Christmas was different this year - but then that's no surprise really! Having to grow up and "become" Santa for a start...!The decorations around the house had to be Imogen & Buster proof, so the big tree was sidelined this year and some decorated branches put in it's place. Not quite the same, but it added a bit of festive cheer and Imogen liked the lights around the base!
Christmas Eve was the nativity service at church. I'd somehow volunteered to write and co-ordinate it this year, so was hoping all would go well. I needn't have worried - despite a few last minute panics (like Mary not turning up!), the kids were all great and the true Christmas story was told with panache (well, not quite panache, but they were cute!) Imogen was a little angel and joined in with the final song, playing the tambourine and smiling sweetly at everyone.
Christmas morning was lovely and quiet. We opened a few presents, Imogen had a nap, and then we headed up to church for the morning service. It was a lovely service with a good sized congregation, and Imogen joining in the carols - and sermon and prayers! - with her jingle bells that Santa had brought!
Later, things didn't go quite how we'd planned or hoped. By the time half of Dave's family had arrived late, we didn't sit down to eat until way past 2 o'clock, by which time Imogen was past it and ready for bed. So, both her and I missed out on Christmas lunch. It may sound like a small thing, but to us it mattered a lot - it was our first Christmas as a family and it hurts that it was marred like that.
On Boxing Day we headed up to Skipton for a few days with my family. The usual chaos ensued with Molly & Charlie encouraging Imogen's cheeky nature! More chaos on the Saturday with the big family party (about 30 this year, I think) at Mum & Dad's. It was lovely to see everyone again, and Imogen was great and didn't seem fazed by the bedlam! During the afternoon we headed up to the local for the "beard shave" - Dad's beard disappeared after 32 years, all in aid of charity. Well done Dad and hurrah!
Generally, Imogen has enjoyed Christmas - all the new toys (including Webster the Spider) and books (The Very Hungry Caterpillar - hurrah!), Daddy at home to play with, and yummy yummy mince pies!
Imogen hasn't been well since we got back home - nothing specific, a bit snotty and a slight temperature, but the accompanying "viral rash" was quite impressive. So, nights have been bad, with her waking frequently and taking up to 2 hours to calm again. Tonight's New Year's Eve, and we're taking the opportunity to get an early night!
