London Life X Emma: WEEK 39-40: It's Christmas!!

I know I know I've been slack with posts over the Christmas period, blame it on being too busy eating, drinking and being merry! But lets face it you probably have been too!

This year I was well and truly prepared to experience a Christmas unlike any I'd ever had before. My first ever winter Christmas and also my first Christmas away from my nearest and dearest. My housemate and I had agreed that we would spend the day together (both being on our own this year) and unsure as to what we would be doing I thought we should brighten up the living room with a little festive cheer. Big thanks to my beautiful Grandmother for sending some decorations over to help with the festivities.

I went down to the local flower markets to pick up a Christmas tree, my first ever real life tree!!

Our baby ready to take home

Walah! Complete with Christmas presents, and internet modem? lol

Unfortunately being a receptionist I was obligated to work right up until Christmas Eve (inclusive) the office was a little quiet to say the least so I had to make my own fun...

Once the working day was over I went home to gather my things for Christmas before making our way to the Natural History Museum for some ice skating!!!

I actually can't remember the last time I went ice skating but I do have very vivid memories of the blood that oozed from my shin the last time I did it - OUCH. Needless to say I was a little nervous. The setting however was very picturesque.

I'll admit my skills were not great...

But I'm proud to say I didn't fall over once and I tried to my best to refrain from laughing at the falling children (tried, but mostly failed).

After a quick dinner it was off to Purley to get some rest before the big day!!

Both Kate and I awoke early the next morning to get in a quick chat with some family and friends back home. Shortly after breakfast it was time for the 2 hour drive to Malmesbury.

An uneventful drive, Kate and I took the opportunity to have a little nap in preparation for the big feast that would be our lunch.

Upon arrival I noticed that Santa came to visit the Shaw family overnight, he's not huge fan of citrus apparently.

I set myself up by the fire, happy to be here!

The Shaw's Christmas tree in all its glory

And finally, lunch is served!!

Much like our Christmas lunches back home with the addition of Yorkshire puddings and a Turkey stuffing bake - DELICIOUS!!!

My stomach unfortunately didn't handle the overload of rich food and unfortunately could not stomach much of the of sweets that were served as dinner.

Not long after dinner, I couldn't handle much at all...

It was a magical Christmas day - a huge thank you to our adopted Christmas Family for making us feel so welcome. Hope you all had a special day with loved ones.

Boxing day morning - What better way to start off another day of eating than with Trifle for breakfast? Well if you say so!!

Before lunch Kate and I were treated to a walking tour of the town of Malmesbury and a beautiful town it is. For those of you wondering this is it's location in relation to London -

The Abbey in particular was just beautiful still standing after all these years, part of it collapsed some time ago, but the building is still very much in use.