I think I’ve driven over 500 miles in the last few days and as always I’m very thankful for my somewhat boring but reliable car! From Dorset to Ditchling Common, Winchester, Salisbury Milton Keynes and Swindon! Phew! Do you remember the days when we used to have to pull the choke out before turning the ignition and then pray that our car would start, especially in the cold weather? My kids still find it hard to believe we used to drive without seatbelts and that drink-driving wasn’t even a thing! How times – mercifully – have changed!
So how are you? Thank you very much for the lovely response to my previous blog. I can’t tell you how great it was to catch up on all your news, and to hear about your pre-Christmas plans and your family gatherings. I’ll be honest, Christmas felt a long way off when I last wrote to you but since then I have been spoilt rotten catching up with friends and family (hence the driving) in a variety of different venues, but all equally enjoyable.
My daughter Lucy organised a trip for her brothers, Colin and I plus the grandchildren to Legoland’s Christmas extravaganza as a Christmas gift. She booked it way back in April and although the weather on the 1st of December was grotty, we pulled on our waterproofs and made the absolute best of it. Sam did very well considering he was still on crutches and to be honest, I had trouble keeping up with the grandchildren as we zoomed from ride to ride! I managed to bow out of the scariest one ‘The Dragon ‘ a high speed, vertebrae jolting nightmare, but I joined eight-year-old Calla on the giant swing boat, which as you can see from the expression on my face, I found more than a little terrifying! We thoroughly enjoyed the day though and vowed to return once Sam and Elise’s little one is old enough to enjoy the rides too!
Lucy is always good at planning ahead and I’ve learned over the years to take a leaf out of her book. I put this into practice along with my girlfriends, and so it was particularly special to meet up with QVC guests Jemma Forte and Clare Edmonson in London to celebrate Christmas with a fabulous Italian lunch. The food was fabulous, the wine flowed, and the conversation was unstoppable! We even managed a quick peek inside Fortnum and Masons and then posted our adventures on Instagram and Facebook. Imagine my shame when I found out that the amazing pinecone display in the centre of the store, had been constructed by my son Jack and his work colleagues and I hadn’t even given him a mention! The company he works for were responsible for creating and fitting it, and I was incredibly proud when I found out, as I’m sure you can see why! Jack struggled academically but has always been particularly good with his hands and this company are really giving him a chance to build on his experience and to try new things which is great. I have a feeling that 2025 will be a good one for him– I hope so.
The 11th of December saw me with more friends from the past – my QVC past – when we joined together at a Winter Wonderland Ball, in aid of an incredible charity called Kaleidoscopic. In their own words, they turn the lens on domestic abuse whether it be verbal, physical, psychological, emotional, financial or sexual… it is something I feel very strongly about having lived in an abusive marriage for a number of years – too scared to leave and too ashamed to talk to anyone about it. Charities like these can change the lives of men women and children who struggle, and it was such a wonderful opportunity to give something back to those who have helped so many. If you’d like to find more out about the work they do, here is the link: kaleidoscopic.uk
We’d all decided that sequins were the way to go, and dressed up in our gladrags, we quaffed Prosecco, joined in with the raffle and secret auction and danced our socks off! I told the girls how much it meant to me that I was still included in these occasions and they said they feel I’m still part of the QVC family, which was lovely.
When it comes to giving though, it’s difficult isn’t it? There are so many heartfelt and moving advertisements on television for Barnardos, Shelter, Crisis, Cancer Research… the list goes on. So who should we give to? Do we need to find a personal connection with or do we give to those whose marketing campaigns press our emotional buttons? I don’t think there is a right or wrong, I think it’s good to give if you can, to whoever you can and I am certain any donation is gratefully received.
We managed to get our Christmas tree early this year – and so far no needle drop! It always makes me smile when I post up a photograph of my tree, because it looks the same every single year – positioned slightly differently! Last year my granddaughter Honey was staying with me while Lucy had her back operation and she helped me to decorate it. This year I did it alone but made sure all her favourite baubles were right at the front of the tree. This year I’ve added in the new bauble they sent to me, as it’s a family tradition and something Lucy has spoilt me with since before Honey was born. I love it 🥰
Colin and I were out again in London on Monday night with friends, enjoying a Spanish Tapas meal. During the conversation we reminisced about what our favourite Christmas present was when we were children, and I found myself talking nostalgically about the beautiful doll’s house my father made for me when I was seven. I will never forget how it looked at the end of my bed, with the little lights inside it, shining through the green velvet curtains and lighting up the home-made furniture my grandfather had made. I absolutely treasured this, and was something I kept until we moved to Bedfordshire when Jack was three. I still regret giving it away… Do you remember what your favourite gift was?
