Season's Greetings.

Yesterday morning when I got out of bed, I saw that Santa had been to visit our house during the night. It made me laugh with joy as it was just so unexpected. Our children are all grown up and have not begot progeny (Borneo's addition - rug-rats) of their own yet.

This was the sight that greeted me at the bottom of the stairs and lead into the sitting room.

As we had our family Christmases in South Africa where there is seldom snow especially in the middle of summer, when the kids were small, we made Santa's foot steps in talcum powder from the fire place to where the presents were under the Christmas tree. It caused great excitement and became a family tradition. As the children grew up and Santa was known, this tradition was no longer used. We spoke about it from time to time and laughed.

Robyn decided to surprise us with it this year and it was delightful. When I stepped into the sitting room I also found a table with Santa's left-overs and even a carrot nibbled by Rudolf. It made me laugh again with delight.

Here are the foot prints right to the Christmas tree and there were even more presents than there had been the night before! It was magical. We use gift bags for our presents that can be used again each year.

The best bit was tearing up the stairs and bursting into Robyn's room , where she was still asleep, shouting, 'Santa's been. Get up. It's time to open presents.' I am not sure she expected that part of the deal.... She did wake up smiling though.

After breakfast and calling absent family, we opened our presents. We all got a great deal of lovely loot. I got six books. Amongst them was one on weaving and a sock knitting book too and then there was the delicious yarn.... and the spindle.... and the fibre..... but I digress.

Borneo loved his hat, his Golden Crown.

I spent the morning spinning on my Christmas spindle.  It was such fun. Later when it was time to begin the Great Christmas feast, while I set the table,

two elves were busy in the kitchen preparing the meal. These elves are welcome in my house to do the Christmas preparations henceforth.

Borneo cooked an apricot stuffed pork belly in the weber (kettle barbecue) outside, which was done to perfection apparently. I have no interest in these types of food. Look away now if you feel the same way.

We sat down to the usual Christmas gastronomy. It was doubly delicious as I had done none of the preparation or cooking.

I retired to the sitting room to spin once again while the dishes meticulously cleaned themselves and the kitchen. I do like these elves....

There was the sound of a steam puddling gently bubbling in the background.

I am so proud of my daughter who took over the next family tradition, the steamed ginger pudding. This is the first one she has ever made and I now know that I never need to to this again either as she did a stirling job of it.

It was delicious and I enjoyed every bite! This is to taunt all of you who make me make it when you visit us and those of you who missed it this year.

It has been a wonderful Christmas here, one of the best I have had.

Thank you, everyone, for your kind wishes and support through the year. It has helped to keep me cheerful through a difficult year and I am truly grateful.

May the New Year ahead bring the fulfilment of your truest dreams. Peace be with you.