So this is Christmas

Claire excelled in her decorations again for this, our first Christmas in our lovely new house.

We did the French version of Christmas : Pascal and I attended the Reformed Church's afternoon play on 24th, then we had our Christmas meal en famille. Just the five of us. Claire did the organisation. A game, a film, and one present to open.

The menu: foie gras and tarama; lettuce salad; wild boar casserole and potato balls; local cheeses; and a home made bûche de Noël of which Claire and I are very proud. It's our first!

I always have a bit of a downer at this time because I'm so inbued with our family christmases in Australia. Lots of family, several occasions, church in the morning. I miss that and haven't managed to transmit it to my own family.

The next day, 25th, we had a French breakfast while skyping the family and then we were allowed to open the rest of the presents!

It was pleasant and intimate - we have such busy and varied lives that being together is becoming a luxury and a precious time to keep for ourselves. However, I do have a special thought for all those who do end up alone or isolated or who are far from family and/or friends.

I hope your Christmas was a special time and particularly stamped with the wonder of the Christ child and his mission on earth.