'Tis the season to be jolly

Taking a short break from travel blogging to write a post on my favourite season - Christmas!

In our household, the Christmas feeling begins when we take out the Christmas tree and trappings from the storeroom. This ritual has become something of a tradition and an event that Lesley-Anne and Andre look forward to every year.

The first sight of the decorations is always an exciting reminder of the season (for me, it's a reminder of how quickly the year has flown by!)

Christmas music sets the ambience, the tree is carefully erected, the lights draped on, then negotiations ensue as to which decorations should be used and where each should go. Even hanging decorations has to be a fair process, which each kid given an equal number.

(Wearing the Santa hat was Andre's idea, I guess it puts him in the mood!)

Then the other accessories come out of storage, like these Christmas toys (below). They only emerge once a year which make them seem especially precious.

Also these reindeer candle holders, in danger of rusting but carry much sentimental value.

Finally, here's the tree.

If you don't have a special Christmas tradition, I highly recommend starting one - it's very memorable for the whole family and something that I'm sure your kids will look back with much fondness.

And now the celebrations can start!