Christmas in Luton

I thought it was going to be a tough time being away from home for the holidays. Come to find out I have a "Luton family" that made sure I had a holiday filled with smiles and laughs.

I made it to Luton on the 23rd of December. Roma and Neil's home was warm as always and beautifully decorated. The first evening was spent relaxing with some great classic movies.

 

On Christmas Eve me and my friends went out and spent time together before everyone had to split up for holiday with families. I saw friends I hadn't seen in awhile and also met several new people that day. I had a great time relaxing and talking with everyone. We played pool, air hockey, a game of bowling and even had a few runs on the bumper cars before the day was over!!

I spent Christmas afternoon with Roma and her family and the evening with Neil's family. They were all so very kind and even had gifts for me.  We all played some really great holiday games throughout the day and ate LOTS of amazing food! 

 

On the next day,Boxing day, I spent the afternoon with Willow and his family. I really enjoyed talking with his family. His father was very interested in taking another trip to the US and asked many questions about Texas. 

I ate Christmas pudding, sometimes called plum pudding, for the first time and found it quite delicious!  Willow actually made the pudding almost a year ago for the event. It is tradition to make them weeks, even months before the actual holiday. The aging is what gives it its rich taste. They then poor a bit of Brandy over it and light it on fire before serving with custard or rich cream. 

The top of Willow's family tree...

..Later in the evening we made our way to another friend's home and played games for the remainder of the night. We played Bingo, which was a bit different than I am used to, but just as fun nonetheless! We also played an online trivia game that was so much fun...such a riot!! 

Neil and Roma gave me my very own coffee mug, which is there whenever I come to visit! Knowing I have a place to go to whilst so far away from home, The best gift! 

I love you and Happy Holidays "Luton family"!!!