pine trees

Christmas yesterday was quite nice. I only started celebrating christmas again last year after 10 years of refusing to take part.
I still find it a little difficult to enjoy the day and to not feel guilty when I’m opening gifts.
But I actually had a lovely day.

We opened presents, had some delicious food my mom cooked and then watched tv the rest of the afternoon.
My family doesn’t really have any family traditions. Christmas isn’t a big deal in South Africa, not compared to what it’s like in England anyway.
I had a South African girl I work with join us for the day.
She’s only just moved to Bristol and has no family here. I asked what she was doing for Christmas and she said she was moving to a new flat on the 21st and she’d probably just be by herself and unpacking on christmas day.
I asked my mom first and then asked Tiana if she’d like to spend the day with my family. She was so happy and thankful I asked. It was lovely, and she fit right in.

Ben and I have a strict £20 budget for gifts for eachother. Which is all me of course, I’m sure if he had his way it would be a lot more.
He got me the big band theory season 1-4 box set! 😀 Squee.
Also a box of balloon animal balloons with a note that said "I can’t afford the £200 porcelain one, but now you can make your own".. if you think back to this entry. I’m excited for my creations.

Other stuff from my family, I got lots of bits off my amazon wish list which was awesome.

A guide book on South America from my parents and a guide book on South America from my brother haha, luckily they were different brands!
A new Nalgene.
A new sugar bowl with a sheep on it.
A hot water bottle wearing a tiny cable knit jumper.
MicMacs on dvd. That was the french film Rach and I saw at the cinema which has an incredibly clever ending and was amazingly beautiful to look at. 
Smellies from Lush.

And this!!!!…

Not only did Tiana and I have lots of fun making Lego sheep, but it’s actually a game for 2 – 4 people once the sheep are assembled.
I made my brother and his girlfriend play it with Tiana and I and I was laughing my head off. Hilarious.

Ben’s parents got me a petticoat (which was also on my list) and these socks for roller derby!

I finally have a day off today where I don’t have to do anything. I’m excited to tidy up and maybe edit some Canada photos.