Here are some of my favourite photos – enjoy!
By the houseboats on the river in Shoreham
Cliff top in the Faroes
The remains at Walsingham
The Giant's Causeway
Statues from around the world
Written for my son’s first Christmas with memories of my childhood Christmases
“When is it going to be Christmas Mummy?” I had asked this question every day, sixteen times a day since half term was over.
“Christmas is ages away yet…you’ll just have to wait.”
“But it’s been ages since the last one! Why can’t we have Christmas every day?” I never got an answer to that – grown ups just laughed and patted me on the head.
Finally the time got nearer and nearer and exciting things happened at school like nativity plays and Christmas dinner. The tree went up at home which I was allowed to help with. Baubles, tinsel, fairy lights and all good things.
“But where are all the presents Mummy? The tree has nothing under it. Does this mean we haven’t been good?”
“Father Christmas brings the presents on Christmas Eve so we’ll have to wait and see if he’s brought anything for us.”
“When is Christmas Eve Mummy?”
“Tomorrow.” I gave a little jump of joy.
Tomorrow came. It was time for Father Christmas to bring his presents. I waited all day long and nobody rang the doorbell or left packages on the doorstep. Where was he?
We had lots of jobs to do…shopping to do and things to pick up. Mummy didn’t seem concerned that we hadn’t had any presents yet.
“When is Father Christmas coming Mummy?”
“He comes during the night when you’re fast asleep, but you have to promise to go to bed on time and sleep all night – he knows when you’re awake! Now shall we make him some mince pies? Do you think we’ve got enough carrots for the reindeer and brandy for Father Christmas? Did we get the magic reindeer food to show him where to land his sleigh?”
The day was going so slowly….we all cuddled on the sofa to watch a film and drink hot chocolate. The tree looked so pretty twinkling in the corner. How much better it would look if there were presents though!
We put the carrots and a mince pie on a little plate with a small glass of brandy. “Does Father Christmas really like brandy Mummy?” It smelled revolting!
“Oh he loves it!” She assured me.
“But if he eats mince pies in everyone’s house he’ll never fit down the chimney!”
“Ahh but you forget that Father Christmas is magical and he can do anything.”
It seemed like night time would never come. I was so excited that I knew I wouldn’t sleep. Bath time and pyjamas and a glass of milk; my stocking was ready on the end of the bed. Mummy and Daddy lay on my bed with me to read The Night Before Christmas.
“Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.”
By the time Father Christmas was wishing everyone a good night my eyes were closing. I could see my flat empty stocking lying across the bottom of the bed. Would he come? Would I get to see him? What did he really look like? Zzzzzzzzz
I woke up sleepily not knowing where I was for a second and felt a heavy weight pinning my legs down. It was Christmas! “Mummy he came!” I ran into their room with my heavy stocking and jumped on the bed to open all my presents in a mess of wrappings and bows. “Wait I have to check something.” I zoomed downstairs. I peered in the lounge half expecting to see Father Christmas snoozing on the sofa. The mince pie was gone with just some crumbs left, the carrot too and the brandy was half gone and I turned to look at the tree and there was a MOUNTAIN of presents under it in every colour and size. I sat and stared in wonder and thought that now the Christmas tree looked just right. It was Christmas.
La Vita e Bella 