Monday 29 December 2008

Bring us some figgy pudding...

For the first time in years I am gutted that Christmas is over. Celebrating with a two year old has brought back the magic of my own childhood Christmases. To cheer myself up I have been insisting that we all eat elaborate breakfasts every morning, mainly consisting of Christmas pudding, chocolate truffles and smoked salmon. Tom and Betty are being very patient.

Although Betty is still perhaps too young to fully appreciate and understand the magic, there were still many things that made this Christmas unique and special. She got excited and squealed ‘DADDY!’ every time we drove past the huge blow-up Santa outside the local garden centre. Whenever anyone phoned, instead of saying ‘Merry Christmas’, she would shout ‘Christmas tree’ at the telephone. She perfected ‘Away in a Manger’ and heartily sang it as she ate her chocolate from the advent calendar (which is sorely missed - we have since had a few chocolate-related tantrums, where through her tears she calls for the aid of her uncle, who is currently her favourite person ever).

When we took Betty to see Santa, she coyly flirted with the 15 year old spotty teenager dressed up as an elf who handed her a jelly baby and balloon and then ushered her into Santa’s grotto. In the grotto, whilst Santa said: ‘Hello my friend, are you hoping to receive lots of lovely crayons for Christmas?’ in a fake deep and husky voice, Betty just sighed and kept a safe distance, only moving in closer to humour him and take her present. She then did a quick about-turn before going off in pursuit of the elf.

Christmas day itself was lovely - at least, once all the toys I had lovingly bought and made for my darling daughter had been removed from sight. Betty was immediately put off her stocking when she spotted the head of the soft toy I had made for her sticking out of the top. She was also a little confused when it transpired that there had been a complete breakdown in communication between family members over presents, and she received three wooden toy ovens… one from me, one from her granddad, and one from her uncle. I had also bought Betty a very expensive life-sized crying/giggling/wetting/eating/ sleeping baby doll, which Tom told me that under no circumstances was I allowed to give to her. It automatically cried whenever there was a noise, and could only be silenced if someone sang to it. Tom was worried that Betty would have to get up in the middle of the night to get the ‘monstrous thing’ back to sleep. I ignored Tom’s pleas to give the doll to the child of someone we didn’t like very much, and on Christmas morning I left it sitting in the mini-pushchair belonging to her existing doll, Cupcake. Betty calmly but promptly removed the imposter and placed Cupcake back in her rightful place. Tom and Betty did a high-five while I sang to the doll to stop her crying (all good practice for a few months down the line).

Perhaps the high point for me was the Christmas pudding. For years I have been the only person in my whole family to actually enjoy the bloody things, so I was delighted when Betty helped me polish off a pudding meant for four people. That girl makes me so proud.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello and welcome back! I've missed your exploits with Betty and am glad you had a good Christmas. I LOVE Christmas pudding. And now I want some!

Tim Atkinson said...

Wonderful!

Iota said...

Great to hear from you again. Betty sounds on good form. Aha. I spotted a little reference. Might it be that the book is not the only thing you are producing in 2009?

Anonymous said...

I just realized you're back, how'd I miss the last couple of posts? Hope the books are coming along well. I love the Christmas puds too so you're not alone luv I'd gladly share one with you and Betty. :o)

Anonymous said...

Welcome back!

Frog in the Field said...

Happy New Year!
love
Frog
x

TheOnlineStylist said...

Welcome back! Loved your Christmas post and I love christmas pud with Brandy butter! So does Small Child, minus the brandy butter obviously!
Christmas at two and a half was magic but this year was even better... just keep on enjoying! Happy New year to you and your family! x

A Confused Take That Fan said...

It's been too long! Please blog more! Esp to tell us why rocking a baby doll will be good practice for a few months time...are even more congratulations in order?

Anonymous said...

Good to have you back Elsie. Happy new year!

Elsie Button said...

Hi everyone, great to hear from you and happy new year to you all! Now that the book is finished and has been sent to the publisher my new years resolution is to start blogging again - have really missed it! I'm also looking forward to catching up with everyones blogs. And yes, another Button is on its way - due in April, eek x

Potty Mummy said...

Elsie, congratulations, and welcome back!

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year! That little princess is becoming quite a young lady! With three ovens perhaps she could take tips from Nigella?

CJ xx

Anonymous said...

Hey you're back!
Happy New Year to you and many many congrats!
Tara (formerly From Dawn Till Rusk now with Sticky Fingers!)

Paradise Lost In Translation said...

Congratiulations (propsective book & baby) I only just found your blog when you went off air! Am glad you're back. Happy New Year.

lady macleod said...

Our enjoyment is always multiplied when seen through the eyes of a child yes? wonderful.

kerry jean lister said...

Congratulations Elsie! And great to have you back blogging again. I too had only just started reading as you cruelly deprived us of your blogging brilliance! =)

LBB xx

Mom/Mum said...

You're back - hooorah! And what wonderful news, congrats on the little spring Button x