So that was Christmas …...

 Is it because we are getting old and remember that we have had lots of Christmas Days that they hold less excitement? Is it because that for the last twelve years we have spent 8 and possibly 9 outside the UK?  Is it because we chose to do that we miss family em masse? Is out because three years ago we lost a much loved sister / sister-in-law at that time?  Perhaps the best of Christmas times are when we are all together?

Christmas morning beach walk. No swimmers

Despite this introduction Christmas 2013 was a nice time made by having daughter Emily here with us.  Commencing with a few drinks in the pub and and Indian meal on Christmas Eve we awoke to beautiful sunshine which unfortunately soon disappeared with a a mix of cloud and sun.

Present time is always a good time and its nice to see Emily still excited by a few few silly gifts in a Christmas stocking.  A tradition started by Lillian when Emily still believed in Santa and maintained every year.  The highlight for me was the gift from Emily of an Ipswich Town football shirt signed by all of the players.  The story of how she got it is one of initiative and endeavour and amazes me she has the front to go directly to players to ask for it via Twitter!  She even had to drive to Ipswich to collect, two hours each way. In this case I am grateful that her persistence has paid off.  The big question now is to wear it or have it framed.   I am undecided.

A quick hello and one drink in the pub to say Happy Christmas to the regulars who had gathered.  Five had been brave enough to go for an early morning swim as threatened the night before.  One only made it up to his was it much to angst of the others.  There was full agreement that it was 'freezing'.  They had been and gone by the time got to the beach to watch!  Then on to Lord Kitchener restaurant for lunch.  I have written before about visits to this restaurant and as ever the food was excellent, washed down by some 'sparkling bubbly'.  The restaurant was full, lively with a nice atmosphere and after three hours we were fully stuffed.  Well at least I was.  Back home it was time for the traditional Xmas day snooze but we all brightened up to play a game of Trivial Pursuit sent by son Andrew.  Is it the drink or have the questions got harder in the new set?  We were not very successful as individuals and after almost two hours settled for an admirable draw.  I claim the draw even though Lillian was almost the outright winner!  An evening film and that was it.

Christmas was a nice day …… but not exciting.

Unfortunately Boxing day was a right off for me.  Feeling must unwell with a stomach upset which must have been down to a bug or something I ate.  Cant think it was the latter.  So the day was spent mostly in bed although listening to Ipswich win 3-0 away to Doncaster via the internet very much brightened the day.  Lillian had prepared her Christmas meal for the evening when we were joined by Emily's friend Laura, who visited in the summer.  She has come for a few days as is without family to spend time with.  I missed the meal returning to bed.

Still don't feel great but I am 7 pounds lighter than on Christmas night which can't be a bad thing!