“Happy Christmas!” said the bigger-than-life-sized sign displayed on the Mercedes dealership as we drove from Heathrow Airport to Caroline, John and Jack’s house in Notting Hill. I had to process what I read for a minute as it sounded funny. Being American, I am used to wishing others “Merry Christmas” or the more politically correct, “Happy Holidays.”
When we arrived at the Jobe’s John explained that everyone in London celebrates Christmas and wishes each other a Happy Christmas regardless of religious beliefs. He said Londoners are all very into the holiday. I felt a smile come across my face, I knew we were in the right place to celebrate a very special and HAPPY Christmas 2012!
Our two one-year-olds, Michael and Jack, were happy to be reunited. They know how to be both cute and mischevious together. There is a lot of banging, throwing and overall destruction that John and Caroline were kind enough to put up with in their flat. (If you are a faithful reader here you will recall Michael terrorizing Jack at our house in Germany in September. Not much has changed.)
With a set of one-year-olds it can be challenging just to get out of the house. We do it, but it can consume the better part of a day.
On Saturday the lure of Borough Market motivated us with the promise of good eats. John introduced us to duck and chorizo sandwiches that were certainly scrumptious. We also tried Caroline’s selections – gourmet grilled cheese with leek and onion and halloumi and cabbage sandwiches- that were equally delicious.
On Christmas Eve, we ventured out to see the famous Harrods’ Christmas windows. Caroline and I were in awe of the beautifully created Disney scenes of Snow White, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast with themed dresses by Valentio, Versace and Missoni.
*Cinderella in Versace
While we looked Jay and John hurried through the crowds with the strollers carting Michael and Jack. They were good sports and despite the crazy crowds we got our only group shot in front of the famous Harrods bear.
Caroline was kind enough to find a children’s church service right around the corner. The less-than-30-minute service was a crowd pleaser (well almost, the majority of the children under 3 lost it at the 20 minute mark and numerous parents, including me, had to get up and pace the isle with impatient toddlers before the service ended). A few carols, an unpretentious, uncomplicated sermon, a prayer and we were done. It was perfect! Michael and Jack’s favorite part of the service was attempting to tackle the nativity scene set up in front of the alter. John and Jay had to hold them back by their pants to prevent the destruction of several porcelain sheep (no fences in this manger!).
After the service and the boys went to bed and we blended family traditions and ate oysters “Rockefeller” and sushi.
Christmas morning was a real joy! Watching our “Santas Helpers” tear through paper and boxes was the highlight of our day. Michael and Jack quickly determined that their favorite toys were the music set Caroline and John bought for Jack. I think music class is going to be a big hit in the Jobe house.
We spent days cooking our Christmas feast- Caroline’s dad’s stuffing, Jay’s parents mushroom casserole and two new Jobe/Aldridge dishes rack of lamb and parsnip and sweet potato au gratin- and it paid off. Everything was yummy! It was a treat to spend Christmas with Caroline, John and Jack. For the Aldridges, it was certainly a Happy Christmas filled with joy.
It will be sad to see our travel buddies leave Europe. We have enjoyed time in Ireland, Germany and the U.K. with the Jobes. Thanks for the great memories!
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What a joy it was to see these two little boys have so much fun. I just had to chuckle at some things. love MIMI