A festive, family-filled week as we wrapped up last Christmas preparations, braved the weather for winter lights, and travelled back to Northampton with plenty of stops for grandkid cuddles along the way. We helped out with Christmas deliveries at The Secret Garden Florist, explored village routes, spent busy days with the grandchildren, and enjoyed a slightly chaotic Christmas Eve complete with card games and mince pies. After a dramatic but thankfully safe start to Christmas Day, things settled into calm, good food and cosy moments — all leading up to our favourite day of the year: a loud, joyful Boxing Day with the whole family together.