Christmas Eve celebrations started with mulled wine and mince pies in front of a roaring log fire and the chance to get to know one another.

After an informal four course supper, everyone retired to bed replete ready for the big day.

Christmas Day breakfast of scrambled eggs and smoked salmon with plenty of Bucks Fizz starts the day off on the right foot.

Having been later to bed the night before, with the exception of the children, most of us were off to a slow start the next day. Sadly the time had come to say 'a bientot' to some of our friends until we see them next.

A late and hearty breakfast, including cold meats and cheeses as well as fruit compotes, the next morning set everyone up for the rest of Boxing Day. The more energetic amongst us went for walks and into the village to look at the Christmas lights while the rest relaxed, chatted or found time to catch up on a long abandoned book.

Yet more food and wine that evening when dinner consisted of Poached pears with stilton - Chicken Ballotines - Chestnut Ambrosia with spiced chestnuts - Cheese board. Throughout Christmas we followed the English tradition of having cheese last.

New Years Eve followed soon after and nine of us celebrated in great style with a black tie dinner and plenty of Champagne to welcome 2008.

Later once the children were safely tucked up in bed it was time for the 'grown ups' to have some fun when the ladies took on and trounced the gentlemen in lively and competitive bouts of Articulate and Pictionery!

After a long and thoroughly enjoyable day, no one was late bed.

Christmas Lunch

Foie Gras

Plaice with tomato & caper dressing

Apple Sorbet & Calvados

Roast Venison
Roast & Dauphinoise potatoes
Spiced red cabbage
Buttery caraway carrots
Minted peas

Christmas pudding and brandy butter

Normandy cheeses

It was then time for a Le Bosquet specialty of Normandy Cocktails in the lounge. After which everyone enjoyed a long and leisurely lunch, accompanied with a variety of wines followed by a Calvados digestif.

Excited children can wait no longer and it is time to open all the presents which lay waiting under the tree.