Boxing Day

Where does the name Boxing Day come from, any idea? The name comes from a time when the rich used to box up gifts to give to the poor. Boxing Day was traditionally a day off for servants, and the day when they received a special Christmas box from their masters. The servants would also go home on Boxing Day to give Christmas boxes to their families. Well that is the BBC news version and I quite like it.

Ethical wrapping

As the dust settles I have to look back at yesterday and the abundance of presents I received. Amazon Echo, you know the one, ‘Alexa, play my Christmas Playlist’, cheese and salami, big hit this year and in all honesty, every year. A very smart shirt, and a book on economics, given to me by Robert. Robert is about to go off and study Economics this coming year and was generous enough to give me this book to help me understand what he is going to read at Nottingham University. A writing magazine, always helpful and a selection of olive oils infused with chilli, garlic and spices. Then there is the huge panettone, thanks to Olivia. Olivia reminds me of the definition of a gentle woman, ‘a civilised, educated, sensitive and well-mannered woman.’ Always a pleasure to have her company. 

Jenson was having nothing to do with Christmas and nagged us for a walk on the beach. Actually this fitted in well with our plans as we always have a early walk on the beach, sort of a Christmas tradition. Some of the Middles Smiths joined us and we were pleasantly surprised at the mild weather and lack of that cold, biting wind that is normally associated with our walks. 

Big, glorious Italian Christmas feast at the Middle Smiths this year. The table was covered with all manner of Festive decorations, some self made and others, those favourites we all expect at a Christmas dinner, Christmas crackers and silly hats. The Middle Smiths did a fine job of preparing and serving the traditional turkey, gammon and leg of lamb, superbly cooked by Claudia and Gary. The vegetables a perfect compliment and puddings to suit all. Wine was in abundance, adding to the good cheer. Finishing off with cheese and excellent coffee from Gary’s new coffee machine. Three hours of feasting and drinking took its toll and we made our way home to sleep off the excesses of a glorious day

Christmas Beach Photo 2018