Christmas Day 2025

[L.Ann]

I figured it was easier to get up and be excited over the gifts and note from Santa so we could go back to sleep. Otherwise I think she would have been up every 30 minutes.

[Harriet]

Merriness and Meaning wished to all of us today! Sprinkles of cheer and neatness (eventually) settling everywhere.

Books for presents are so ideal - I didn't put any on my list (first year I've made a list, but was prodded - may not have thought that through). But I did get one duplicate so perhaps I can choose a book for a replacement/return.

ooooOOOOOH, snowy landscape, and especially when you are seven, what a joy.

HRH and I are charged with the responsibility of choosing between the 7 of the nearly-identical family photos taken yesterday with ddil's auto-setup. One child looks so cute here, such irritable posture there, and another child is making a face here, angelic there, etc., etc. etc., lol! My youngest grandson's expression changes are faster than the camera can catch.

[Peaches1000]

Good morning/afternoon!

Next:
-Open pkg/confirm
-Laundry #1 hang/fold
-Put away laundry
-Foyer Bath - pupa/restock
-Check email
-Update Toodledo
-Check bank accts/Amex

Extras:
-Tasks - (fup Mom)(unload dishes)(Toodledo tasks)
-Declutter/organize/clean - 10 min
-Files/Med Info/Papers/Emails - 10 min

Routine:
-1pm Eat
-Cat - brush/food/water/litter
-Vacuum something
-6pm Eat
-Close blinds
-Open & sort mail/file
-Prep for next day (clothes/calendar)

Done:
-Bedroom - pupa
-Dress/ready
-Laundry #1 start dryer
-Fresh food for kitty
-Open blinds/get water
-Medicine/vitamins

[Kittykatt]

Hello, everyone!

FFB, if by next year DS still wants to perpetuate his belief in Santa, there's always the NORAD site, which tracks Santa on his travels on Christmas Eve. It's also worth checking when /if the Space Station will pass over where you live on Christmas Eve. I remember when G13 yo was 5 or 6, the space station passed over is at about 6pm, and we all told her the bright moving light was Santa doing a test run for later on that evening. We'll probably start the Christmas cake tomorrow - we're both feeling too full ATM!

Trissie, the cats don't have any different food for Christmas, as I want to avoid vet visits, but they do get toys -Freddie had a Yeow!! banana, Matilda had a rechargeable ball that moves in random directions and Jude had a catnip mouse. I'm glad you had a lovely Christmas Eve, and that you get a chance to relax today. I agree though, all that prep for Christmas, and then it's all over in a day!

Helia, that's very good news about your DF, and how thoughtful of your DD to ensure you and DH had some time to relax yesterday. Your Paella sounds amazing!

L.Ann, I think you're right to have an early stocking opening and then enjoy some uninterrupted sleep!

Harriet, it can be very difficult to get everyone, especially children to all be smiling at the same time. Thank goodness for photo editing software!

Hi, Peaches!

Lunch turned out very well, and I got it on the table at exactly 1pm. (Working to a time is a challenge fore, as we usually have our Sunday roast lunch "when it's ready". But I now have my Christmas book, with all the timings for everything written in it.I just have to tweak this GS a little bit from year to year, depending on on the size of the joint of beef. )

For me, the very best bit of Christmas is putting the table back in place and taking off my apron. That means my work for the day is now done. We had a lovely time with C, and the cats (mostly) behaved themselves. Jude was a little angel who spent lots of time on my lap, Matilda was the party girl into everything
Matilda sampling the nibbles
and "helping" with the present unwrapping, and Freddie hissed when prevented from jumping onto the table and was carried out to the hall by DH. He is now asleep on top of "his"kitchen cupboard.

[Kittykatt]

Thursday: Christmas Day
Stockings first thing
Ask DH to lay table
Ensure bathroom is clean and tidy
Run a quick duster and hoover round hall and sitting room
Walk Freddie
Pick up leaves in front garden
Trim and file finger nails -I can't get them clean after yesterday's gardening
Change into something pretty
Cook lunch - use timings in my book
12 noon Dnextdoorneighbour C arrives
1pm lunch - roast beef, roast potatoes, roasted carrots and parsnips, gravy , Brussels sprouts, Yorkshire puddings, fresh fruit salad, cream
Take my apron off and relax!
Time for presents
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[helia]

Yes, FFB, my dd27 made a beautiful pumpkin pie - crust and all, with some pie crust leaf decorations. She's making another pumpkin pie for tonight. I think some kids kind of fluidly migrate over time from believing in Santa to not believing. I remember being in an in between stage as a kid, kind of believing though knowing it was also a logical impossibility.
Thanks for the picture of mischievous Matilda, Kitty. The room looks so neat and clutter free! Enjoy your well-earned holiday rest!
Hi Peaches!
Merry Christmas, Harriet! I always have a book or two on my list.
Enjoy time with your family today, L Ann. Yes - I can understand just opening the stocking so everyone can get more sleep.

It's 4 pm, and I'm going to head out for a jog before the sun sets around 5.

Next:
- back exercises
- dress to jog
- jog - short

Later:
- go for a jog
- put away old puzzle
- payroll: finish the curriculum review? (won't take long)
- read fun book!
- start new knitting project
- resurrect toodle do
- Christmas zoom call?
- help dh cook
- 6 pm Christmas dinner: seafood paella, Greek salad, baguettes, pumpkin pie (I think)
- after dinner clean up
- light the tree and read stories
- shoes, night #2
- duolingo
- update health apps

TaDas!
- up; weighed self
- coffee
- shoe!
- weather website, email deletions
- s2s and self care
- reclaimed kitchen
- church service
- boiled eggs
- brunch at the girls' place; brought home a fun puzzle
- helped dh clear the desk - going through paperwork; found winter property taxes due 12/31. add to my todos
- 2 more thank yous done
- made a big dent in wrapping gifts

[helia]

Here's my dd27's star bread. It was delicious!!

[Peaches1000]

Next:
-Laundry #1 hang/fold
-Put away laundry
-Declutter/organize/clean - 10 min
-Close blinds

Extras:
-Tasks - (fup Mom)(Toodledo tasks)
-Declutter/organize/clean - 10 min
-Files/Med Info/Papers/Emails - 10 min

Routine:
-Cat - brush/food/water/litter
-Vacuum something
-6pm Eat
-Prep for next day (clothes/calendar)

Done:
-Bedroom - pupa
-Dress/ready
-Laundry #1 start dryer
-Fresh food for kitty
-Open blinds/get water
-Medicine/vitamins
-Open pkg/confirm
-Foyer Bath - pupa/restock
-Check email
-Update Toodledo
-Check bank accts/Amex

[Kittykatt]

Helia, the star bread looks amazing! Your DD is very talented!

[Nancy]

Yummy looking star bread!