A very Derry Christmas

I was a little worried that Christmas in Belfast would be a bit lonesome. I needn't have worried because Ann O'Dwyer invited me to join her family for Christmas dinner in Derry. Before I accepted, I arranged to spend the night with the dogs at my friend Julie's.

Peggy, the matriarch, is at the head of the table, with Ann and I on either side. The table is three of Peggy's children, their spouses, Ann's son Jack, me and another orphan guest. Below is the pavlova, one of three desserts on offer. I brought cranberry mould, which was a big hit.

Peggy enjoyed reminiscing about the Americans in Derry and her days of traveling around Ireland for golf outings. I had mom and Peggy do a WhatsApp video call, which they both enjoyed. I also sent mom photos of all the ornaments on Peggy's tree that mom made. It blows mom away that her friends keep the ornaments she makes. I have a beautiful collection myself. Below are just a few.

Boxing Day saw Julie and I out for a long walk with the dogs. Then I went to see Mary, who has recuperated pretty well from her fall, although it has left her feeling much less willing to leave the house.

There have been lots of other Christmas highlights. The TV my friends gave me now has Netflix, so I watched Adolescence, House of Guinness, and Wake Up Dead Man. Adolescence has been a media phenomenon (and won six Emmys) and I understand why. It does such a good job of explaining the toxic environment young people have to navigate during a very difficult period in their lives. I'm so glad I grew up pre-social media, pre-internet.

I also treated myself to two events. One was Kila, brilliant Irish band, which rocked the Black Box. The other was Deck the Hols, a comedy written by Belfast actress Caroline Curran, whom I'd seen in another play. It was a bit of light Christmas fun. I also went to Royal Ulster Academy show at the Ulster Museum, which will close shortly. Hundreds of paintings and sculptures, a bit overwhelming.

In short, it was a fun Christmas. My Christmas is usually just mom & me so it was fun to not have to cook or clean and yet enjoy a feast with a friendly group of people.

Christmas 2025