Holiday Happenings

Now that the holidays have come and gone let's re-cap!

Baby's 1st Christmas was amazing! When typically we would have a marathon of opening presents and gift giving; this year we were forced to take our time. The baby had to take a nap in between all the gift opening. Funny how a baby makes you slow down. Friends and Family all sent gifts for her too. We dressed her up in all kinds of stuff and when we were done it was already 2pm. Time for dinner making! I should also say that it was amazing having Grandma here too! It really blended our old traditions and the new one's we want to create! Definitely the best!

Don't think we missed an opportunity to do a bit of travel. We ended up going on drives to Norwich and to Winpole Estates for some post holiday walking detox. And yes, we forced Grandma out and about! We got some great shots of all the places we went. And then on New Years eve we had a Daddy, Grandma and baby all sleeping.  Mommy stayed up to wake everyone up for the big fireworks.  Which were outstanding in London. No Dick Clark or Ryan Secress just live footage of Big Ben almost being lit on fire. Best fireworks I've ever seen and we've been to DC during 4th of July. No comparison!

So here is to 2012! I know we're half way through January but may your 2012 be amazing!

Christmas in England!

So, I bet your wondering... What are Katie and Mike up to?!?  

When usually we would be preparing for some kind of vacation to a warm climate and a big old Holiday party. Now we are enjoying time with our little baby and soaking up all the Christmas cheer in England. For some reason Christmas in England is SO SO SOOOOO much better than in the US. I think it's because all those holiday traditions actually came from here.  Or maybe it's because they don't have Thanksgiving so they have extra time to get in the mood.

Whatever the reason they have things here that we don't have in the states. Like all those things that Christmas Carols talk about... Things like Roasted Chestnuts, Christmas pudding, Mulled Cider and Wine, Figgy pudding, Christmas Goose, Advent calendars a plenty, Partridge and Pears, Victorian dressed carolers, Trucks that drive around at night with Carolers (during the week at that!), and lights and trees only in the market areas.  Don't get me wrong, they are total consumers here. Buying presents and extra markets and the whole 9 yards. But only the American's have lights in the windows (probably because gas is so expensive here). There are parties every night for every group you belong too. And everyone is cheerful, except for the occasional Scrooge.  

So why does it feel different?!? Why does it feel more Christmassy?!? Well I don't know. But I do know that it's nice and that everyone should experience the old style Christmas charm once in their lives.  If you find yourself in a small village singing Christmas carols enjoy each moment of it. Whether that village is a real place or one that you collect and set out on your table for the season.

PS - They say... 

Happy Christmas! 

Merry Christmas to you and yours... May your days be Merry and Bright! 

Lots of love and light from us Rachanow's.