Boxing Day Swim

The hard work of Christmas was done now for the fun!

- BETH MCKAY

Louisa swung her feet L out of bed and into her slippers. The house was surprisingly quiet, considering how many people were now sleeping under her roof. She shrugged on her dressing gown and crept down the stairs, avoiding the creaky step at the bottom.

The thought of half an hour to herself after the hectic chaos of Christmas day was bliss. There was nothing Louisa enjoyed more than having a houseful for the big dinner, but the preparation was exhausting, even with all hands on deck for the clearing up. The relief meant Louisa had slept deeply and felt more rested than she had done in ages. Their tabby cat was delighted to be fed early. He snuggled up next to Louisa on the kitchen sofa while she cradled her warm mug of tea in her hands.

It was precisely ten minutes before the peace was shattered by the arrival of her student children and their friends. They were soon rooting noisily around in her cupboards, on the hunt for breakfast.

“Youre up early,” Louisa queried.

“Matthew wants to do the Boxing Day swim,” Jess declared proudly. We’re going to support him. I might go in too.”

Louisa was impressed. Her family had been regular attendees when the children were younger, but none of them had braved the chilly December swim.