Christmas

I had been looking to Christmas as a child-centred time. And I really enjoyed having a low key Christmas based around the kids' body rhythms.

I especially liked the joy they had in little things, like the fact that Rudolph nibbled on the carrot we had left out for him.

I am very pleased that the effort I put into choosing the perfect dolls house has worked out - Pearl loved it and ignored all the other presents. On the other hand, I am surprised at how random gifts hit the mark. Last year Pearl was most pleased with a toothbrush from Father Christmas and this year it is again her favoured gift from him.

On the other hand, I would have liked to have spent a bit more time with my friends, with some adults. Poor little Ruby just keeps on being sick. She is cheerful and happy but not getting better. Every time she eats something she throws it up and or has a poosplosion. Poor wee kiddie.

I can't go out because she is tired and sad, and also I don't want to infect anyone else. But, my goodness, I am going stir crazy. No one grown up to talk to! And the constant company of one very grumpy Pearl who wants to go out and does not want to have so much attention dedicated elsewhere.

Fisher Price Little People

Pearl and Ruby received some vintage Fisher Price Little People for Christmas. On my suggestion, my parents got out our old toys and the kids scored the campervan, the school bus and the farm.

These are of enormous sentimental value - aside from my stuffed hippo who still lives in my room, these were our favourite toys. We would get a set every Christmas and played enormously complicated imaginary games with them that went on for days. They are probably marketed as 3-5 year olds but we played with them til I was well into primary school.

My Dad told them that we had taken great care of them and not broken any and that they were not to do so either. I thought this was a bit strict but today when Pearl took a car into the sandpit I said sternly that they were for indoor play only. I hope they love them as much as we did.

Here is the original campervan, with stylish 70s look. It's a left hand drive.



And here is one of the cars, with a petrol cap labelled gas. It reminds me of my parents' car, though their's was two tones of tan.

Note also that the girl in the rear is a hybrid - wooden body, plastic head, made between 1968 and 1972 as Fisher Price moved from wooden to plastic toys.