Happy 2018 from my family to yours.

Well what a wonderful Christmas and New Year was had in the Smith household. 2 very happy children and most importantly, a happy fiancee!! We had quite a low key affair this year compared to past Christmases, I think the record I have cooked for is 18, but this year, it was just the 4 of us. Much less stressful and peaceful. It also meant the kids could enjoy their presents in peace and not have their cousins playing with them before they have even had a chance. Bliss!!

We decided to start a new tradition this year with a lovely walk on Christmas Eve, that ended in a pub where we had lunch and a couple of drinks to get in the spirit. Perfect.

We actually got to lay in until 7.30 on Christmas Day, which considering my youngest daughter is 5, was nothing short of miraculous! Tucking into their stockings also brought us an extra half an hour in bed. A great way to start the day. Once they had done we got our dressing gowns on and headed downstairs to see what treats the big man had delivered. I felt more excited this year than I have in the past and I think it was the flurry of snow we had a couple of weeks beforehand really got me in the festive mood.

We ate like royalty all day and completely over indulged as everyone tends to do. Thank goodness it is only once a year! (Unless you are cruising this year, obviously!)

In the travel industry things tend to be very quiet in December. The calm before the storm. As January is and always is a MANIC month, with everyone getting something else to look forward to. My first shift back in is the 2nd of January and it’s as if someone has place a virus on my phone, it will not shut up!

A very Happy New Year to you all.