Christmas Eve Eve

I cannot believe that it's December 23rd. It seems like only yesterday that it was the end of November and we were gently trundling towards the festivities, but things have just snowballed in the last few weeks. School was very busy but very exciting in the run up to the holidays - seeing the children's excited faces as they spoke animatedly about what Santa was going to bring them, decorating our classroom with fairy lights and baubles, singing Christmas carols, making clay Christmas decorations and counting down the days on our Advent chalkboard were just some of the highlights. We also went to see two different Christmas shows, 'Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer' with the little ones, and an 'Aladdin' pantomime with the older children, both of which I enjoyed just as much (if not more!) than the intended audience!

Most of our time, however, was dedicated to preparations for our Christmas nativity, which was held in the local church last Thursday night. It was a modern musical twist on the nativity called 'A Midwife Crisis', featuring singing sheep, dazzling angels, a frenzied midwife and her gormless donkey and of course, a very special baby boy. We practised and practised and practised the weeks beforehand. On the night, all went to plan (well, mostly!). One boy sadly got a case of stage fright just beforehand and decided that he wouldn't be making his acting debut after all! The adorable little boy who was cast as the star above the stable decided to take a stroll down to say hello to his parents mid-play! There were a few mixed up lines and giggles, but overall, the children did us proud. All things considered, the children and teachers were well ready for the break when our holidays began on Friday afternoon!

The last couple of days have been swallowed up with glorious preparations for December 25th. Last minute presents have been bought and wrapped, the Christmas cake has been iced and dug into, mince pies have been baked, some gifts have been exchanged, friends have been met, chocolates have been devoured, Christmas carols have been sung in our choir, cards have been sent and received, candles have been lit and memories have been recorded. Speaking of memories, I am very far behind on my JYC, however I have managed to write some journalling into a little copybook every day, so am planning a crafty catch up today. Also planned for today is making Mary Berry's gingerbread house with my sister. I've never made one before but was won over watching Mary and Paul construct their masterpiece on the Great British Bake Off Christmas special on last Tuesday night. I'll keep you updated on the progress! What have you been up to for the last few days?

Anyway, I'm off to get crafty with a cup of tea in one hand and a journalling pen in the other! Wishing you and yours a very merry run-up to Christmas - enjoy these few days of joyful anticipation, they always go by far too quickly!

xxx

P.S. My lovely friend Jenny has recently started her own blog over here. She is such a sweetheart and a brilliant writer and storyteller too - do pop by and say hello!