Oh yes this is Christmas!

I sit quietly, hunched over my morning pot of tea.  My head feels heavy.  Is it the cold I have been dragging around all week or that one last Tia Maria I did not need last night?

Oh yes this is Christmas!

My gaze settles on the washing line.  My gorgeous nutcracker apron and Christmas napery flapping in the breeze.  All washed in haste very late last night to ensure the cherry juice, pudding and red wine stains were removed.

Oh yes this is Christmas!

Then in the distance I spot what resembles the recycle bin.  The lid is propped open, unable to close as brightly coloured paper and ribbon spill down its sides.  I mentally count down the days until it is emptied.

Oh yes this is Christmas!

I stand up and wander across to the fridge, feeling the grit of the crumbs and the stickiness of the floor beneath my feet.  More evidence of the feast devoured in this home the night before.

Oh yes this is Christmas!

I open the door and the usually bright fridge is mysteriously dark.  The internal light now buried beneath a mountain of leftover meat, salads and desserts.  I contemplate pudding for breakfast.

Oh yes this is Christmas!

As I indulge in my festive breakfast my mind wanders back, to the day and the evening and the magic we made.

The table was set for 15  wonderful people,  the trestle squished in alongside the dining table.  The outdoor chairs came too,  so cosy, even squeezy and yet no one would have it any other way.  We were sharing a meal, a moment of togetherness a festive celebration of the joy we gain from our friendship.

Oh yes this is Christmas!

The meat was carefully carved and the salads were dressed.  Then came the seafood, the sauces, the potatoes, a lavish banquet stretched out upon platters before us.    While the pudding gently simmered our plates were piled high, the crackers were pulled and the paper hats worn with pride.

Oh yes this is Christmas!

After seconds and possibly thirds  it was time for a well earned rest as 15 satiated bodies fell back in their chairs.   The dishes were stacked and the table was cleared while anticipation began building for the nights main event.

There on the bench, all neatly lined up,  stood four gingerbread homes, one for each family.
The children were gathering , they know what awaits, to decorate a house with icing, sweets and yummy lollies.  A home of their own to take home for Christmas day.

As the custard was stirred and the adults watched on edible masterpieces were crafted.
The climax of this evening and my gift to them all.

Oh yes this is Christmas!

It was time for more food, pudding and cheesecake of course.  Our tummies now bursting with the feast we had devoured.  Gifts were exchanged amidst squeals of delight.  Then as the clock slowly ticked over to a very late hour, sleep slowly beckoned as our sluggish bodies lay heavy on the couch.

Oh yes this is Christmas

Today the vacuum will remove all the crumbs, the mop swiftly erasing the telltale stickiness underfoot.  The napery to be carefully folded and packed back away, the fridge emptying slowly as we gradually eat the magnificent food.

The gingerbread homes will eventually be eaten the final evidence now gone of this one glorious night.

It is the memories which live on, in the hearts and the minds of the 15 incredible people who gathered one evening, to share a meal and a celebration at this magical time.

Oh yes this is Christmas, a fabulous time of year.

I wish each and every one of you every happiness imaginable while you share in memorable moments with those incredible people in your life this Christmas, a truly fabulous time.