A few months ago I told myself that if I was still out of work by Christmas I would really need to start seriously worrying. Luckily for me I’ve been spared that trauma and I could not be more grateful. Inevitably though I’ve had to neglect this blog while I settle into my new job and try desperately to catch up on sleep because it turns out that working is exhausting. How did I forget this?
Being in a school at Christmas is a joyful but very busy time. We had a kids’ Christmas party, two carol concerts with the children performing, one staff panto (oh yes!), a secret Santa of epic proportions, one fancy staff lunch, a sausage sandwich and far too much chocolate. Before anyone asks I didn’t have to dress up for the panto, I just had to hide behind a cardboard Christmas tree. And as for Secret Santa, every member of staff, over 130, was included, plus every child received a personalised gift! I was seriously impressed.
All that being said Christmas seems to have crept up on me rather quickly. It tapped me on the shoulder at the end of last week and frightened the life out of me! I am woefully unprepared this year and no amount of Christmas carols, secret Santa gifts and chocolate has made me feel festive. I went out on Sunday and finally did some Christmas shopping. I’m never that organised when it comes to buying presents but this year I really let the side down. I did manage to do it all and am hoping the postman delivers the final one today otherwise it’s going to be rather late – independent sellers on Amazon are a bit unreliable on the delivery front.
I did make a vat of spiced red cabbage on Monday which is as much cooking as I’m doing this year. I love it and it’s my alternative to sprouts which I hate! And a vat is no exaggeration. My casserole holds almost 7 litres and it was full to the brim with cabbage before I put it in the oven. Two and a half hours later it had reduced by half but there is still enough to feed five on Christmas Day with leftovers and a further 7 portions in the freezer for me to enjoy over the weeks to come!
So, I have to pack a bag for a couple of days away at my parents’ house so I shall leave you with the promise that I will be blogging properly very soon. I have several posts on the go and just need to find a bit of spare time. I’m hoping that after the New Year I will be less tired and feel more like writing in the evenings and at weekends.
Wherever you are I hope you have a lovely Christmas and wish you a happy, healthy and peaceful 2014.
Congratulations on the new job. Merry Christmas & best wishes for 2014!
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Thank you! And to you 🙂
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This is a good problem that you haven’t been able to blog. : D But I look forward to your return. Until then, Merry Christmas.
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Thanks. It’s not been that long really I just had plans to write stuff and then sleep took over! Merry Christmas to you too x
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Merry Christmas to you and a happy and successful new year 2014 !
Best wishes!
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Thank you! And to you 🙂
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Merry Christmas, Kathryn! Enjoy the time at your parents and give them a big hello from all of us!
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Merry Christmas to you and all your family too. I will pass on your hello! 🙂 xx
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Happy Christmas to you, Kathryn – a great end to the year, even if a bit stressful, I suppose. 2014 will be great 🙂 Enjoy your family Chrimbo! x
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And to you! Hope you enjoy yours too x
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Wishing you a wonderful holiday and a rewarding new year!
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Thank you! Wishing you the same x
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Transitions are a struggle, but the benefits outweigh the negatives. We really look forward to you being back, though. Happy holidays!
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Thank you. You are so right…although I was tempted just to sleep for the entirety of the Christmas break 😉 I look forward to writing again!
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Have a wonderfully happy day, Kathryn and I’m looking forward to your New Year of blog posts!
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And you too Prue! 🙂
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Happy Christmas, enjoy the cabbage! Xxx
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Thanks! I will 🙂
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Happy Holidays to you, Kathryn!
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And to you! x
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I know what you mean about schools being busy places! And I was late getting started too with the Christmas thing! Congratulations on your new job and I hope you catch up on your sleep! 🙂
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Thank you! Have a great Christmas x
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Merry Christmas, Kathryn! So very pleased for you. Can’t wait to read more of your lovely posts 🙂
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And to you! Thanks x
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A Happy Late Christmas and A Happy 2014! Being at school during Christmas time is such fun and it’s great to hear you enjoyed your first one. But I bet you where ready for a break, I know I was. We are back to school on January 2nd.
I also made Spiced Red Cabbage and Orange Glazed Sprouts with Pecans are Christmas dinner looks more English than anything else.
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Thanks! I was ready for a break 🙂 I go back on the 2nd too but the kids aren’t back until 7th so we get a few days of quiet.
I always eat a couple of sprouts but I don’t like them at all.
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Everyone is back on the 2nd. Son2 will not eat any cabbage or sprouts at all. I made him carrots.
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If not for the context I wouldn’t have figured what you meant by panto! Happy Holidays to you! I couldn’t be more pleased with your new job! My sister has a similar job since 2 years ago and enjoys now the luxury of having breaks along with her kids. And I have to try that spicy cabbage.
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Aha! Yes…pantomime. That good old British festive tradition. Oh no it’s not… oh yes it is! Etc etc 😉 Sadly I don’t get the long holidays with the kids but never mind, I shouldn’t complain. As for the cabbage, I think everyone should try it! 🙂
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