Christmastide.

We spent Christmas eve with our friends who are celebrating their first Christmas here in New Zealand. It set me reflecting on our first Christmas here and how far we have come since. 

Our first Christmas saw us in a wee rental, with a felt Christmas tree blu-tacked to the wall. It felt a little empty and I remember missing Singapore. 

With the years, little things have turned into traditions. We've had burgers for Christmas dinner three years running, and Christmas day seems to be a great day for the paddling pool to get set up, like we did last year. Our attempt at a gingerbread house this year couldn't quite stand the extra humid weather we had leading up to Christmas so... The children were treated to the carnage of a T-Rex rampage instead. 

Something new, too, got its day in the sun. We staged a home nativity play for the first time. 

Enjoying one of his gifts at the beach (talking to our neighbour back at home!) 

 It has been a lovely Christmas. I'm grateful for family and friends who send Christmas gifts for the children despite the distance... That's been a blessing since we moved here and we have felt the love.