People, I had to put this in writing. I've had the most wonderful Christmas ever. I trimmed a few things, like no Christmas tree but had beautiful Christmas roses every-where. Family on the 24th and it made me feel real grown-up that I could make so many people happy on this one night. Friends on the 25th, my cup over floweth.

I am one lucky girl, as my partner also acknowledged with his eye's and hugs and help that he was feeling the feeling. All my lost loved ones where with me in spirit and I truly felt at one with the world.

Also it was a "no giving presents year" and all the stress fell away. It was great to wander through the Bahnhofstrasse, Rennweg and the Neiderdorf without being under pressure to find gifts, just soaking up the atmosphere. We went into the pub where we did most of our courting and bumped into a couple we met through the EF, truly relaxed and good, good company.

I feel blessed.

It was also my happiest Christmas ever.

We build a Christmas tree together with my three years old. On the Christmas eve we prepared a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for Santa. When my daughter woke up, the first thing she found was an empty plate and glasse next to her favorite lollipop. And the eyes she had when she saw all the gifts under the tree.... Christmas with kids is the best thing ever!

I agree. Christmas is very much a kids deal. I work with kids and I hope I make the lead up special. We saved all our orange and tangerine peel and dried it above the radiator for on the last day of playgroup. The kids crumbled it up and added star anis, cloves and cinnamon into a big bowl. Then I had a big, big wooden spoon where they could stir it and make a wish. Their wishes were amazing. Then we all sniffed our hands and decided they smelled like Christmas.

Awww...thanks for sharing. Mine wasn't spectacular for a bunch of reasons, but according to our traditions it ain't over yet, still time to catch up.

I hope it just gets better and better. (((hugs)))

I am so happy for you, dear Oldhand.
About children and Christmas: I love children but I also value greatly these moments at Christmas which are spent in the company of adults, drinking wine and enjoying good conversation. I had a lovely evening with my sister and her partner yesterday. We see each other so rarely since I moved to CH. It may be selfish but I wanted her undivided attention.

Lovely post Oldhand, thank you.

We had a great breakthrough this year as our 4 year old (who has learning difficulties) finally understood (and was not scared of..) presents .. and opened them up with all the other children and even played with some of the gifts inside.

The smallest things bring the disproportionately largest pleasures.