A Pandemic Christmas in Plettenberg Bay

In spite of the pandemic’s efforts to cancel Christmas, it came anyway. For many, it was not the usual happy affair with friends and family. Closed borders and travel restrictions prevented many from travelling even a short distance to be with their loved ones. Then there were those who due to illness or fear of catching or spreading the virus had to spend their Christmas day in isolation.

Our family were among the fortunate who were able to be together to celebrate. Only our eldest daughter was unable to join us due to being unwell. We don’t think it’s COVID but she did not feel well enough to travel from Cape Town to Plettenberg Bay and also did not want to risk infecting anybody in case it is.

Our youngest daughter and her nephews travelled up together on Christmas Eve. As is our current custom we are spending the holidays with the Plettenberg Bay branch of the family. The Garden Route is a Covid hotspot. The beaches are closed and we are in any case avoiding crowds and public gatherings. Being 18 km out of town helps us to be as isolated as possible.

Christmas Eve pre-dinner drinks in the garden

Great to be together again

Christmas day was delightful. It was sunny and warm and we started with good coffee and a delicious breakfast of fruit salad and yogurt followed by scrambled eggs and bacon.

Christmas morning – Mom and middle daughter

This year we kept things simple and did Secret Santa. Each of us drew a name and had only to buy for that person. A limit of how much to spend was set. BUT the grandparents are natural rule breakers and in addition to the person we drew we got a gift pack for each grandchild! Yes, I know they’re too old for this now but it’s a hard habit to give up! I promise this is the last year we’ll do it. After all the youngest is already 16!

The Tree

Morning coffee to start the day

The new kitten ready to help hand out the gifts

Youngest grandson calling all to attention – Time to hand out the Secret Santa Gifts

“I can’t believe it – this is exactly what I asked Santa for!”

What can it be?

Thank you Secret Santa!

Grandson number 2 helping with gift distribution

I know this is from you, Gran! I already got my Secret Santa gift!

Grandson Number 1 loves to cook Asian – Santa brought him a book/DVD and ingredients!

Pre-dinner soccer game

Ending up in the pool

Christmas Lunch Table

Hosting Family

Lunch was delicious. It was almost 4 o’clock when we sat down to it. Lauren roasted beef and gammon, I did the roast veggies, Laurie made a Greek and Shan did a delicious gravy. There was Christmas Pudding to follow but we were all too full and promised to have it later in the day. But by nine o’clock we were still in no mood for more than a Dom Pedro (made with Amarula and Ice Cream) to end the day. I did not take a photo but the one below from the internet is fairly similar to what we had.