I am back after 2 amazing weeks of Christmas vacation!
My holidays started off on sad note, heading up to York for Gladys' funeral. It was good to meet the rest of the family and show them support during their difficult time.
Once I got back to Oxford, I spent an unexpected few days with Amanda (which was nice for me - stressful for her). Got to spend a lot of time with Catherine's family as well, which is always great! I had a day or so back at my house to relax and get things organized for Christmas and my trip to Scotland.
My first stop was in Thirsk at Ruth and Dan's. They have a busy house with 5 kids, but a warm family! They are all so lovely. By the end of my stay, the kids felt like siblings (and acted like it!). On Christmas Eve, Dan cooked a HUGE lunch. It's tradition in his family to have a big Christmas Eve meal. He cooked a big ham, potatoes, and veggies. It was very very GOOD! We went to the Christmas Eve service at their church (right next door) and then to a neighbors house after for some mulled wine and snacks. At 11pm, we went back for the midnight service. I have never been to one, so it was really neat to experience it and celebrate the birth of Jesus at midnight on Christmas day! It was really great to wake up to the sounds of excited children on Christmas day. Although it was still hard to get out of bed, it was an exciting time for them. They let me sleep in til 6:30am! Santa found me all the way in Thirsk, what a good guy! We went to a friend of the family's for Christmas dinner - we had turkey, Christmas cake and lots of tasty treats! In addition to my first Christmas cake, I had bread sauce as well. It was very tasty! Boxing day, Ruth hosted a family who are close friends of theirs. They have 2 kids, who alongside the Sladden kids, put on the Nativity Play - it was very cute!
I had such a lovely time at their house, and being a part of their Christmas traditions. The kids get their stockings from Santa on the ends of their beds...but mine was placed by the fireplace, just like at home :) I will always remember my first Christmas away from my family and I couldn't have asked for a more welcoming family to spend it with.
Here are some pics from my time in Thirsk!
I will continue on updating you on my travels tomorrow night. I had my first day at school today - seems like it will be a nice school with a great staff. The students start back tomorrow (Wednesday).
Much love. xo
