A quarter of the journey complete!

So December didn't bring us a white Christmas but it didn't really allow us to dwell to much on the lack of snow as we were so busy.  Aside from the visit to farm, ski trip to France & New Years adventure in Edinburgh (all of which you can read about on the other pages) we squeezed in some London activity too, trying to soak up as much winter Christmas atmosphere as possible.

We tried our hand at ice skating, choosing the rink set in the moat of the Tower of London and no the moat didn't freeze over-there is no longer water in it.  It was just one of the numerous, temporary, purpose built rinks around the city.

Christmas markets seemed to be all the rage in the northern hemisphere so we braved the London version, enjoying some mulled wine and big, fat, tasty German sausages as well as making a little purchase or two of crafty goods.

Looking down Southbank at the Christmas market crowds

Christmas Day was a nice, quiet affair.  After opening presents (including Arsenal branded santa hats!) and enjoying a home cooked roast, a nap was definitely called for!

We decided to (perhaps foolishly??) to venture down Oxford St en route to a ballet performance on Boxing Day.  The street lights were lovely but the crowds were crazy!

This photo was taken in the middle of the street amidst the crowds-no cars permitted as there were too many bargin hunters.

December has also been our 'cultured' month where we've managed to see three completely different types of performances.  We saw a science-y variety show at the Hammersmith Apollo which featured Brian Cox.  For all you non physicists click here to see who he is. We then saw the Nutcracker at the beautiful Coliseum and a few days later watched a stage adaptation of Howl's Moving Castle.

The Coliseum where we saw the Nutcracker

Check out the Photo Links page for more photos of December.