I can't quite think we're almost a week into December already, and following a hectic couple of weeks, I intend to slow right down and take time to enjoy this magical season. The weather has turned very cold here and we have woken to many frosty mornings, which all helps with getting in the festive mood.
The excitement is gradually building in our house, and last weekend Lily just couldn't wait for us to go in search of our Christmas tree. We went to a local garden nursery and were almost spoiled for choice. We had great fun choosing one and bringing it home in the van. I hope it's going to become a new tradition for us as a family and I'm so happy to be back to having a real tree once again. So far Mog has left it well alone. Let's hope it lasts.
The advent stockings I made are now hung above the mantel and Lily looks forward to her chocolate coin inside each one every morning. My lovely friend also treated Lily to a book advent calendar this year so she unwraps a new book every evening and we read it together at bedtime. It's a really precious time for us both.
On Sunday I had every intention of baking some Christmas cookies, but the day was too good to be spent indoors and we went out walking. There were some beautiful views and while we sat on a bench for a short rest I heard Lily say 'This is the life'. I sometimes think she is four going on sixty four! I know what she meant though, because even though we were still suffering with some horrible coughs and colds, it was a really lovely day out.
In the evening we decorated our tree and over the next few days I will add the finishing touches to the house, which I will share with you towards the end of the week. I do love to see how other people decorate their houses for Christmas don't you?
And, if I'm really lucky, I might even get around to finally baking those cookies!
J. X
What a stunning view. I hope being way up there blew all of your horrible germs away.
ReplyDeleteHugs-x-
It's beautiful isn't it? You would think the germs would be gone by now wouldn't you? But, oh no, I've started with what appears to be a new cold before this one has even fully gone! X
DeleteOh Jukes you are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the country. I loved my travels to Wales, Scotland and Yorkshire because it was just so scenic unlike flat old Essex! I want to make Florentines, I'm just getting the ingredients together.
ReplyDeleteThe Lakes is a beautiful area Tania and we try to make the most of every opportunity to get there and enjoy it.
DeleteFlorentines sound good. X
Oh that made me chuckle, little ones do make me laugh with the things they come out with, but I can see what she meant when I look at your photos, that really is the life. Our tree isn't up yet, I was hoping to do it at the weekend but we just ran out of time, but I have managed to write the cards this afternoon.
ReplyDeleteLily does come out with some funny phrases at times, but this time she was absolutely right. Ah now, I have the tree but have yet to write my cards, I think that will be a job for tomorrow. We would usually have put up the tree this coming weekend but I don't think Lily would have held out that long. X
DeleteYour photographs are exquisite - where are they taken?
ReplyDeleteThat is very kind of you to say Pat. They were taken from up Loughrigg Fell. The middle photograph looks over towards Windermere and the bottom one is Elter Water. X
DeleteYour photos look nice scenery is that the Lake District? We used to holiday there regularly when we lived in Hampshire, now we're in Lincolnshire we never seem to go anymore. Strange. Cx
ReplyDeleteThank you, yes, it's the beautiful Lake District. My comment above tells you exactly where. X
DeleteWonderful views.
ReplyDeleteSuffolk is too flat for views.......sadly
It's not bad, is it Sue? X
DeleteWe had a real tree till all of our children left home and started life on their own. We now have a “forever” tree which is easier to take care of and decorate. However, I miss those days of going out with family and cutting down a fresh tree and bringing it in the house for us all to decorate. Savor these wonderful days with Lilly and make them all count.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are lovely.
I never wanted to chance having a real tree with a small child and a kitten in the house, but thankfully both can now be trusted.
DeleteLily loves everything about the festive season so we can really enjoy this time. X
I'm hoping it becomes a tradition for you all too. And you can't beat a real tree in my opinion x
ReplyDeleteI do hope so Selma. I do love a real tree and we managed to choose a lovely one. X
DeleteSuch beautiful views. I love them.
ReplyDeleteJ x
Thank you Joy. I'm pleased you enjoyed them. X
DeleteI did an Advent book bag for my grand-children. They each take it in turn to open a book every day. By the end of Advent they get eight new to them books each.
ReplyDeleteJulie xxxxxxxx
It's a lovely idea isn't it? I've not heard of it before. I hope your grandchildren are enjoying them. X
Deletea book advent calendar sounds fab, where did your friend get it from?
ReplyDeleteIt might even make Evie want to read something :)
Bless her.
DeleteI think it was from someone on facebook who is an Usborne book representative that put it together. There are twenty four books all wrapped up individually and numbered. It's a lovely idea, although I had forgotten how weird some fairytales can be! X
I find the preparations as exciting as the event itself. x
ReplyDeleteDefinitely Jackie. It's all part of the fun. X
DeleteYou live in a fabulous part of the country... it great that Lily likes walking. Jx
ReplyDeleteLily does enjoy walking and it also helps that she's still at an age where she doesn't protest! I'm making the most of it. X
DeleteChoosing a Christmas tree is a lovely tradition to start. Chocolate and books every day - I may just have to move in with you :) Laughing at Lily saying "this is the life". They are funny at times aren't they. I picked Amy up once from a failed sleepover and she got in and said "east or west, home is best". I have no idea where that came from but she was only about 8 years old and it still makes me smile when I think about it!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome to move in at any time Suzanne! There's always plenty of chocolate to share. Children do come out with the funniest of phrases at times don't they? Lily more often than most. X
DeleteBeautiful conifers and wonderful landscapes...
ReplyDeleteThere's definitely Christmas in the air in your home. :)
Happy preparations! xx
Thank you Sara. There is much excitement here. X
DeleteI just love the build up to Christmas, the trees, the decorations, the presents, the cards ... the baking and the wonderful aromas that this time of year brings.
ReplyDeleteThose photographs are just lovely and I think it was an excellent idea to get out and about while the weather still lets you!
Happy December Wishes
All the best Jan
The build up is exciting isn't it? And like Jackie said, it is just as much fun as the day itself. It always pays to make the most of the good weather here. X
DeleteYou are making such lovely memories for both you and Lily! Savor these days. :) Hope you recover from your cold, soon.
ReplyDeleteI really hope so Bless. It's these little things which we remember most.
DeleteThinking of you. Stay safe. X
Lily sure has an old head on young shoulders but how wonderful for her to appreciate your beautiful surroundings at such a young age. The book advent calendar is a terrific idea. I'm certain you are going to have a magical Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right Eileen, although it might have also had something to do with the fact that she was eating chocolate at the same time!
DeleteI'm really looking forward to Christmas this year and I hope we will finally be rid of these colds before it arrives. X
What beautiful pictures. Walking in beautiful places is so good for the soul. Enjoy each other’s company for as long as you can. They grow so fast.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Yes, they are grown all too soon. X
DeleteThis sounds wonderful and I love your daughter's reaction to the views! The book Advent Calendar sounds a MARVELLOUS idea!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kezzie. She comes out with some funny expressions at times. I didn't know about the book advent calendar until my friend sent it for her. She loves to read anyway, but she's really enjoyed a different book every evening. X
DeleteAnother beautiful outing for you all, I think it is wonderful that Lily enjoys her trips to the fells as much as you do :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely gentle walk Jayne. I am so fortunate that Lily loves the outdoors. X
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