It was a busy few days leading up to Christmas for us with a family get together on Thursday before Joe and Kate set off for Shropshire with Kate's parents, as well as Bridie and Joseph heading to Bristol for Christmas. The girls and parents slept over which was lovely and the next evening Alison and I were able to go to The Rude Giant in Salisbury for the Ragwormers gig. Maria was sleeping over at a friend's house and so we had no responsibilities other than ourselves and it was no problem when the band were an hour and a half late getting on stage. Such a novelty not to be be feeling rushed!

The gig was great and I was happy drinking the Heineken Zero. Nice to wake up clear headed too. Later on Saturday we began a new tradition for the family with a pub crawl in Verwood, just the five of us. Starting at The Albion, we got a lift to The Three Swans in Bridie's car which she left there. From there we walked to The Monmouth before heading to the Olive and Oak wine bar, enjoying the lights and displays in the gardens and at Ferret Green. There was a final walk to The Albion where Alison drove us all home ready for Christmas Eve.

With Glen arriving later on Christmas Day we had a very civilised start to the big day and it was very welcome. We'd done a lot of prep the day before and so it was just veg required for the dinner. We maintained the tradition of watching It's A Wonderful Life and the Griswalds' Family Christmas on Christmas Eve with lights and candles lighting th downstairs. Beautiful.