This Christmas ....

We already knew Christmas wouldn't be the same this year. 

My husband's Mum had been very ill for the last few months. We had made tentative plans for hospital or hospice visiting on the day, but sadly she passed away in the middle of December and her funeral was the day before Christmas Eve. We felt out of step with a world filled with frivolous fun. We spent much of the month opening cards, not knowing if it was going to be a Christmas greeting or a message of condolence. It felt surreal coming home each day to our house all festive with decorations and lights which I'd put up at the beginning of the month. 

In the end we had a very simple Christmas. Fewer presents .... we couldn't do much actual shopping, so we just chose a few gifts online. I ran out of wrapping paper and gave things in the bags they came in. I only managed to send half of my Christmas card list. For the first year ever, we had shop bought mince pies and Christmas cake.

On the day itself it was just the two of us and our two grown-up children. No turkey (nobody really likes it anyway), just a normal roast with extra trimmings. No fancy table settings. We still pulled crackers and wore silly hats.

We spent time together in front of the TV watching repeats and eating far too much chocolate, while the rain battered down outside. We were thankful that our part of the 'North' wasn't flooded, and we felt sad for the poor people who have lost everything.

On the few dry days we got outside for a walk with our dog to stretch our legs and re-connect with the elements. 

We had a 'no-frills' Christmas.

And it was still lovely. 

I think we learned that Christmas brings along a magic all of its own even when you're feeling sad.  

And all that fuss counts for nothing at all.