33 Sleeps...

Can you believe it?  Just 33 more sleeps until Christmas.

I've worked out what to buy everyone except my two best friends.  I'm struggling with one because he has everything he wants and the other because his taste is way better than mine and I don't want to get him a dud present.  I know its the thought that counts, but I want to make sure I get the right thing.

I'm feeling way more festive this year than I did last year.  I'm quite looking forward to it all this year but in honesty its mostly because I finish work on 23rd December and don't go back until 4th January.  That will be the longest break I've had all year.  

I had my first week off this year at the beginning of November and it was the first week that I did nothing for work.  All the other annual leave I have taken has involved me working in some capacity.  It's my own fault for not being able to say no.  Essentially, I've exhausted myself with all the early starts, late finishes, evenings and weekends on the laptop.  It's important to me that I do a good job but I've learned that I can't do that at the expense of my health or sanity.

The other thing I realised is that this is the first Christmas since my Grandmother passed away.  It seems odd without her.  Not that we spent Christmas together every year or anything like that, but it will be strange not to call her on Christmas Day and again on Boxing Day to wish her a happy birthday.

It feels like a lot has happened this year and I'm sad that she missed it.  My youngest cousin Danny got ridiculously good grades at his A-levels. My cousin Jay got engaged to his amazing girlfriend Charlotte and they're planning their wedding for next year.  It'll be in the same church as my grandmother's funeral because, by a lovely coincidence, it was the same church that Charlotte's grandparents were married in.  Grannie would have been so proud of them all.  While typing this post I realised that none of her grandchildren got married while she was alive.  I don't remember any family weddings, I think I was too young when they all happened, but I bet she loved them.  A nice excuse for dressing up and mingling. None of us had any children either, so she didn't get to be a great-grandmother.  She'd have been wonderful at that too.

Still, we'll all be thinking of her this Christmas.  Wherever she is, I know she'll be having a good one too.

 

P.S - To you know who, I hope this hasn't upset you but if it has I'm sorry sweetheart.  Just stuff on my mind xx

Comments

[Amber]

Funnily enough, we were watching some old family videos last night at my parents' house and one of them was my cousin's wedding, and had my grandparents in it - I commented on how lucky she was that she got to have them there: by the time I got married all of my granparents were gone, and I know they'd have loved to have been there.

The first Christmas/birthday etc is always particularly hard. Glad you're getting a proper break though!

[ellie]

You are beautiful. xxoo

[Beth]

@Amber I think its the time of year that makes us think about those people who aren't with us anymore and its a nice time for remembering. Its nice to be getting a break, but I'm totally envious of your little winter sun break (although don't envy the mass-blogathon you have to do beforehand!) xx

@Ellie Thank you, that's a lovely thing to say xx

[HereInFranklin]

I just returned from Christmas shopping. I've been spending money like I'm Jackie effing Onaissis. :)

[Beth]

@HIF I know, its like you almost have to spend the entire year saving for it!