Daddy loves Christmas...

I love Christmas. And with the birth of Emily, I made it my mission this year (like most years) to infect my enthusiasm for all things Christmas into T. I reckon that if I keep elfing away then by the time Emily is old enough to appreciate Christmas then T will be able to play Mother to my Father Christmas and our house will be Christmas-tastic for most of December.

Daddy loves Christmas...

This year started off in the usual fashion with a wee nip and shortbread being expectantly left out for Santa (plus carrot for the reindeer), following an evening of excited monitoring of his progress courtesy of NORAD. I normally can't sleep till I know he is at least safely over Europe somewhere, so after seeing Rome's presents safely delivered, I decided to turn in. 

Next morning came and went -  and once again I got no presents at all from Santa, allegedly on account of some bad behaviour sometime in June (how does he know?) - but lots of nice presents from my lovely wife and daughter. Unsurprisingly it also appeared that 'goody two shoes' T had seemingly been angelic enough to again earn herself a sackful, whilst Emily was obviously too young, as a full years behaviour record is required before you can expect a full delivery.

T reaping the rewards of another mannerly year

The morning's Santa disappointment over, but Christmas was still very much in the air, and so we were soon packed and heading over to the east, following yonder star to reach North Berwick. The Gurney's had laid on a magnificent spread for us which saw the table creaking as we tucked into a gorgeous turkey...

John controversially chose Christmas to introduce his new bird

Christmas feast Gurney style
 

The days feasting over and we settled down to open more presents with the girls playing Santa so I didn't feel totally devoid of his visit. Then it was great conversation, fun and family time, plus some Skype calls to those further away, to see our Chrstmas day to a lovely conclusion.

Abbie Christmas everyone

Christmas contemplations...

The following days saw the usual eating of more turkey, chocolates and mince pies than is good for us (but not necessarily all together), and trying to walk off the excesses this causes by enjoying the bracing Scottish winter and heading up The Law for Emily's second hill climb, as well as a grand old family trip to the beach. A big thank you to the Gurney's for their wonderful hospitality and making it such a special Christmas time for all of us.

Admiring the view from The Law

The twins and their daughters

A bracing Merry Christmas from the Gediks, Gurneys and Rookes!