It really is all about the kids

Christmas this year has been fab.

The kids have (for the most part) been on great form.  They have grabbed the Christmas spirit with both arms and legs and given it a great big hug.

We had quite an odd build-up to the 'big day'; read Sarah's blog for more info (www.realyouth.net/chalkbored).  I was asked to sing in SummerSault's with Renaissance Voices on the Saturday, which was great fun (good food too!).  Then there was the carol service at Church on the Sunday.  3 busy days at work followed, during which time, Sarah and the kids carried on with various preparation and tidying jobs.

I don't know who was more excited about Christmas, the kids or Sarah and I.  We thought long and hard before getting their presents.  Jamie has great ambitions to being a skateboarder, so he has duly been kitted out with a board, helmet (with flames) and pads (thanks to Paul & Weedie).  Caitlin just wanted her old DS 'fixed'.  We did investigate the fixing option, but it was no cheaper than a new one, so she got a nice new pink one.

Their faces were perfect on Christmas day.  True pleasure and excitement.  Top responses to make a parent happy.

When it came to our visit to Church, the kids were sitting at the front with the vicar and all the other kids for the traditional "what did you get kids?" slot.  Martin (the vicar) asked the kids why we gave presents at Christmas.  There were quite a few blank faces - even amongst the adults.  It just goes to show how the commercialism of Christmas has taken over.  One child was asked who had given us all a special gift at Christmas.  The expected answer was God, and the present he gave us is Jesus.  The child duly responded "Santa Claus"!!!  Much hilarity at the comedic response but also quite telling that Christmas simply means presents.

I'm not really sure how much C & J get about Christmas, but we have not had any "I wants" or "I must have" from them at all....I guess we might be doing alright after all.

Anyways, I hope you all had a great Christmas, despite illnesses or credit crunches.

Back to you soon.

TTFN

Hipp