Holy Night

Christmas Eve is my favourite day of the Christmas season (yes, I even prefer it to Christmas day) and this year was extra special as James wasn't working!  Hooray!  After pottering about the home all morning we took an afternoon walk to Haldon Forest:

We found some ready-made dens:

And had to explore each one:

Can you see the mischief on their faces?:

Fixing a hole:

The sunset arrived so beautifully:

As is tradition, we attended the evening carol service at church.  It was beautiful.  All my favourite hymns were sung, scripture passages were read, trumpets were played (heaven) and a 'Silent Night' that brought tears to my eyes.  We read the Christmas story from the bible at home with the children and then sent them off to bed with strict instructions to go to sleep quickly and 'please don't get up too early!'  Treats were of course left for Father Christmas and the reindeer:

James and I finished up this (very late) evening with festive films and present organising.  Merry Christmas to you all!