We’ve had a wonderful, traditional Christmas, although, at times, it has teetered on less than fabulous. Including my car failing its MOT, but I choose not to dwell. Practical solution is on its way. The rest of Christmas was good. A chance for laughter, fun and creative times.
Crafting
I finished my knitting marathon in time for gift giving. I knitted seven hats, which are mostly delivered now. As a creative palate cleanser after Christmas, I started on a new pair of socks. My aim is to knit a pair each month this year, which I almost completed a couple of years ago. I still fancy the idea of a chest in the attic, filled with my homemade gloves and socks, for the family to find after I’m gone. Interesting side effect to knitting is that I spend a lot less time doom scrolling on my phone too.
Games
One of my favourite things to do when all the family are home is to play board games. We bought three new ones, this year, in the hope to entice everyone to play. It worked on the whole and we’ve had a few laughter filled evenings. My favourite is Ransom notes. Three minutes to use your handful of words to match a prompt, such as telling a dog owner to clear up after their pet. You soon learn to be creative with your limited words. Chameleon is fun. Although, I ended up as the chameleon a few too many times, but that is how the cookie crumbles. Again, another chance to be creative.
Family
We’ve had a lovely week, visiting family and spending time together. It was my birthday too and I’ve been thoroughly spoilt by the whole family.
We broke with tradition, this year, and had lamb direct from the farmer, which was such a treat. I worked out that it was cheaper than buying our usual turkey, meal for meal. No one is enamoured with turkey anymore, so it was a good choice. We found the farm while on holiday, this summer.
Little did I know when I took this photo, that if you squint your eyes at it and look for the white dots, you might just see our lunch.
Planning
January 1st leaves me a bit cold. I’m more of a Winter Solstice person, going for intentional words, but I’m not against setting up a few challenges. My old bullet journal is dusted and back in use again. I’ve set up a fitness challenge (can’t wait to get back to the gym) and various other monthly targets which are doable. Who doesn’t enjoy an array of coloured pens and an almost new notebook? Another creative outlet, for sure.
Final word goes to Hero. He had a good Christmas too. I’ve changed my phone’s front screen to this photo now, to remind me of one moment from Christmas. My husband gave me a present in a reusable Christmas bag. We’ve had the bag for a few years and I can only think that one year Hero had his present in it. Anyway, as it was passed to me, he insisted on putting his head right into it. Once he discovered it was full of luxurious skin care products and not a toy, this photo is similar to the expression he gave my husband, as he looked him straight in the eyes. Goodness only knows what he was thinking. Probably where is my toy and what made you think I needed anti wrinkle cream?
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and happy new year to you all!
Joining in with Anne’s word of the week linky.
Sounds lovely! We played lots of board games this holiday too – I love it!
Board games are fun.
I’m glad you had a wonderful Christmas! That’s rubbish about your cars MOT, I hope you get it sorted soon.
Good job with the knitting, that is such a cute idea about the chest in the loft. The games sound like a lot of fun and yum to the lamb! Aww! Poor Hero not finding a toy in the bag. hehehe
Happy New Year! Wishing you and your family all the best for 2026. x
It’s OK. Hero was satisfied with an old toy in the bag. I also bought him a new toy for his upcoming birthday.
Happy New Year, Cheryl! Your Christmas sounded lovely, nothing better than gathering everyone to play games. I like the sound of Ransome, I will have to have a look out for that one.
You could put the monthly knitted socks in a 12 Days of Christmas advent as a gift for someone; that would be fun.
Poor Hero, I imagine he got some treats to make up for the disappointment.
Ransome is fun and works well for everyone.
No chance of socks lasting till next year. Handmade wool socks are hot property in our household. There are always heavy hints dropped about who should get the latest socks on the needles.
Hero was fine. We put on old toy in the bag which he was delighted to see again. There is a new one, in the wings, for his upcoming birthday.
Happy new year Cheryl! I’m glad you had a nice Christmas (other than the car which I hope gets sorted soon). I love your idea of a chest in the attic filled with lovely knitted things. We’ve enjoyed playing games together over Christmas too. I love the sound of Ransom Notes. Love your knitted Christmas decorations and lovely to have lamb instead of turkey. Good luck with your targets for the year. Love the photo of Hero. I’m sure he was very unimpressed that the bag didn’t contain any toys for him! #WotW
There’s no getting away from it. Board games are such a good family holiday activity. We made it up to Hero. He’s happy now.
Happy New Year Cheryl and a belated Happy Birthday too. It sounds like you’ve had a lovely time, we love getting the board games out too. I didn’t buy anything new this year though, I think we have enough. You nearly got me with the eye squinting photo, and I love the one of Hero, especially your description of him afterwards.
Thank you. Board games are fun. The sheep really are in the photo, but no saying if our one is among them.
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