I haven’t been on too many walks recently, but the last time I did I took a few photos – the one at the very top of the blog and this one here. I hope you enjoy them and I very much hope that the Christmas you have ahead of you will be happy and shared with the people you love. And if you can’t be with those you love, I hope your memories will keep you strong.
Thank you for all your support throughout this year, your comments and kind words of encouragement; you are the best.♥️
Please do drop me a line if you have a moment, or keep in touch with me on Facebook and Instagram and I’ll definitely get back to you. 🥰
With my love,
Ali xx
F Lees says
Lots of love and happiness for Christmas and New Year.
Thanks for all your lovely ramblings.
Xx
Loraine Plumb says
Hi Alison Thankyou for all your news throughout the year and a healthy 2025 to you all. Sounds like you have been a busy bee we have been to Winchester Southampton and various places, unfortunately I caught flu but gladly on the mend now. So funny how you said your tree looks the same every year I know what you mean just a few extra baubles from the children . Hope you have a great Xmas . Love Loraine. Xxx
Alison Keenan says
You are so very welcome! And thank you for keeping in touch with me here. Happy New Year! Love Ali XX
Alison Keenan says
Hi Loraine, and thank you for all your love and support this year. I’m glad you got to Winchester but I’m sorry that you had the flu. I hope it didn’t spoil Christmas for you and are you are completely well now. here’s to a happy and healthy New Year, love Ali. Xx
PS additional response should be above you It’s posted in the wrong place!
Alison Keenan says
My reply to you seems to be in the wrong place but thank you for your good wishes – I return mine do you for the New Year. Great to keep in touch Love Ali XX
Elaine Sallis says
Happy Christmas to you and your family.
Alison Keenan says
I hope you had a very happy Christmas Elaine, and all the very best to you and your family for 2025.
I hope it will be a healthy and successful year for you all love Ali XX
Janet Cash says
Merry Christmas Alison and a very Happy and Healthy New Year to you and your family
Alison Keenan says
Hello Janet, I hope you had a good Christmas and I wish you and your family a very happy and healthy New Year too. Love Ali XX
Tina T says
Hi Ali, as usual you’ve been very busy. The Winter Wonderland Ball looked amazing and great fun (I loved your green sequin dress)!
I remember my favourite Christmas present being a Teeny Tiny Tears doll that my brother bought me!
Well Ali, thanks for all the lovely blogs and photos this year and I wish you and all your family a Happy and Healthy 2025!
Take care.
Love Tina xx
Alison Keenan says
hi Tina, yes thank you, we had a great time at the ball although I have at my sequins for another couple of years now! I remember the teeny tiny tears and also the rosebud doll. My sister had both – I had Barbie and Tressy dolls! Thank you for all your love and support this year and I very much. Hope you and your family will enjoy happy and healthy 2025, love Ali XX
Madeline Smallman says
Wishing you and the family a Merry Christmas and a happy, and healthy New Year, love the blogs so please keep them coming.
Alison Keenan says
Thank you Madeline, so glad you enjoy the blogs, and you have definitely given me incentive to continue with them into the New Year and out the other side. I hope you will keep in touch – wishing you all the very best for 2025, love Ali XX
Jane Franklin says
Another lovely blog Ali!
Wishing you and Colin and all your loved ones a wonderful Christmas, I hope 2025 brings you many good things!
Jane XXX
Alison Keenan says
So glad you enjoyed the blog. Jane and I wish you and your family a very happy 2025. I hope you enjoyed your Christmas and thank you for keeping in touch with me here, love Ali XX
Karen Brooker says
Another amazing blog Ali. Love hearing all your news and you always look amazing in your photos. Have a great Christmas with your lovely family and a happy 2025. It will be a special year for us as our only son is getting married in October to his lovely fiancee. The wedding will be in Gerrard’s Cross and we cant wait. Take care, lots of love Karen xx
Alison Keenan says
Dear Karen, it’s always great to hear you enjoyed the blog and thank you for keeping in touch with me.
