The Christmas That Was

Our delightful Christmas Tree and our stash of gifties!

Mum's stocking fillers arrived in the nick of time, and we had a marvellous time unwrapping such treats as business class toothbrushes, etc.  Stu is slightly bemused by my mum's stocking fillers, I keep trying to explain that they're just random items of varying value and use to recipient, the more random, the funnier.  Anywho, below is a shot of one of mum's famed handmade stockings.

Champers kicked off the unwrapping marathon.  Mmmm, champers before noon, what could be more delightful?

Perhaps haphazard tinsel on a light fitting?

Perhaps moi?

A little atmostphere...

The one day a year I remember to light candles.  Then I forget to put them out, and they die. 

Roasted veggie goodness, the feasting preparations begin.

To go with the gorgeous (vegetarians don't look) organic half leg of lamb.  Lamb was an inspired choice - so much leftover goodness.

Mulled wine.  Mmmmm

Stu looking ... awkward.  He's wondering how much longer until he can tuck in and eat his body weight in brussel sprouts (bloody awful they are, but he loves them, so this is my Christmas concession).  I paid for my kindness later when he tooted up the living room.  The smell still haunts me.

Umm, weird face.

A walk to digest.  The weather was pretty dismal, but the fresh air after many an hour gorging on wine and food felt good.  I also had to clear my head after a Trivial Pursuit defeat that will shame me forever.

Our neighbourhood harbours little backstreeet gems.

I doff my cap to religion briefly.

The now famous mince pies Stu insists on making every year.  I keep suggesting he might like to try using a pastry that doesn't expand so much it lays waste to all attempts to fill the pastry.  He won't budge, so I vow to leave him to it.  They looked as good as they tasted.  Read into that what you will.