Having two jobs, one of which means not taking holidays during term time, and one that means working major festivals (and hence many Bank Holidays) is an interesting challenge.  But, having completed Advent and Christmas, I am now enjoying an 'octave of annual leave' - or eight days off in plain English!  Given two days were Bank Holidays for one job, but work days for the other, I have no idea which days belong to which job.  But I do know that it works out roughly as two Bank Holidays, one regular rest day, and five days to be split between the two jobs...

More interestingly, having a proper break means that finally, only a year after it was given to me as a 60th birthday gift, I am working on this fun 'wasgij.'  I am looking forward to a couple of nights away with one of my oldest friends, lots of lie-ins and some much needed rest!

Oh yes, and today Blog Spirit reminded me it was time to renew my subscription - and this year I didn't hesitate - the blog is back! 

This Christmas has been about a lot of 'firsts'

The first foray for this congregation into 9pm Zoom reflections

The first time I've done a pop-up nativity

The first time this church has held a Christingle service

The first time since 2019 I've been part of a Community Christmas Day Lunch

The first time this congregation or I have held or hosted a Boxing Day walk

And all these first were good ones!

The photo is my dining table (bought with gift vouchers from the Gathering Place) ready to welcome 'whomsoever will may come' for a lunch of lentil soup after today's walk.  We had a lovely wander around Railway Town, a good blether/natter and a tasty lunch.

It's been a good succession of firsts... and now I am very ready for a rest!!