We usually go to Kokstad for Christmas so when we asked the kids to come to Struisbaai instead this year, I was a little apprehensive.   Was it a good idea to change the magical tradition that in the past had always worked so well?

Things can never stay the same so I believe we have done the right thing.  We will always have our wonderful memories of big Christmas celebrations with the whole Kokstad Clan.   Yes, I missed being with the extended family.   The generation that we raised have their own kids now and it is always great to catch up with them, meet the new babies and celebrate with their grandparents.  But there are so many of them now all going their own way that it is probably best to see them at other times of the year instead.

This holiday has been a fun, relaxed and a wonderful bonding time with just our own kids and grandchildren.  The weather has been marvellous and we couldn’t choose a nicer place to enjoy a summer holiday.  It makes sense to be by the sea in summer!   Hopefully we can repeat it again next year.  But if not, well we go with the flow and enjoy whatever we decide to do.

This morning the wind, which is not quite as strong as it has been, still prevented a trip to sea.   Low tide being only at 10:30 meant the beach might not be at its best for running so I decided to do  road run instead.  At 6:58 I woke Jay and said, ‘I am heading toward Agulhas.  I need you to come with me – catch me up in two minutes.’   I didn’t really expect him to oblige but sure enough ten minutes into my run, he caught me up.  What a star my first born grandson is!   He was bare foot on the tar but insisted he preferred this to running in shoes.  He was like a gazelle or rather a giraffe with his long, muscled legs.   He ran ahead to my turning point then kept pace and encouraged me to run faster.    “I’m walking at your running pace, Gran.”  Yes Jay – that’s why you call me Gran!

“Come on, Gran, you can do it.  Just lengthen your stride – and breathe.”   Then he sprinted ahead.   I did my best. He waited and said, “Now, are you tired or do you still have energy left? – run fast, then slow, fast then slow.”    His encouragement did help but I was exhausted when we got back – I ran for 34 minutes – I’m not sure how many km that is but I like to think it must be close on 5.

After breakfast the kids went to the rock pools to catch Klipvis.   Earl mowed the lawn and I cleaned the beach out of the house.

Later Allan, Lisa, Lauren and I went to Agulhas and did some wine tasting.   The Bon Courage Blush – sparkling wine did it for us.  Allan bought a few bottles.

We also went to The Southern Wright Art Gallery and Potpourri to browse and have coffee.    It was quite pleasant to just have some adult time.

The competitors in the *Trans Agulhas Challenge arrived from Stilbaai today.   The beach was overly crowded and had quite a vibe.   Sea Rescue had boats, helicopter and vehicles on standby just in case of mishap – but happily all went well.

Before supper we decided to go for a walk and a swim.  Lisa, Lauren and I chickened out on the swim and Earl stayed behind to start the Weber Chicken.  The boys, ever-active, raced down the beach and jumped of dunes while the rest of us followed at a more leisurely pace.  Then Shan went in with Dad and the boys for a lovely swim.

While they were all finishing off their swim, I decided to walk back ahead of them to help Earl with supper.   A Struisbaai friend popped in for a chat and then we enjoyed a delicious Weber Chicken dinner.

* The Trans Agulhas Challenge is the toughest inflatable boat endurance race in the world.  It begins on 28 December at Plettenberg Bay and ends  on 1 January at Strand.  During the 5 day race inflatable boats visit beaches along the coast and have surf races to entertain the crowds.   Over 60 inflatable boats battle it out on the waves in this most prestigious Inflatable boat Racing competition in the world.