Christmas Morning

Christmas morning hadfinally arrived!!! Stalkings at our door, gifts from Santa littering the living room and an empty cookie plate next to a half full glass of milk on the mantle were the signs that Santa had visitedus early in the morning. Noah of course was ecstatic and after aquick tutorial on proper aim from Uncle Oige, began calculated terror on any moving thing in the house. Before breaking into the gifts under the tree, we sat down to a festive table to consume quite possibly the best breakfast anyone might imagine: Sausages, bacon, white pudding and eggs, along with a variety of breads, jams, smoked salmon and cheeses and of course, a cup of tea. Halfway through, I had already eaten too much, but who stops eating at Christmas?

True to family tradition, after eating, we headed back into the living room to raid the tree. There was plenty foreveryone, but I can say that I felt extremely spoilt. Already getting TOO much from Santa, I had so many gifts to unwrap from Oige and his family. Noah and I were completely delighted with all our new toys!

And true to Irish tradition, with full bellies and goodies to stuff our empty suitcases, we headed out into the cold and down to the sea. Every Christmas morning, thousands of people, from all parts of the country, take a quick dip into the frigid water. I'm told it's invigorating... I have yet to find out for myself. Lacking my togs (swim suit) and quite frankly the guts, I passed on this custom electing myself the photographer instead. Oige and I split from the family and met his friends at a less crowded area known as the ramps. A popular summer hang out for young swimmers also doubles as a meeting point for those adventurous enough for winter swimming. There were a good amount of takers and after arriving, I actually regretted not getting in. But, there's always next year!