25th December

After our swim and we all photo boomed Jessica's self-portrait 

The day was grey with a persistent drizzle and we were out of bed by 9am for our 9:30 traditional walk and swim on Christmas Day. We walked to the Haven and then back to take shelter under the roof of the beach huts, keeping our clothes dry while we swim.

Gemma look gorgeous in a summery pink costume and matching bright pink lining in her Dry Robe, the rest of us looked cold but we did swim. Well, I say we, Peter and Julia thought it a little cold for their liking but did offer moral support. 

We had the traditional Christmas with all the meat and vegetables an army could eat. Great starters from Claudia and Gary brought perfectly cooked Roast Beef and loads of vegetables. Michael’s Gammon was cooked to perfection and then we also had Roast Turkey and a Leg of Lamb. I must say anyone of those meat dishes would have sufficed but Ho Ho, it is Christmas. Kate’s magnificent pavlova seemed to find a place in already full tummies. 

There are some laughs missing at the table and we laugh for them. Christmas brings reflection, on those no longer with us and on the year past. Covid hangs over us like a dark cloud on the horizon and then there will be other challenges to come, some easily conquered and others to be taken with more caution than we would want. In saying that, you might be feeling nervous but do not let them steal your joy, keep your gentle voice, compassionate ways and incredible nature, life will reward you.

Christmas also brings nostalgia but we comfort ourselves with festive playlists and re-runs of Movies 24 while decorating our tree and house. All around us is the reminder that this is the birth of Jesus which is depicted on Christmas cards and wrapping paper. We forget what King Herod did to all the newborn children and the hardship the mother and child endured to survive. The birth is not the beginning, it is the beginning of the end as Easter will show.

I think Susan and I summed up the day with a kiss and a quiet agreement on it being a very good day, no hearts broken and only one wine glass shattered. That was our Christmas.

Today is Boxing Day and has nothing to do with boxing. The name Boxing Day came from the 1800s and the rich would give their servants the day off and would box up gifts to give to their servants and the poor. The servants would also go home and give the box up presents to their families. Boxing Day, seems those rich did have some heart.