My Christmas morning began at 7 am, which for some may sound early but in terms of Christmas past it was late! As we are pet sitting this Christmas for two little dogs and a cat, I had to be up to walk the dogs and give them all breakfast. Then I made a crockpot special recipe given to me by a good friend. It is meatballs in a tangy, spicy sauce – delicious – and part of a combined breakfast brunch made with my son’s girlfriend, who supplied a breakfast bake, there was more than enough to go around. We ate, wished each other a merry Christmas and hugged before commencing with gift opening. It was a civilized affair with everyone watching as each gift was unwrapped and enjoyed.
Gone are the days of all seventeen of us crowding into one house for Christmas morning after waking at 4 am and joining in the enthusiasm of small children, delighting at their gifts. I must admit I was always awake extremely early as a child and apart from the later teenage years when sleep was preferred, I have always woken up early and continued to do so with my children were younger. There is magic in the air on Christmas morning.
Now my children are young adults (23 years & 19 years) and both have partners, whom I love and cherish as my own. Having them with me on this special morning was my most precious gift. As we grow older our special moments are more about who rather than what.
Empty nest syndrome may be on the horizon, but I will ensure I have special moments with my children and expand my own interests in the coming years. I will always be a loving, supportive mother and enjoy the ‘new’ things in life as they come.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and all the best for 2016
Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 