Christmas Eve

How long does it take to establish a tradition I wonder. For several years now we have been in the habit of going to Malmaison for dinner on Christmas Eve. So it seems to have become a tradition.

My vague recollection tells me the first time we did this we got Christmas Crackers or some other novelty, or at least there were some nods towards it being Christmas Eve. Now the dinner and the restaurant menu are the same as any other day.

We also have the tradition of having a glass of wine in the bar before dinner. In the past the bar has been busy and it is a struggle to find a place to sit. This year instead there was plenty of space in the bar, though the restaurant was busy. We wondered whether the space in the bar was a reflection of the oil price, and that people are less inclined to go out, despite the festivities.

As we were leaving we went through the reception area of the hotel. Next to reception there was this winter scene from a land far away, Switzerland possibly. I grabbed a quick photograph as we left, the taxi was already waiting so I did not have much time to think about the shot. There may be snow in the scene, but none here, nor the likelihood of it in the next week or so.