Journal Your Christmas!

December 2009

1st – Manifesto – I was away in India as the world geared up for the start of the December Christmas rush but when I returned on the 8th I decided I was definitely in need of some direction. So I signed up to Shimelle’s class ‘Journal your Christmas’. In it, I will write something every day to reflect on the holidays of my past, enjoy the holidays of the present and dream about the holidays of the future. To some, this would be a stack of papers and trivial scribbles, but not to me. I am taking back my Christmas, I am letting it be something I relish and most importantly I am giving at least fifteen minutes to myself, everyday, no matter how crazy this season becomes. This Christmas I will make something with my own hands, my own words and my own memories.

2nd – Winter Wonderland – I have to admit that although I do love to be outside in the crisp winter air, wrapped up in my thick coat, my favourite place in winter is in my pjs sat in front of the fire.

3rd – Jolly Mr Postman – I actually start making my Christmas cards early on in November (well I try to at least make a start!) however, I always seem to end up being last minute. For example I still haven’t written any yet and am not sure I have even made enough. My cards get given to close friends and family. Some are posted while others are given in person.

4th – Love Actually – I spent some time thinking about this and expected me to decide on a children’s classic such as ‘The Snowman’ as my favourite Christmas film but a few years ago around Christmas I went to see ‘Love Actually’ and every year since then I have watched it during the Christmas period. It always fills me with Christmas joy and happiness, as if everything will have a happy ending even if there are a few hiccups on the way!

5th – The big count down – From being little I have always had an advent calendar, in later years it has always been a yummy chocolate one, but this year as I was away at the end of November I didn’t get an advent calendar. I must admit that I do miss opening the little windows everyday and seeing the countdown right in front of me. Maybe next year I will make my own.

6th – The good, the bad and the ugly – Christmas is a time to spend with family and friends, so for quite a few years there was a group of us who went out for Christmas dinner together and then come back to our house where my mum would put on a little buffet and we would stay up drinking and playing games until the early hours.

In 2006 my mum, dad and I went to Gambia for Christmas and New Year. Although we had a great holiday, it just wasn’t Christmas! They celebrate on Christmas Eve which meant that we ended up having chinese for Christmas dinner. It was nice but just not the same.

I must admit that I really am not looking forward to having to work Christmas Day next year, but will try to forget about it for 365 days.

7th – Making his list and checking it twice

Present list

8th – It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… (everywhere you go!)

To include pics of: xmas tree, lights, ice on cars, frost etc…

9th – Traditions – Our family have got quite a few traditions when it comes to Christmas. But the main one which sticks in my head is the annual mince pie making sessions my dad does. No one can make mince pies as good as his and its something I look forward to at Christmas.

10th – All wrapped up! – I must admit that almost all my presents are already wrapped up and some are already under the tree waiting to be delivered.