I love hearing about everyone’s plans for the 25th. We used to have quite the discussion here on RMS – I’m only sorry I’ve left it only 48 hours before hand to ask, so I hope some of you are still around to share.

This Christmas is going to be a special one for my family. Iris has been given the all clear having had her post operation check up, she, Mabel, James and I will be experiencing all of the trimmings with my sister, her husband and their daughter along with our parents in their shiny new kitchen.

Last September my parents sold Launceston, our family home of 30 odd years, to residential building developers. The developers knocked it down and in its place have since built 3 impressive eco houses. It was a discombobulating time for all of us – my sister described it as feeling uprooted. And I know what she means. Even though Melissa and I moved out many years ago, it was still somewhere we gathered every year for festive celebrations. But it was the right thing to do, both financially and for the future in general.

My Dad liked to transform Launceston into some kind of (admittedly fairly tacky) winter wonderland. I won’t go into too much detail but one year he commissioned a life-size Santa and sleigh made out of MDF to be displayed on the roof. It was swept off the roof during high winds and promptly fell through my Mum’s car windscreen. She was understandably unimpressed.

Last Christmas the tinsel and the abundance of fairy lights were sorely missed, Mum and Dad’s new home was littered with unpacked boxes full of memories and due to the less than ideal circumstances surrounding Iris, we decided to all go out for Christmas dinner (the first time ever). And even though it was lovely – especially not having to prepare anything or indeed tidy away, it just wasn’t the same.

This year my parents kitchen is finally renovated, and it is quite the triumph. They bought a barn conversion that hadn’t been touched in decades, it was completely liveable, but lacked functionality – the kitchen in particular was very small. They knocked though to one of the garages and created an open airy kitchen diner with separate utility and loo. In addition they also created a beautiful entrance hallway that makes the most of their rural views.

So for 2019 it’s ON. A family Christmas to remember. My sister and I are starting off the proceedings by making margaritas – our favourite cocktail. Why have fizz when you can have tequila?

It’s then dinner at 4pm: blade of beef, Yorkshire puddings, a vast variety of vegetables, roast potatoes and of course, ALL THE GRAVY. Uncle Will is apparently following dinner with his very own magic show which he has been practicing religiously. Apparently it’s for the kids but I have a feeling it’s for everyone. But mostly it’s for Uncle Will.

I’m looking forward to seeing how polished his performance is after one too many of the aforementioned margaritas.

After the entertainment we will open presents from each other and follow the merriment with a giant cheese board. Some cheese. And maybe even some more cheese. James and I are responsible for the selection this year, and I’ve had a riot at the deli counter. I really bloody love cheese. And chutneys and posh biscuits that have wanky names like charcoal-and-poppy-seeds-with-a-waft-of-cucumber … and-hint-of-mint-hashtag-artisan-bollocks etc etc

Then we have whiskey. And questionable dance moves. Maybe even some carol singing. And…..did I mention cheese?

If you do have a minute or two, I would really like to hear about what you’re up to in the comments box below, only 2 more sleeps!

And that just leaves me to say, thanks so much for sticking around. For giving us and each other so much helpful advice and ideas. I have a feeling 2020 is going to be the best year yet. Becky and I might even give a lifestyle/business podcast a whirl….because why not?

We’ll be taking a short break over the holidays but we’re back on the 2nd January with a discussion post that I know will resonate with many.

Merry Christmas everyone!