IT'S CHRISTMAAAAAS!

“It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere I go” - well no actually. In some places, it's looked like Christmas since October; I'm just happy to embrace it now. I've been a bit of a Scrooge this year to be honest (I even bought a “Bah humbug” jumper) but I now feel that it's ok to get excited about Christmas! I'm sure Beth will be relieved as she's been going on about it FOR WEEKS. The first time I felt properly excited was on Tuesday at the staff meeting when Beth produced the most amazing Christmas tree made of biscuits and icing I've ever seen. Somehow, the tree disappeared pretty quickly during the morning and weirdly, Beth and I felt sick all afternoon...


I'm sad that I don't get to do my year 7 cell group until January now. I will miss them all brightening up my Wednesday afternoons! I planned a Nativity treasure hunt for Wednesday which sent us all over Eynsham looking for clues. They found the treasure in the church and we had some fun unwrapping chocolates and sweets – Harry even got a harmonica (Santa was feeling generous!) It's been great to spend some time with them over the past two weeks looking at the story of Christmas. I think it's important that we're all reminded what this time of year is really about – and this year I feel like I've learnt loads more about it that I didn't know before. Like I never knew that the Bible doesn't actually say “wise men” or mention how many there actually are. They're referred to as Magi, and the only reason we say there were 3 is because of the number of presents Jesus got. We watched a 4 minute video during cell last week showing scenes from “The Nativity” which was on TV a few years ago and tells the story of Jesus' birth (not the film about the primary school who put on a Christmas play – although that film is hilarious especially watching it with Kate Feast who likes to sing along) which I think is a brilliant reminder :)


It's the last Pathfinders this evening and we have lots of fun Christmas things planned. I'm particularly looking forward to dressing up as an angel and playing pass the parcel (such a child), and then making mincemeat toasties with the older group... not sure that they will taste that nice, but we'll see ;)


We then have the cell Christmas celebration next Thursday which I'm really looking forward to – and then that's it! Until January 2^nd, I am freeeeeee!! I think I know already what I'll be doing... attempting to go last-minute Christmas shopping, writing assignments, seeing friends who are back from uni (YAAAY!) and probably eating far too much.


I'll be remembering what it's all about though, and praying for CAR at this time. If you haven't been watching the news, last night there was a section on Channel 4 news about CAR and if you go onto 4od, it should be on there under “Channel 4 news”. It's strange to think that this time last year, I was there and makes it all the more real. I'd love it if you could keep CAR in your prayers.


That's all for now. I was just about to sign off with “I'm going to get a hot chocolate” but that's exactly how I signed off my last blog... so, I'm going to do something mega healthy, like jog around Eynsham. Pahaha ;)  

Advent (already?!)

Another 10 days has flown by! I'm still reeling from the fact it's December – how is it this close to being 2014?! I've got 5 advent calendars this year, which definitely makes up for not really having one last year! (I'm not that greedy - I share 3 of them, but no way am I sharing my Percy Pig one!!!) Also, it was a bit scary yesterday when I realised at college that I won't be seeing 4 of the people on my course until the new term, and as they left, we said “see you next year!" 2013 has absolutely flown by, yet it feels like it's been one of the busiest, craziest, up, down, memorable years of my life. Still, there's December to go yet and there's a lot happening.


I feel like I live on the bus at the moment. That saying “time flies when you're having fun” is very true. When I'm actually doing something or with other people, the day has gone before I know it. But on the bus, I'm pretty sure time stands still... I've decided to make a real effort to talk to people while I'm on the bus. Yep, I'm gonna be that annoying person who gets all in your personal space and asks you how your day's been. How very un-British of me ;)


The weather is getting colder and colder. I miss CAR weather more than ever right now. I think if I decide to live abroad when I'm older, I will live somewhere hot! There's only so many extra jumpers I can put on before I look like the Michelin man.


There is lots to do in the office and within the youth work at the moment. In fact, it feels like everyone is really busy; preparing for Christmas or just generally at work. This will be the first Christmas Eve for 3 years when I haven't been either at work or extremely stressed, so I hope it's gonna be a good one :) I better stop waffling now as there's lots to do that won't plan/tidy/annoy Olly itself. Plus I walked back into the office half an hour ago and it smelt like hot chocolate, so I now really want one...