Life with the Allens: Christmas Day Part I

Looks like Santa and his reindeers enjoyed their snacks!

Before the kids went to bed last night, I told them that in order not to confuse Santa, they should stay in their own beds the whole night. Otherwise if he sees empty beds, he might think there aren't any children in the house anymore and not leave them any presents..... Both Ben and Jasmine promised to stay in their beds. Ben was quite reluctant though and took some convincing. Needless to say, he came into our room in the wee hours. He'd seen that Santa and the Reindeers' snacks had been eaten and surmised that, since he'd already visited, he could safely come into our bed. I sent him back. And I sent him back the second and third time he came in....each time telling him that he needed to see the night through. To be honest, I was enjoying the unusual amount of free bed-space. I did feel a bit guilty though when he sulked back to his room with his lip trailing on the floor.....

But soon enough, it was MORNING!!! and the kids came into our room lugging their heavy Santa Sacks...

Jas wanted to know why Santa didn't get her anything off her list.....(these kids are too smart!) "Er, well, that's because he knew mummy was already buying something off the list!" I fudged...."oh, and he knows you like to do art, so he got you lots of crafty stuff instead!" She accepted that (I even heard her telling her aunty Dawn that on the phone later!

Ben get's his snowglobe! And yes, he's still in that old costume!!!

This Christmas was one of Firsts for me. The first First was that I went to church for the first time ever on Christmas day. Now, having been brought up in a Christian home and family, you'd have thought I'd have made it before now, but I hadn't. This year I decided I was going to make the effort - in keeping with trying to appreciate Christmas for more than the eating and presents. I couldn't convince the kids though. Or Nick. They stayed at home in their pyjamas - Nick back in bed and the kids snuggling with Pippi......

The next first, was going for a walk on Christmas day. The weather was beautiful. A crisp winter's day with the most dazzling sunshine. We decided to go for a walk around the lake at Blenheim Palace which is just 10 mins drive from our house.