Oh December, you have certainly kept me on my toes! As well as concerts, parties and plays, there’s been plenty of work, not to mention a child with chicken pox! I always have such grand plans for blogging in the run up to Christmas. Hats off to those who have been filling my feed with festive inspiration in recent weeks. How do you find the time?!

As the school term finally ended last Friday, I could feel myself slowly beginning to unwind. I’ve worked hard this month in order to give myself some proper time off and I intend to fill each day with heaps of festive fun.

We kicked things off on Saturday with a visit to Bristol’s German Christmas Market where we indulged in bratwurst and mulled wine. After lunch, we wandered to the harbourside, popping into the Arnolfini and MShed before making our way home.

It was a perfect winter’s day; crisp, cold and bright. I made a concerted effort to capture a little of the city as we strolled along its streets. Sometimes I forget how new it all is to us, but when I look closely, it still takes me by surpise. There’s street art hiding around almost every corner and love locks to be found on Pero’s Bridge.

I can’t resist this bright red backdrop down by the water. It made for some great photos in the summer, and it felt particularly festive at the weekend. 

On Monday, we travelled to the other side of the city to take the children skating. Clifton on Ice wasn’t cheap, but the children’s unmitigated delight meant it was worth every penny! Jesse really wasn’t too sure to begin with, but as soon as he got his hands on a penguin, he was a away. In fact, I struggled to keep up! I did manage to stay upright though, that’s got to count for something?!

We’ll be filling Christmas Eve with more of our favourite festive activities. There’ll be homemade mince pies, mulled wine and probably plenty of excitement! I always make slow cooked beef in beer and the children look forward to opening one present before bed. The package in question contains everything they need for the night before Christmas, including shiny new pyjamas, a Christmas movie, popcorn, hot chocolate, mini marshmallows, a bath bomb and a bedtime story. It’s my favourite gift to give.  

Merry Christmas from all of us. See you on the other side!

Love Audrey xxx