When I found out I had won a holiday to Coombe Mill over Christmas, my excitement soon turned to worrying about all the practicalities of shipping the kids and their presents to Cornwall.
I have to admit I was very stressed in the week running up to the holiday – trying to pack,wrap presents, attend various school productions, do my Christmas shop online etc on my own as hubby was working.
I left packing the cars up on the Saturday to my husband as he is better at finding little nooks and cranny’s to fit everything in. It was like a giant jigsaw puzzle, but we managed to fit everything in…….just. As soon as we set off my stress just seemed to evaporate and we started looking forward to our holiday.
Coombe Mill was everything we could have hoped for and more. You can read about the first few days of our holiday here.
Fiona and her family made sure that we took away fabulous memories as well as our presents and all the Christmassy fun began on Christmas Eve. We did the feed run as usual in the morning which was saw rain, hail, sun and wind!
and had the day to relax, explore the farm and chill out.
4pm was when the fun started with a very special surprise for the children – can you guess who it is?
They got on the train as usual expecting a normal train ride – instead they stopped inside the grotto and were surprised by Father Christmas who took time out of his busy schedule and gave them all a present (or two) each.
Following the train ride we headed to the neighbouring village of St Tudy for their Christingle service. The church was absolutely beautiful and every child had the opportunity to join in. Isaac had a Christingle made with a candle but we opted for one made with a glow stick for Eliza.
After the service we headed outside to be greeted by a village full of Christmas lights and bumped into Father Christmas again. This time he handed out small gifts to the children whilst the adults enjoyed a mulled wine and mince pie.
We then headed back to Coombe Mill where we were invited for evening drinks and nibbles with all the other guests. I lost Kian who disappeared off with Fiona’s boys, whilst we dug into the gorgeous spread laid on by Fiona and she borrowed Sebastian for a cuddle.
The kids were worn out by the days activities and were soon ready for bed, eager to see if Father Christmas had got the message we were staying in Heligan at Coombe Mill rather than home. Footsteps woke me sometime in the night………I am pleased to report that he found us.
Remarkably the kids didn’t wake up until 6.45am which is brilliant for them. I lit the log burner, made a cup of tea and we all gathered around it to open the goodies that Santa left us.
I am pleased to report that they all got the presents that they wanted – Isaac some Hulk Hands, Eliza a Sofia the First Tea Party set, Kian some clothes and games and Sebastian some toys.
The animals still needed feeding on Christmas Day however the feed run was moved back to 10am to give everyone a chance to open their presents and get ready.
Farmer Nick donned a Santa Suit and beard for today, but forgot and dipped his beard in his tea!
All the children were eagerly talking about the presents Father Christmas brought them whilst enjoying spending some time with the animals and riding in the tractor.
Isaac in particular was most relieved to see Rudolph had returned from his duties safe and sound!
The Lodges looked particularly beautiful today as we had all lit our fires early for Christmas morning and the smoke was hanging in the air.
Back at the lodge I started making preparations for Christmas dinner, which I have to say turned out brilliantly despite cooking in a strange oven. I did forget the pigs in blankets, but no one really minded and the kids oranges from the previous nights Christingle service were our centre piece.
I then got to open my present – a new lens for my camera…….here is my first picture taken with it. I LOVE this picture!
Full of good food, we decided on a walk around the farm – it was a good excuse to take my new toy for a spin too, although Kian did steal it for a turn too and took this lovely picture.
Isaac insisted on taking his Iron Man Mask……
whilst Kian and Eliza were posing for photo’s……
before a spot of horse play!
It was all a bit much for Sebastian who chose to sleep through the adventures we were having.
The littlies insisted on wading through the ford which was really quite high.
There was no train today as we were all enjoying time with our families, but we did spot children having fun on their new bikes or taking pictures with new phones and once we had warmed up, we set about opening some more presents.
Because there was so much to do the kids didn’t mind their presents being spaced out through the day and I have to admit that this has been the least stressful Christmas ever, and probably my favourite. The only thing that would have made it better would have been to have Abbey and Callan there too.
Thank you Coombe Mill for a truly magical Christmas!
You can see Fiona’s Christmas at Coombe Mill post here and because I took far too many photo’s I have put them together in a video below.
I am so jealous! Fiona and her team seem so dedicated – I would love to have my Christmas at Coombe Mill
This place looks amazing for those with little ones. Well done on winning this fab holiday!
Like Helen I am so very jealous! All the trips to Coombe Mill that I have read about sound amazing anyway but Christmas there, well it sounds out of this world despite the stress leading up to it!
sounds such a lovely christmas! i really must make it over to coombe mill one of these days! i really fancy a holiday there
Kara thank you for writing such a beautiful post. You were all a delight to have stay at Christmas and your children are a credit to you. You made Christmas for my children too!
this looks so perfect! I’m a tad jealous too! 🙂 x
This looks like SO much fun! I really, really want to take my little’s there. I love ALL the pics and it really does sound and look awesome xx
P.S I love how the Christingle’s are included! 😀
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That sounds incredible, what a perfect day! Gorgeous photos too!
Looks like you had a marvellous time. What a wonderful way to spend Christmas! Happy New Year to you!
What a lovely, relaxing Christmas and it’s great that Santa managed to find you away from home.
I SO wanted this holiday but am glad that you won and enjoyed it so much – looks perfect 🙂
It really does sound magical. That must have invovled some hardcore packing, but so worth it and something I’m sure the children will always remember.
Looks like such a magical Christmas – one that you’ll remember forever.