The children at Christmas

 Bean xo

Christmas.

Mulled wine, wrapping paper, brandy cream and lots of childish laughter. I love Christmas, I always have. Although becoming an adult has meant that magic that came along side Christmas has gone, but in many ways having children means I can bring that same magic to them. This year I felt it was the first one Eva really understood, she was excited more then I ever thought she could be. From opening day 1 on her advent calender she was geared up in Christmas mode, counting down the days and wanting time to go faster.

I wanted to make this Christmas all about the children, and I think I did that completely. Last year I remember seeing photo after photo of Christmas eve boxes, everyone seemed to be doing then#m. This year I decided to jump on that bandwagon and made the children one of their own. I kept it simple, some new PJ's, dressing gown, book, a cup with some hot chocolate and a teddy each. But I wanted to add a little magic to it too. Christmas eve we always go over to my aunt's house for food laughter and present giving so I used this to set up the presents under the tree (without them knowing) ready for them to open once we arrived home. Adding even more magic to it, I saw out of the window of the car a orange light in the sky - from a hot air balloon I believe - Eva saw it too and asked me what it was, quickly thinking I told her it was the Elf patrol out and about on Christmas eve double checking the naughty and nice list before Santa arrived that night. Her face was a picture when we got home to find Alfie the Elf had left her and Archie both a box full of presents for them to open on Christmas eve for extra good this year. 

Christmas day started at 6:30 am and guess who woke up first? ME! Eva had been up every hour during the night asking if it was time to go open her presents yet but come 6 am she was still sleeping! and probably could have slept longer if I hadn't of got fed up of laying staring at the ceiling and woke her up (oops). After a morning of opening presents, I set to work on the Christmas lunch while grandma (who'd since arrived) played with both children. Once the kids had gone to bed that evening I relaxed with some chocolate and tea.

Boxing day wasn't a great day for the fact Archie hadn't slept all night and woke up very wheezy. We did manage to go out for the morning, to the hunt - although these days it's just a scent trail - where all the dogs and horses leave through the village on there way. It's a big event with 200 people attending every year. Mulled cider and turkey baps on hand, and loads of dogs everywhere! It's honestly very beautiful. Afterwards we headed to the children's grand parents for yet more present opening and food!

Over all I had a lovely Christmas. Definitely one to beat!!

Bean xo

Hello 2015

Four things I want to do this year :

1. Be more active on my blog. I have struggled doing so this year due to my very stressful personal life, but with the new year approaching and a fresh start to be had, this is the first thing I feel I need to address. A new look and a whole new fresh way of doing things - keep your eyes peeled!

2. Take more photos. I lost so much love towards photography during my pregnancy with Archie which I have struggled to get back, but this year I plan to get out more and take alot more photos.

3. Say yes more. My confidence or lack of holds me back and prevents me from doing so many things! This year I will be saying YES alot more.

4. Be more healthy. I used to go to the gym and swim weekly so this is something I really need to get back into. I plan to start doing a daily workout and jogging from the new year as well as eating more healthy. (Not to loose weight!!)

None of the things above include my children, these are personal goals for myself. Monthly I will be doing little "to do lists" things I want to do with them or for them, small things like going to park or painting a picture.

I'm hoping that 2015 for me, is less stressful and more fun. Here's hoping! 

Bean xo

Our Christmas tree

 Our Christmas tree went up on the first weekend of December, like always. Eva was very helpful this year, helping me with those annoying branches and hanging up the baubles. Every year since Eva was a baby we have added a new bauble, normally she makes them and this year was no different. She painted two clay baubles - one for her and one for Archie to hang from the tree. Her first bauble on the tree was her name on a clay angel. I searched high and low for the same one for Archie but no luck so his is a green one with his name on. I love my tree, simply because it's filled with so many memories. As they get older I can look at the different things on the tree with a smile on my face. 

Bean xo

The Christmas tag

What is/are your favourite Christmas film?

One film I have to watch at Christmas is "A Christmas Carol", it wouldn't be Christmas without it. But my favourite film has to be The Polar Express.

Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

 Christmas morning. Though as a child, myself and my brother would nag my mother every Christmas eve until she let us unwrap one small present. So she'd started to buy things like socks to wrap for that reason, so we didn't open our main gifts until Christmas day.

Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?

All of my favourite and most missed memories of Christmas are always spent at my grandad's house. I always remember every year helping him put up his decs, always 2 weeks before Christmas day and they were the most tacky over the top decs ever! But I loved them.

Favourite Festive Food?

I love cheese with red onion chutney, tiny oranges and bubble and squeak severed on boxing day.

Favourite Christmas Gift?

Last year I was given a £100 gift voucher to buy myself some things, it was from my mum's OH and I was told it was for me and not the kids. I very rarely spend money on myself - my birthday money was used to buy Archie's pushchair, so I love the gift so much. 

   

Favourite Christmas Scent?

Cinnamon. 

Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?

I always take the kids out for a drive on Xmas eve. Then we have baths, put out the things for santa, plus reindeer food and the "magic key" then it's bed time. This year I have made Xmas boxes, which Santa's elves are going to drop off for the kids while we are on our drive. They have a new book, mug (beaker for Archie) with white hot chocolate in, new pj's, new dressing gown and a teddy each. Possibly a DVD too.

What tops your tree?
A star. Eva fell in love with it in the shop so we had to buy it.

As a kid, what was the one gift you asked for but never received?

I asked for a shaker maker. My mum did get one, but my grandad told her we had too much so on Christmas day we never got one. On my 21st birthday I opened one present from my mum to find a Disney princess shaker maker.. it was my favourite gift. (Though I've never used it)

What is your favourite Christmas song?

There is one Christmas song that makes me smile and that is "stop the cavalry". My grandad loved the song and used to sing it every Christmas while he cooked the dinner. It was always played on the radio and to this day it's the one song I have to listen to on Christmas day. It's my "grandad song", when I sing it for hear it, it feels like my grandad is in the room with me.

 What's the best part of Christmas for you? 
Just after lunch. When everyone is full of Christmas food and sat on the sofa watching Christmas TV, the kids are silently playing with their toys. that's my favourite part, looking around and seeing happiness and love.

Gingerbread man.

He's far from perfect, but for a first try I think I did quite well. I'm a bit rusty with the blanket stitch, last time I did it, I was about 10 years old and made a stuffed pink thing (I can't remember what it was only that it was pink) while at holiday club. I did enjoy making him though!

Bean xo

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas..

December 1st.. what!? Already! I'm starting this month with a Christmas Themed Bucket list.

- Make lots of Christmas decorations. 

- Bake! Cake and Cookies (and of course ginger bread men) 

- Make chutney. 

- Make Christmas cards for family.

I'm already on project felt gingerbread men, to hang on the tree. They shall probably turn up in another post. This year I am using this blog to share my Christmas, and the run up, with you. And of course I am planning on making as fun as possible for my two children. 

On december 1st : 

Advent calenders are from Thorntons 3 for 2 (£6 each)

Christmas reward chart from The card factory for 99p (in store only)

Bean xo