Going contrary to established wisdom that we just don't have Winters like we used too, December, just like last year, was particularly snowy.  Very cold throughout most of the month, one day it was nippy -15°C degrees!!

We planned to spend Christmas with the Kings but before we did that there was a small matter of putting up the festive Decorations.

Decorations up, car packed we arrived safe and sound at the Kings house on Christmas Eve Eve.

Christmas Eve

Our normal approach to Christmas Eve is to stay in and eat ourselves silly but this years Christmas Eve involved a little bit of exercise.

A walk down some pretty snow covered pathways took us to the nice little pub which was preparing us an excellent dinner.

The walk back saw us taking in the sights of Wem as it got dark.

With no one believing that Santa exists anymore despite recent evidence, once Harry and Leah we safely pretending to be asleep it was time to put out the presents.

With all the Presents artily arranged, some found it hard to contain their excitement.

Christmas Day

Some traditions remained in tact as the present opening onslaught began with Leah and Harry tackling those from "Santa".

This years big wins were Leahs iPhone 4 and Harrys Skateboard ramp.

Other traditions were also duly honoured before we got on with chucking the rubbish away.

That task complete it was left to the men folk to set the Christmas table, otherwise known as keeping out of the way....

....whilst the ladies cooked yet another excellent Christmas Dinner, this year featuring both Turkey and Beef Wellington.

With belly's suitably stuffed we headed back to the present pile to open the rest.

Happily the Gluwein mugs made a special appearance confirming they had safely survived the trip back from Germany.

An excellent day ended our with our consistent, if ultimately unsuccessful, attempts at sounding vaguely in tune on Sing Star.