Merry Christmas

I can tell I’m getting old now as the year has flown by. It used to take twice as long when I was a child. In fact, December seems to have been supercharged.

Today is Christmas Day and what better way to celebrate than having a festive dip. I went to Cowbury Dale and met up with the swim girls.

It was chilly, but dry. The water temperature varied wherever we took it, but we think it was probably 6°. We are sensible and we kept an eye on the time, ten minutes from when we were fully under…apart from heads…brrrr. It was marvellous, bloomin’ cold, but marvellous.

After ten minutes we got out and then it was the most difficult part of our trip, getting dressed. Freezing fingers make it difficult to pull on socks, to fasten shoes and to do up zips. We eventually got our layers on and could drink our hot drinks and try to warm up.

It was amazing. Cold water swims make you aware of your whole body. It has been a long week at work and I was tired and sluggish when I got up, but after my swim I felt that every cell was tingling with life, it is how I recharge my batteries and how I reset my mental health.

We have had a very busy week at work. What better gift can you give than the gift of life. A lot of people have been giving that gift and with the pressures of the world at the moment it is heart warming. Of course, we have managed to fit in some fun moments too…

We had a little competition to create a Christmas decoration. We could only use the things we had on session. I love it when people get creative and the results were fabulous.

Second place, Jess with her teeny tiny Nativity

Everyone did a great job.

Laura’s Angel with a test tube snow globe

Phil was very proud of his Christmas Tree

My favourite was the reindeer hat, but I loved them all. I think it was clear I was never going to win with mine. I had been to the theatre the day before to watch A Christmas Carol at the Octagon, it was such a great performance and I still had it in my head so I wanted to continue the feeling in my creation…ha ha ha.

We enjoyed some festive food on Thursday. The day began with most of the team getting together at base. We don’t usually go in unless we are drivers or going on the mini bus to session so it was good to all get together. Breakfast was provided and it was as good a time as any to sing a little Christmas jingle. There is a little intermission on it. I do like to step into the realms of risqué and this was no exception. I could argue that there was nothing in the song that isn’t mentioned on the questionnaire that donors have to complete, but I understand completely that someone somewhere might take offence to my turn of phrase and I would never want to do that. We are a very diverse team and everyone was happy, but others might not like it. So, if you want to know what’s obliterated then you’ll have to meet me in person and I’ll sing it for you!!