Last Updated on 18 September 2023 by Colette
We are fortunate that Dave is generally able to save up enough leave to be able to take the a good chunk of time off at Christmas – depending on how the holidays fall he is usually off from Christmas Eve or just before, through to about the 2nd of January. This year, because we are hosting Christmas at home (only the second time this has ever happened), he planned to take Christmas Eve off for prep but I suggested that he might as well take today off too so we felt like we had a longer break together and I’m so glad he did.
On Saturday we had our annual ice skating trip and party at the Butlers and then we spent yesterday getting jobs done around the house – Amy and I sorted her bedroom out just in case Father Christmas brings her a desk, Dave finished a painting project in our dining room. As a result, we were pretty much free to do as we pleased today – so we took advantage of the weather being OK-ish to get out of the house. We were all in need of some fresh air in our lungs and we rather hoped the kids would burn off a bit of energy…
In reality it was a super bracing walk – the wind whipped across the lake like nobody’s business. Thankfully the rain held off but it was pretty cold. It certainly woke us all up and I must admit I really enjoyed being out in the fresh air, getting some exercise. Ben and Chloe weren’t bothered and chatted happily the whole way whereas Amy complained she was cold, that she didn’t like the wind in her face and that she was tired – Dave was up for a second lap around the lake but I don’t think my patience levels would have managed to get Amy round never mind her legs!
Why not read about our favourite walks to do with kids in the Greater Manchester area
We had originally planned to stop off for a hot chocolate on the way home but ended up treating ourselves to a carvery lunch instead as the pub next to the lake was so cheap! By the time we got home we were ready to replace our muddy clothes with pjs and the kids have spent the rest of the afternoon on the Xbox while I’ve been on the sofa pottering on my laptop. Don’t get me wrong – there’s been some bickering and arguing over who gets to play what when but mostly they’ve sorted themselves out and left Dave and I in peace to do our own thing!
It’s definitely been the chilled, family day that we needed! Tonight the Morrisons delivery is coming and we’ve got a lot of wrapping to do ahead of the main event! Tomorrow will be all about food prep, table setting and generally getting all our ducks in the row for the Big Man to visit!
Hope your final preparations are going well!
Have a look at these posts next:
Where to go ice skating in Manchester this Christmas
Festive days out for teens in Manchester
Christmas things to do in Manchester
Festive light trails near Manchester this year
