bed (I got my husband the screenplay for Interstellar and he got me a set of aromatherapy rollerball scents) and then we opened the myriad of parcels from my mom. It turns out that she got us both huge, matching bathrobes, a pair of bath slippers, and two vinyls! We got Stranger Things Volume Two and Carly Rae Jepsen’s E•MO•TION on vinyl and honestly I can’t believe my mom got us both of the vinyls we wanted! She told me later in the day that she also pre-ordered Moana on blu-ray!! Aaaahhh!!
This year we went all out for the kitties and got them each their own stocking — treats for Beatrice and toys for Dolores — and they absolutely loved it. Dolores was running around for at least a half hour, batting at all of her new toys and racing across the flat before eventually getting tuckered out. Beatrice gobbled up a handful of cat treats in record time, so I think it’s safe to say that the stocking was a smash hit. We also splurged and got them each their own Christmas dinners! Dolores couldn’t eat all of it, but I think Beatrice was more than happy to help lessen the load while we were out of the flat.
One of the perks of having your own place on Christmas morning is being able to get ready at your own pace and have breakfast at home. We made cheesy scrambled eggs with toasted croissants, grapefruit, and vegetarian sausages. It was delicious. By the time we got ready, we drove over to the in-laws and had dinner and then opened presents. Our gifts to the family were handmade watercolor paintings and I’m really glad everyone seemed to like them! I was so nervous about whether or not they would be up to scuff so it’s a real relief to know that they were all very touched by our gifts.
The in-laws got us a cordless drill and drill bit set, as well as a stud finder, and I know it might sound boring to most, but I am SO excited to use my new drill!! I think it’s just one of those things that every homeowner should have, you know? We also received several candles, homemade limoncello, gingerbread cookies, an assortment of gin cocktails, and tons of other really lovely stuff.
Today has been exhausting, but in the best way possible. I feel very lucky to have such wonderful people in my life, and I’m so thankful to be able to spend time with them quite regularly. I did manage to talk to my family in America and catch up a little bit before it got too late. It’s tough being away from my family, but it’s good to know that I also have people here in England that want to spend time with me!
Anyway, this entry is getting way too long, so I’ll leave you here with some pictures and I’ll see you tomorrow!