I hope you and your family had a great Christmas, and I’m certain the months will fly by and before you know it you will be at your son’s wedding in Gerrards Cross. My great aunt Ivy used to live there in a lovely house on the corner of a road that had a bank opposite. Sadly the house is not down and I believe there is a dental surgery there now but I have many fabulous memories. wishing you and yours a very happy 2025. Love Ali xx
Sonia Hughes says
Sounds like you have had a fabulous December on the lead up to the big day.
Love all your photos including your Christmas tree.
I am happy your son seems settled in his job and they are looking after him. Always a worry for us mums. We just want them to be happy.
You were very brave going on the rides, I can’t go on any roller coasters, only ones that are one level. Well done you.
I have just got home from carols and Christmas songs in Chester cathedral.
It was very chrismassy.
I am cooking for 13 this year and am looking forward to finishing work on Monday. Tuesday will be preparing all day. Making trifle, sausage rolls and peeling beg etc.
We took all the sacks of present up to my daughters today as will be no room in the car with all the dinners etc to take up there on Christmas day.
I hope you enjoy a lovely time with your family and look forward to seeing you photos.
Lovely to read your blogs, keep them coming.
With love
Sonia xxx🎄🎉🎅🩷
Alison Keenan says
hi there Sonia, I hope that all your preparation paid off and that you and your family had a wonderful Christmas dinner? it’s so good to have everyone together, isn’t it? I don’t think Chester Cathedral is one I have ever been to before so maybe next year? Thank you for your support here on the blog – it’s lovely to keep in touch this way. Happy New Year to you and yours, love Ali XX
Mary Morphy says
My gosh Ali, you’ve been busy but the best kind of busy with friends and family. I remember the days of banging the starter motor on my mini Cooper with a mallet cos it got stuck to get it going..a necessity in my glove compartment..and often done at the park and ride in Canterbury on my way home from work!
I love that you went on the pirate ship as a tame ride..it scared me witless! I went on it at the very back and was convinced I was going to fall out…and how I screamed!
Well, the winter bug finally got me, a good dose of laryngitis which developed into a nasty chest infection and 2 weeks of antibiotics, and I’m still taking steroids to help my breathing. This, however, meant that my achilles surgery had to be cancelled, so I’m now waiting for a new date..
I love the Pine Cone display..how clever and creative is your son?..I’m a firm believer that a piece of paper with qualifications on does not define us as a person or our capabilities. My son Jack hated school, fought really hard to be Mr Average and was told he wouldn’t amount to anything (you can imagine my reaction to that) He worked as a civilian in the police and is now a small boats officer with Border Force and a dad, and I couldn’t be more proud.
Since 2016 my two bestie friends of 40 years and me try and do something fun for Christmas..we’ve done Lundon trips, afternoon tea on a bus, making gingerbread houses on Zoom during Covid amongst other things but this year we attended a Christmas table decoration workshop run by a friend who owns a florist shop in Canterbury..it was a fabulous evening and we each made a stunning arrangement for our Christmas tables. All decorations were secured round a cozee home blanket that I keep in the boot of my car and all 3 made it home with no fall out. Mine looks amazing on my dining room table.
I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy and healthy 2025
Much love Mary
Alison Keenan says
Dear Mary, I really hoped you would manage to avoid the Christmas lurgy, but I hope the steroids and antibiotics have done their job? How frustrating for you to have to cancel your Achilles surgery – I pray you will have an appointment sooner rather than later. Having been referred for my breast implant replacement in April, I still have no date for surgery. It is something I need to attend to 1st thing in 2025. thank you for your kind words about my son Jack – interesting to hear how your son also found school difficult but what a wonderful success he has made of his life, I don’t know how proud you are of him.
I am loving the idea of a table decoration class. Definitely something I would attend next Christmas. Sam and Elise brought me a beautiful Bocquet of Christmas flowers so I’ve arrange those instead. They look lovely. I really hope your Christmas was all you hoped it would be, and that 2025 is a healthier year for you. Thank you for keeping me company here all these years – it means a great deal. Love Ali XX