Festive favourites from 2023
Christmas may be over for another year but I thought I’d reflect on my festive favourites from 2023.
I have done this for the last few years when I looked back on my festive favourites from 2022, festive favourites from 2021, festive favourites from 2020, festive favourites from 2019, festive favourites from 2018 and my festive favourites from 2017.
Festive favourites from 2023
The build up to Christmas
Our festive celebrations started in late November this year with a visit to the Winter Light Trail at The Alnwick Garden to celebrate my birthday but also to kick-start the festivities.
We decorated the house just the three of us this year and Elsie enjoyed putting the decorations on the tree.
My parents joined us for our annual visit to Beamish and Father Christmas’ Grotto which was such a lovely day. We made sure Elsie was really wrapped up and she loved the whole day!
The following weekend we had our first ride on the Santa Special at Heatherslaw Railway which we all really enjoyed despite the rain lashing down!
We enjoyed watching Elsie perform as a star in her nativity at school the week before she broke up for the holidays.
Christmas 2023
Steve’s parents came up to visit Christmas weekend and left the day after Boxing Day.
Elsie loved having her nanny and pops stay.
On Christmas Day it was the five of us and Elsie loved that Santa had been and made light work of opening her presents.
Steve rustled up a delicious Christmas dinner which we all enjoyed.
We treated ourselves to a festive dinner set from Next.
On Boxing Day my mam, dad, brother and cousin came for a few hours.
It was like Christmas Day all over again and Elsie received even more presents!
We had a hot buffet for lunch which was lovely.
Although it was busy we had a lovely Christmas.
We enjoyed the Call the Midwife and Great British Bake Off Christmas specials.
Steve and I are only at work a couple of days each before going back to work properly when Elsie returns to school that first full week in January.
We are having a quiet New Year but we are looking forward to a steam train winter warmer ride!
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Other festive related posts
You can find out all about my Christmas family traditions
Read all about how I made my very own Christmas wreath
I answer all things Christmas in the Christmas Tag
Father Christmas’ Grotto at Beamish Museum – review
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