Thursday, December 27, 2007

Boxing Day bumbling 'bout


Christmas Day has come and gone, and in its wake left wrapping paper, half-naked Barbies, scattered Lego, wilting salads, and tired but happy children.

Boxing Day we spent with family up at Mum's farm, reading multiple sets of instructions. There were instructions for tamagotchis (given to the kids by my sister), and instructions for a game called Hyperdash (given by my mother). We puzzled over how to set up a magician's kit, a science project set and a remote-controlled car. We sat around talking silly talk, eating lychees and rumballs, and then went walking, looking for koalas (from left to right - my sister, Benjamin, me holding hand of unseen niece, and Laura).

This big sleepy-looking guy was more than happy to pose for photos.


This year, I wanted to get through the celebrations without getting frustrated with any relatives. Christmas doesn't feel very loving when you're mentally berating a loved one in your mind! I prepared myself beforehand, reminding myself that we are all different people, with different ways of thinking and living - none of them 'right' or 'wrong'. And miracle of miracles, I enjoyed myself, and enjoyed being with everyone else, and I don't think I drove anyone else nuts either (that I noticed!). Of course, there was the moment when my husband and brother got a bit tetchy with each other, but that's not anything to do with me!
Even if Aunt Sal made a snarky comment about your weight, or the fruitcake you'd slaved over turned out dry; even if you got a little snippy with your mother or yelled at your kids; even if there was sadness or sickness to face - I hope you all had some truly happy moments over Christmas.
Seasons Greetings my friends.


12 comments:

meggie said...

That sleepy Koala has the right attitude!

Glad you had a nice Christmas Jelly.

I find Boxing Day my favourite day.

I wish you Joy for 2008.

hugsxx

meggie said...

That sleepy Koala has the right attitude!

Glad you had a nice Christmas Jelly.

I find Boxing Day my favourite day.

I wish you Joy for 2008.

hugsxx

Redneck Mommy said...

My kids loved that picture of the koala!

We survived Christmas over here...a large part of that due to the fact we avoided my parents house and their hostility. I was a little worried we would miss the family arguments, but turned out Christmas is a whole lot more fun with out any of that.

Who knew?? LOL.

I'm glad you had a great Christmas, Jelly.

Here's to a wonderful new year, filled with much love and joy for you and your family. Thinking of you and Jelly-Ma!

thisisme said...

It sounds like you had a great Christmas - I'm glad to hear it. Hyperdash is scary - I had to play that yesterday and it rapidly descended into debacle.

rel said...

Jelly,
Glad you had a good time. We had one of the best ever, not including when the kids were little and we did all the instructionist thingys.
The Koala is my pet name for D.; has been since we met over 40 years ago. ;)
rel

fifi said...

a koally for christmas!? excellent!

I wish a had a few more rellies about...mine are all far away now. We used to spend Christmas on a property up in the bush, just like the picture, with our four cousins.
It was beautiful.

Susan Tidwell said...

What great pictures! A happy family strolling about, and finding a koala! I hope you all have a great New Year!

Sandy Hatcher-Wallace said...

You had a very beautiful place to stroll about on Boxing Day and by the way you are dressed, I'd say it was a warm day too.

Glad your Christmas was a nice one without conflict...those are the very best. We just over-look any snarky remarks made by anyone and just ignore or don't respond to them...sure shuts the person up fast. hehehe

That Koala does look sleepy and what a find. I've been admiring a gray squirrel this morning who has come up very close to the house to feed on our bird feeders. I know it's not as impressive as a koala, but when you have cats, it's a rare up-close sight.

I'm glad Christmas is over, but now it's time to think about packing up all the decorations and putting them away. I told Jimmy that I would have them put away by March and you should have seen the look he gave me...what a prize.

Nestor Family said...

So glad that you found your own kind of peace while with family over the holidays. Good for you!

Best wishes for 2008!!!

Kerri said...

I'm so glad you had a happy time with the family Jelly.
I love the photo with your sister and the kids. All those beautiful gum trees and the pretty purple flowers...not to mention the sleepy koala...make me homesick :)
Laura with the umbrella is so cute :)
Wishing you and your sweet family (including Jellyma) a wonderful 2008 filled with blessings.
xoxo

Mackey said...

Thank you Jelly, I did have some wonderful moments.
Would have loved to been out looking for koalas with you!

Mimi said...

I like a greeting card I once saw, "Christmas is the season of wonder and hope, wonder if the relatives are coming and hope they aren't". On another note, oh how I wish I could see a koala in a tree in its habitat and not a zoo.

Mimi