It started off with a 4:30 am alarm, a quick change, a short drive into Southbank to meet up with some friends. And the fact that a couple of my boys had decided to tag along made it even that much more special. 10k done before the day really got started. 10k of smiles and greetings from strangers and Ho, Ho, Ho-ing which I chose to believe was not casting aspersions at our moral character. That would have had to be my favourite part of the day.
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| A fabulous sweaty start to the day. |
Then we managed to find one of the few cafes that had opened up on Christmas Day and got a really good coffee. Actually that was probably my favourite part of the day.
Back home it was sweaty hugs as punishment for the son who didn't come running and a breakfast of poached eggs on toast made by my boys. I did help - I put four slices of bread in the toaster then forgot to push them down so maybe it wasn't much of a help but the intent was there. Having breakfast cooked for me would have to have been my favourite part of the day.
And then it was on to the very traditional bagel-making part of the morning. Again a family effort. Measuring, mixing, kneading. rolling, shaping, boiling and baking. It's something I did one year for no reason that I can remember and enjoyed it so much that we've done it ever since. All that family togetherness in the kitchen is my favourite part of the day.
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| A Christmas Bagel Tree - of course it's a thing. |
My parents and eldest sister came over for lunch. We'd lost a couple of the boys to the 'in laws' so it was a small group around the table. A nice, relaxed lunch of prawns, ham, salad and bagels with some cherries and lychees to finish with. And finishing early enough so we could get in a nap before the final Christmas event. That was my favourite part of the day.
Then it was out to my sister's and b-i-l's place for our family get-together. A big, bustling meal with a big family that seems to get bigger by the year. Sitting around the tables listening to what each person was most grateful for in the last year was probably my most favourite part of the day.
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| Just one of the four tables |
And then we dragged our weary bodies home. I headed off to bed to get ready for another early start on Boxing Day but as I drifted off I could hear the laughter of all the boys with all their girls as they sat around the dining table playing Taboo. Listening to their laughter and hearing them enjoy each other's company - that was really my very favourite part of the day.
You might be wondering if there were presents. Yes there were, but as I've gotten older they take a lot less significance in the day. All the best bits are the people bits. Being with people that you love. My day was filled with people that I love so no wonder it was so hard to choose my favourite part of the day.
I love the idea of making bagels on Christmas! Except for the boiling water and steamy kitchen. But then a bagel brunch would be so delicious.
ReplyDeleteI joke that I dislike that ALL my kids are living at home again (didn't they just all go to college?) but secretly, I relish the time together because I know that one day, they WILL all be gone (at least, I hope so...I mean, they DO need to move on eventually, yes?) and right now, this these days together are MY favorite parts of the day! Glad you got to spend some great quality family-time. There's nothing better! Happy New Year, Char! Looking forward to your many adventures in 2016!
ReplyDeleteSounds really awesome Char. I love the bagel making idea too!
ReplyDeletelove love love the people bits. That's what its all about! Happy Holidays, Char! <3
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful Christmas! That's what it's all about anyway. Family. The food doesn't hurt either...
ReplyDeleteLove this post Char. It's so... grateful. I wish I'd taken photos on the day. All I took was a selfie with my son's chihuahua.
ReplyDeleteSounds lovely! Also, prawns at Christmas sounds like the best idea ever. (I am super jealous of your Christmas weather right about now as we are buried under nearly a foot of snow...)
ReplyDeleteYou can't buy and wrap love, family, health, or time! Good to know you got to enjoy the important things in life!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you went for a Christmas Day run! Wow. And those bagels look amazing. Awed on both counts.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you went for a Christmas Day run! Wow. And those bagels look amazing. Awed on both counts.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you went for a Christmas Day run! Wow. And those bagels look amazing. Awed on both counts.
ReplyDeleteOh I love this! I miss summer Christmas and good coffee and prawns for Christmas dinner! Sounds like you had such a lovely day (and love that you tortured the non-runner with sweaty hugs too).
ReplyDeleteWhat an action-packed Xmas day. My aunt invited my mother and I to their place, which was nice but not really our thing... Mum and I don't eat seafood (which my aunt knows) so had to wait from 11 - 2.30 until they'd had seafood entrees to start the meal. It was a LONG day!
ReplyDeleteHow could there not be so many favorite parts of such a wonderful day? Love that bagel tree! So crazy to see a hot Christmas while we sit here freezing our behinds. But then again I was in FLorida for Christmas so I guess I can relate.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely terrific, what a wonderful Christmas you have had .
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