Sunday 24 December
Denmark
Christmas Eve, but Christmas Day for us, well at least the feasting part. Once again we were awake early, but stayed put, not wanting to venture into the onslaught of noise too soon. Unfortunately, needing the loo dictates the necessity to get up.
We changed, made the bed and then wandered down to the house where everyone was up and about. We had breakfast and sat chatting, sorting out proceedings. Brad and Laura took the kids, to get them out for a run and in the meantime, Paul and I returned to the van to begin shucking the oysters. This turned out to be an easier task than usual, as freezing them had killed them and the vice like clamp they employ to keep the shell closed was loosened. I watched another episode of my DVD, as we arranged the oysters on the trays and I cut up the bacon needed for the topping.
When everything was done, we returned to the house with champagne and began organising the seafood lunch, oysters and prawns. Paul and I put our ones together, a loose kilpatrick version, while Brad made some with blue cheese and bread crumbs.
When everything was prepared, we sat around the table and enjoyed the delicious offerings. Mum wouldn’t touch the oysters, which meant more for the rest of us and the boys had pizza. The drinks and good times flowed. It was a wonderful start to our festive celebrations.
We did the clean up, once we were all finished and then sat about comatose. Paul made a few phone calls home, chatting to Errol, Damon, Merida, Jo and Ballsy at different times and passing on the Christmas wishes. We enjoyed sitting around by the van in the shade as it was quite a warm day. Meanwhile, Brad took the kids to the river for a swim and a swing on the rope.
When everyone returned, it was back to the kitchen to prepare the salads for dinner and for Brad to glaze the ham. The preparation didn’t take too long and we were able to retreat upstairs with our drinks and enjoy some time out on the balcony, taking in the view of the inlet waters. A great moment to reflect on our day and our year in general.
Jack let us know that the oven was beeping, so we returned to the lounge, the carols playing in the background. We decided to give the boys their presents before dinner, which they quickly unwrapped, letting out screams of joy with what they had received and then groans when they were told they couldn’t open the LEGO boxes.
After the clean up of paper, we were ready to go with the dinner. The table was prepped and the dishes of food were put out. Brad carved up the turkey and ham and then it was on for young and old. Crackers cracked, hats on, jokes read and in we tucked to our feast. It was all so good and it wasn’t too long before I was feeling rather full.
We did the dishes and then Mum and Dad gave the boys their gift, this time they were allowed to open up and erect their monster truck tracks and have a bit of fun. We then doused the plum pudding in brandy and set it alight, before carving it up and serving the dessert.
When the boys were all done, they put out the obligatory milk and cookies for Santa and food for the reindeer and then I read them one of the Christmas stories I had bought them as a gift. Darcy was more hyper than usual, to be expected I guess, but full on all the same. I doubt he will sleep much tonight. They were put to bed at 845pm, a very late one and soon there was no noise, a miracle. Brad and Laura got busy putting out the presents and Paul ate the Santa cookies and not long after, we were finally making our way to the van for a well needed sleep.
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