We had been told we should be up by 11:00 by my mother, but it was so cold over night in Essex I was awake far before then. While we dont have the bedroom boiling, I like it to be warm enough that I can leave an arm outside of the covers without freezing. I guess you get used to the luxurys you enjoy at home, like a Duck and Goose Down Harrod's 12 Tog Duvet. Somehow I couldnt get warm enough, even in bed. So was up by 10:00, had a coffee and came downstairs for some Toast.
Mum asked me to drive and collect nan from her house and then we were rushed into the Lounge so that we could open our presents before all of the rest of the family arrived. We then, as always, had to take it in turns opening one present at a time each. I got a Wii Fit which I absolutely love. I have been trying to find one for months so goodness knows how my Mum managed to hunt one down.
Dusan loved the Eurovision CD and DVD I bought him. I swear, I have never known someone enjoy watching the Eurovision song contest so often. He starts to review the video's on You Tube by the new year and even now (the song contest was in April) he watches it at least weekly. You would be surprised when you know the songs how many are used in other peoples hit's or even commercials on television.
Once the gifts were done, I had promised I would make the Roast Potatoes. Something mother decided to tell everyone about. I thought it would be nice to do my potatoes the way I have cultivated for a year. Cooked in preheated goosefat and grated with Lemon Zest, Garlic and a sprinkling of rosemary bunches. Everyone said they were fabulous, so project achieved. Of course, offering to help with the Spuds meant that mum had me do all the veggies, Beans, Peas, Carrots and Parsnips, sprouts and chestnuts. Then I was left to run the food out from the Hostess Trolley to the dinning table and the 22, yes 22 people waiting to dine.
Adam and Verity plus Baby Thomas were there by then as well as all the cousins and their cousins and family from next door.
You can imagine how loud dinner was with Samantha's 3 children and Thomas too. The smoke alarm kept going off from the Candles and then the Christmas Pudding and by the time we had eaten I felt exhausted. Thankfully Dusan was in need of a sleep too so we headed upstairs for an hours kip, setting the alarm for just before six in time to watch Doctor Who.
Once that was over I showed Dad how to use and set up his Ipod and then packed up our stuff, said our goodbyes and loaded the car. All of my cousins and brother and sister in law had gone. It was just the oldies left. We escaped to London and the peace of home by 730PM. Amazing how you just appreciate your own space and the peace and quiet that it brings.
Have a feeling we will escape next Christmas. Who knows how much longer my parents will have the strength to host such a large party. I personally would prefer a smaller, more intimate lunch. Do really nice quality food over cantering for the masses. Still it was nice to see everyone again. But nice to be home and relaxing now.
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