Christmas time, Mistletoe and Wine!!

As much as a lot of us try to deny (not me, I am like Buddy the Elf) the festive season is fast approaching!! Only 55 days left http://www.xmasclock.com/!  I spend lots of time researching things and deciding what to do with the kids over Christmas.  Last year we took far too much on, tried to do too much and by the time Christmas Eve came, the kids were all 'Santa'd' out.

This year we still have an action packed schedule, including a treat for Mammy, just taking it a bit easier.

It is lovely for us as Eva's birthday is at the beginning of December and this usually marks the start of the celebrations.  However, last year, we started a new tradition. Myself, Eva and my mam all took a trip to London and we are repeating this year! We are all so excited! We have a very early train booked on the Saturday and plan to upgrade ourselves to first class (£15 per adult if you do it on the train, top tip!).  We have a hotel booked quite close to Euston station, I got a fantastic deal on the Thistle Euston. Lets hope it lives up to its billing!

We got an executive room half price! You have to shop about a lot for good deals in London but they are out there!

We chose to go late in November as the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland will be on and it is magnificent.  I will do a full review once we have come back but here is a few pictures.  They also had one of the most gorgeous Santa's I have ever seen.  It is just wonderful and even better as night begins to fall and all the twinkling lights come on.  If you get the chance, go, it is amazing, a little bit pricey, but no dearer than say the Hoppings used to be, bit of planning in advance and you can enjoy.  It was massive, I could rave on but I will keep that for later!! haha!

Also on our list is a show in the West End.  What we would love to see is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but as we are not buying in advance and planning to visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square, we will see what they have to offer.  We want to have a wander round the beautifully decorated Covent Garden and have a look at Buckingham Palace.  We are only there Saturday and Sunday but if you plan in advance you can get tons done.

The main reason for visiting is to visit a very special man in a very special store!! The main man himself, Father Christmas.  Again, I will not give too many details as I will review when we return, but last year I was reduced to tears! 

Apart from our festive London trip we have some wonderful things planned.  A Christmas Princess Pamper Party, Tea with Santa at Brockbushes and a trip to see Santa's Naughty Little Elf in South Shields.  We are also hoping to squeeze in a panto at the Theatre Royal somewhere in there too!!

This year is extra nice as Mammy gets some treats!!! A day trip on the train to Edinburgh's beautiful Christmas Markets and a Christmas night out at the beautiful Alnwick Castle!!!

It really is the most wonderful time of the year!