JYC catch up

Dec 17 Now. let's see, what's left to do?  We seem to have plenty of gifts, food and drink in the house, but there's something missing ...

Coco covered her ideas of Christmas dinner for Day 18 on Wednesday!  I was trying to think of something to add for Day 19 and then I remembered a dim and distant memory from being a very little girl.  One year, my absolute favourite Auntie, Babs, sent me a Christmas card that was more of a small book and in it was a poem that I absolutely loved.  So much so that I refused to let Mum & Dad throw the card away in the new year, and it had to be brought out every year for a good few years afterwards.  I'm sure you all know the poem I mean, it starts:

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer, With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN! On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONDER and BLITZEN! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!" Whenever I see that poem, it really reminds me of Christmas when I was little and sitting in an armchair with my parents having them read it out loud to me.   So, Day 20 prompt suggests a photo opportunity with a pet.  Ladies, I bring you Santa Paws Then today's offering is a picture taken in my house, right here, right now.  Do you smell the spices cooking in the oven?  Do you see the crisp buttery pastry?  That's right, it's mince pie time! School term finished today, with the excitement of Years 12 & 13 running entertainment for the younger students.  Nothing says Christmas more than the sight of the Upper 6th boys dressed up in Santa dresses (yes you did read that correctly) dancing to 'It's raining men'!  It was good fun with a take off of X Factor and various other tv shows.  Times like this, I really enjoy working in a school, there's such a fun atmosphere at end of terms.  A good time was had by all, the bell rang and we all escaped!  It's officially Christmas holidays.