Christmas Is Over

Either today or tomorrow we will start to de-christmas our home. We actually put our decorations up really early this year and I think it was the 1st December so they have been up for over a month already. I always think the house looks bare once the decorations go away plus it means Christmas is over *sad face* This Christmas was very different for us and although I enjoyed it overall I never want to spend another like it. Leading up to Christmas both big J and little J were sick and I don't just mean for a few days, it was pretty much the whole of December.  They were full of cold, runny nose one minute then blocked nose the next. Both got an ear infection too so it wasn't pleasant for them both.  We did manage to get to our Santa's Sleepover in Alton Towers which as always is lots of fun and great for the kids. Before the journey we did have to take a trip to the local NHS walk in with big J who had mucus in his ear, poor thing. It didn't stop him having a good time though although the waterpark had to be postponed until they were both feeling better.

This year CBeebies and was open for us to enjoy. Little J loves Cbeebies land and although it was a little cold we had fun on the rides, including his two favourites, Postman Pat and In The Night Garden.

We did get to meet Upsy Daisy which was a nice treat. She was very friendly and gave us lots of cuddles.

Father Christmas was in his grotto in the woods and we got to meet him and he gave both big and little J a lovely present. Little J was too interested in seeing what he had got that he wouldn't pose for a photo. After an afternoon in the theme park it was time to head back the hotel for a Christmas dinner. We had a nice evening watching the children entertainment before it was time for bed. 

Christmas Eve started with our usual tea party. Little J however slept right through it so it was just the three of us. 

After little J had woke up and had some food it was time to watch The Snowman. I have watched the Snowman every Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember so its our Christmas Eve tradition.

Then we opened a few Christmas Eve Presents. We always get new PJ's on Christmas Eve :)

Father Christmas has been.

Christmas Morning was filled with opening presents and lots of playing with toys. Then it was time to visit our families. Usually we will go to one of our parents in the morning and then the other in the afternoon. As little J wasn't too good we decided to keep him home which made Christmas very different. Daddy stayed home while big J and I went to my Mums then after we came home Daddy and big J went to his brothers for Christmas Dinner. This was the first year in fifteen years we haven't had Christmas Dinner together which was sad but it was better for little J to stay home. I then went to my Mums in the evening and had my Christmas dinner there.

Then just before bed there was still more presents to open.

Big J treated us to a home made snow cone which was very tasty indeed. So Christmas this year was very different but it still was fun. Big and little J got some lovely new toys to play with. Hopefully next year we will be illness free and we can enjoy the big day all together.