Hi ho, hi ho, itโs off to work I goโฆ. ๐๐ ๐ผ๐คถ๐ผ
If you have to work anywhere on Christmas Eve, the little gift shop is probably the place to do it!
Weโre open from 9.30 until 1pm today then thatโs a wrap on all forms of working in 2022. Except maybe some dog behaviour calls. ๐๐ถ๐พโ๏ธ
Of course Iโve been wide awake since 6am.
We had a lovely Christmas Turkey buffet next door in the Gateside Inn last night. Big slabs of turkey in gravy that just melt in the mouth. Here is my handsome husband and I ready to head in.

I only got about half an hour between work and heading out to freshen up and write last nights blog.
We had a drink at the bar included in our ยฃ15 a head package. Check Rachel-two-doors-downโs Christmas jumper!

I fasted for about 19 hours overnight Friday into Saturday. I feel sooooo much better for it. It would also appear Iโm a lot less able to gorge on buffet food when it is presented to me. I think Iโd have been able to eat twice what I had last night, if Iโd tried it a week ago!!
A piece of chocolate fudge cake sent me over the edge though. Sooo full. I was home and tucked up in bed by 8.30pm while the roars of laughter and merriment boom through the bedroom wall. (remember how close the pub is!)
I had moments of sadness where I think that everyone else is enjoying themselves when I am notโฆ. But then I remember that Iโm doing what I want to do, what I need to do. Having political chats over dinner does not help my head at all especially when everyone seems to think the opposite from me. I need to distance myself from anything that triggers a negative emotion right now.

Actuallyโฆ.. as I write thatโฆ I need to learn to let things that I donโt like, just wash over me.

That is the lesson for today. Hmmmm I knew there was a reason I kept writing this blog. Iโll do me and let you do you. If I see you saying something I donโt agree with I just move on and donโt feel I have to fight that battle. Huh. ๐คท๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ not saying that will always be easy but Iโll try it. Through gritted teeth maybeโฆ. ๐

Anyway, Iโm up, bright eyed and bushy tailed ready for work.
Not gonna lieโฆ I am looking forward to nestivus ๐๐๐

For me, this is what Christmas is all about. Spending time with our loved ones at this special time.


Work was super busy today! Another great Saturday and at 1pm we closed the door and switched the lights off and someone still came in to shop in the dark ๐ by 1.30pm we were done in! We had no Christmas cheer left ๐๐๐
So Iโm back home, have hoovered the living room and sun room, put jammie bottoms on and am about to start wrapping some final wee bits and bobs.

Weโre gonna have a chilled out Christmas Eve with movies and Christmas party nibbles.

I might be going to church for the Watchnight Service tonight. Thatโs a huge part of my growing up. We always went to midnight service from when I was 12, as we were all in the church choir.
Sadly Grandad died that very first year I was allowed to go.

We came out of the church and all the adults were talking over my head. I remember feeling very small at the timeโฆ. And nervous, as I knew there was something very wrong.
There were family members in that church car park that did not go to churchโฆ.
Grandad had been very busy the week in the run up to Christmas. A family Christmas was his big thing and yet that was the first year we werenโt all going to be together.
He was in bed and got up to go through to the bathroom and Nana heard him hit the bath. He was gone in an instant. A massive heart attack. He was only 56. It was 12.10am on Christmas morning.
(I should say here that this is how I remember it, just in case I got some of that wrong!)
So midnight service means a lot to me.

It does show us that this time of year is difficult for so many. Itโs a special time of year that brings out many emotions for people.

I hope you all have a lovely Christmas Eveโฆ I hope that Santa is good to you all and that you spend your Christmas exactly the way you want to.
Love to you all โฅ๏ธ
Stay safe everyone โฅ๏ธโฅ๏ธโฅ๏ธ