Opening Santa’s Sacks

We customarily begin Christmas Day by

opening Santa’s sacks, each image of which is titled in the gallery.

The next step was to browse on Jackie’s lunch spread of cold meats, cheeses, and salads for lunch, after which we played League of the Lexicon, an excellent present Santa had brought Flo, interrupted by a break to watch the King’s speech in which he had focussed on themes of the natural world and preservation which reflected his life’s work during his long years as Prince of Wales.

Later we all opened our main presents, by which time I thought I had enough photographs of the event.

As I write, Jackie is still working on finishing touches to her splendid roast turkey meal with all the trimmings you can think of. I know that afterwards I will be in no fit state to produce any more, so I will leave it to your imaginations.

69 comments

  1. A lovely gathering of Christmas made all the more special by having a young child present! This looks like a wonderfully cosy scene … our Christmas is behind us now as I head for bed after a delightfully peaceful day. Enjoy your dinner!

  2. Wow, so many wonderful family photos, Derrick! Dinner sounds delicious as always. I would like to have seen the King’s speech. Not sure if he is on any channel here except BBC America. Happy Christmas!

  3. Gorgeous pictures of a perfectly lovely Christmas Day. As the photographer, your in front of the camera presence was distinctly missing. Dinner sounds great, as usual.

    1. Thank you so much, Dolly. I don’t remember any child being so fully involved and understanding at Ellie’s age – not quite 16 months until 29th.

  4. I’m always drawn to the tiniest person in the room. Her open curiosity is engaging. I momentarily startled at your “king’s speech” comment, forgetting momentarily that Queen Elizabeth has passed. We just finished watching the conclusion of The Crown earlier this week. Merry Christmas. I know you enjoyed Jackie’s wonderful faire.

  5. What a wonderful set of photographs! And a magical start to the day. 🙂

    Seven grandchildren brought some of their gifts to open here after lunch, two more grandchildren arrived later to see their cousins and I completely forgot to take photographs!

    1. Sometimes it is better to stay in the moment than to be the photographer. That is what I felt after this set of photographs, Sue. Thank you very much

      1. Yes, I agree. I think the enjoyment of the large family lunch, and seeing the older grandchildren catching up with each other far outweighed any thoughts of cameras.

  6. The little one had a good time and all the adults around her enjoyed watching her. I watched the Queen’s Christmas and New Year’s speech every year and missed it this year. She was a part of my life for such a long time.
    Jackie’s facial expression is priceless. I think Santa did good. 🙂

  7. Merry Christmas, Derrick, Jackie and family! Thank you for sharing precious time with family with readers. Little Ellie looks very pleased at having opened her package. 🙂

  8. I love the Christmas stockings best, Our stockings are a only big enough to where as a long slipper. 😉 I always know what’s in mine. 🙂 because I’m always asked. LOL! It’s fun. It’s the best way to start Christmas Day. Merry Christmas Derrick, Jackie and to all the family.

        1. A new shaving brush to replace one rather bald from 50 years wear; and my DNA checking kit are two that come to mind.

  9. Ellie’s joy (and the joy of all the children in our lives) is what Christmas is all about! 🙂 She’s got such focus and determination in that presents-opening part of the holiday! Ha!
    (((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  10. You all clearly had a wonderful day. The expressions on Ellie’s face in particular are priceless. Belated Merry Christmas Derrick!

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