The
excitement was unbearable as the day had dragged on. The morning was spent
hiking up some never ending hills in the freezing cold, a cunning ploy to wear
our little feet out. Breakfast was lush, bacon and egg sandwiches fried in the
car-park before the trek.
After the obligatory Christmas Carol service
at the local church (with the grown-up folk singing so loud it was
embarrassing), we went back home and watched some Christmas specials. Rosie and
Alice had fallen asleep in front of the tv as they were so worn out. For the
rest of us, we had “T’was the night before Christmas” read to us before the
grown-ups made sure we were tucked up in bed. Suzie
reminded us to leave a minced pie and some milk for Father Christmas and his
reindeer (which meant the other girls were jealous as she got to prepare the
gifts of gratitude). Our stockings were draped in preparation at the end of our
beds and there was a rustling from the bunk bed above of Liz trying to settle
down. My plan was to stay awake until our stockings were full. I
thought it would be easier to stay awake with the TV on so loud and being so
excited. The next thing I remember was me moving my hand to hear the soft
crackle of wrapped goodies in my bulging stocking.
My heart raced, as I dashed for the light
switch which woke up the rest of the room. As they were slowly rubbing their
eyes, I was busy maneuvering the packages out of the stocking so I could examine
the various shapes and sizes. I opened the treasures randomly: Pens that glow
when struck; chapstick (doesn't Santa know me well!); a Little Mix CD; smellies;
some eye-shadow; funky stripy socks and the standard knickers, nuts, tangerine
and loads of chocolate bars.
After seeing what the others had opened (and secretly
comparing), I went back to sleep exhausted.
The next morning, I was woken up by mouth watering
fragrances from the kitchen below. Turkey, lamb, rosemary and bacon smells
wafted up from downstairs. I could hear jazzy Christmas songs being played and
my sisters were already up. In our dressing gowns we waited until the
grandparents were ready, then we charged downstairs, pushing to get there first
and see the room filled with sacks and shiny presents. The parents gave them
out one at a time and we were eager and excited to see our next presents. I was
so spoilt!
Dinner was superb. Even mum liked the brussel sprouts
with bacon! Crackers popped with silly hats and jokes to groan at. We missed
the Queens speech (again!) because the rest of the family descended on us. I
loved wearing my new onesie, reading my new books and busting new moves on my
dance game. When the day finished I was tucked into bed with a huge smile on my
face. The best Christmas ever!
