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Cards have begun landing on the door mat regularly so, along with a planned visit to the Christmas market at the weekend, what better time to get our festive sparkle on.
The weather has been so damp recently that, during the week, I had already brought the tree in from the garden to the back porch, so it could have plenty of time to dry out but by Friday evening, following a very busy week, we were so exhausted we decided to leave any decorating until the following morning. We wanted to take the time to enjoy the occasion, taking out the now familiar baubles from their boxes and hanging them on the tree, then adding to them the newly discovered decorations bought for Lily each Christmas. This year she chose a cute little polar bear.
I say 'we' but, to be honest, I hardly got a look in. And, as for savouring the moment, Lily was so excited that as soon as the lights were on the decorations were hung in no time at all, although I may have needed to adjust her work ever so slightly, to even things out a bit. 😉
Our festive excitement continues to increase and as well as delivering the first of our presents, on Sunday we had great fun visiting the Christmas market in Manchester. There is always such a buzz in the air at these events, everyone enjoying themselves, the enticing aromas coming from the stalls and the wonderful array of Christmas goodies but, oh my, it was busy! Although it would have been lovely to stop and eat some of the delicious treats on offer, we thought it best to take some time out from the hustle and bustle and ate instead at a nearby restaurant. This proved fortunate for Lily, as our lovely waitress was kind enough to give her a fairy light necklace, which, as it turns out, is just the greatest thing ever when you are five years old.
This coming weekend is the Nativity and, once again, Lily is to be an angel, which is fortunate for me as she still has her costume from last year. All week long she has been practising her one (but VERY important) line, which is 'Hark! This is the first Nowell and we're hailing the Heaven-born Prince of Peace. So come. Let us adore him.' which is better than at the beginning of the week when she thought it read 'So come. Let us order him.' 😊
I've written all my cards now, although I suspect there will be one or two I have forgotten - isn't it always the way? I still haven't made my door wreath but I hope I will get the opportunity this weekend. How are all your preparations coming along? X
Nicely, thank you. I'm starting to write the shopping list now! Trying very hard to keep costs down!
ReplyDeletexx
It is wise to buy carefully at this time of year when there are so many delicious goodies available. X
DeleteI haven't been to the market in Manchester for years, I can't imagine how busy it gets these days!
ReplyDeleteSo lovely to hear Lily is enjoying the season and all the shiny things it has to offer. I am very well organised, everything is bought, wrapped, cards sent, most gifts distributed, food bought. Time to put my feet up for a few days.
It was sooo busy TD but I was pleased we went. Lily just loves this time of year and gets drawn in by the magic of it all (she's just not so keen on the man in a red suit!) It sounds like you have the right idea with everything organised, so you can sit back and enjoy it now. Will you be going to the match on Boxing Day? X
DeleteI love hearing about the excitement building in households which contain children, it's what Christmas is all about for me. I do miss watching the school nativity plays, they were always the highlight of my year. My own Christmas preparations were coming along nicely until my dad ended up in hospital, that put me back a bit, but it's going to be a quiet Christmas for us this year so I'm not worrying. Eleanor comes home from uni this weekend and then our Christmas will begin proper with a trip to see The Nutcracker on Sunday which I'm looking forward to.
ReplyDeleteThere seems to be something going on every day with little ones. It's Christmas jumper day today.
DeleteI'm so sorry to read about your dad but I hope you can still enjoy your quieter Christmas. It will be lovely for you all to have Eleanor home for the season. X
Your tree looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHow precious that Lily will be in the Nativity. I have to wait until Marlowe goes to school now until I get to go to another one as the older classes at Ruby's school don't take part for some reason.
I'm glad you enjoyed the Christmas Market.
Hugs-x-
Thank you Sheila. The baubles have been rearranged ever so slightly since the photograph but Lily had such a wonderful time decorating the tree. X
DeleteOn track here, mainly because I don't enjoy the stress of rushing to fit it all in. I can cope with two weeks of pre-Christmas excitement, then I'm eager to set my sights on New Year and looking forward to fresh challenges.
ReplyDeleteI'm envying Lily her hair. Wish mine was long enough to tie up! I can well imagine her decorations on the tree and your gentle adjustments afterwards!
Manchester's market sounded fun. x
You have the right idea CT. I'm not good at dealing with stress but I find I'm much more relaxed about Christmas these days. I'm also looking forward to the New Year and hopefully I can kick start my running again. X
DeleteYou go, girl. I’ll be routing for you xx
DeleteThank you so much CT. I need all the support I can get. X
DeleteYour tree looks lovely. I had a giggle at Lily's mistake and I'm sure she'll be word perfect on the day :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Eileen. She remembers the line really well, but we'll have to wait and see how she will be when faced with an audience. X
DeletePlaying an angel for your little angel sounds perfect.
ReplyDeleteNativities bring back wonderful memories, I can still see Jack as a toddler in the play dressed as a shepherd with a tea towel on his head. xx
I suspect it feels no time at all since you were watching Jack in a Nativity. X
DeleteWe shop at our local Co-op as much as possible at this time of year as everyone seems to be shopping like crazy in the shops in town! Best of luck to Lily in her Nativity :) x
ReplyDeleteThank you Jane. Yes, I tend to avoid the crowds too, but there was no getting away from them in the centre of Manchester. X
DeleteNow living alone since the death of my dear farmer, I have not got a lot of inclination to decorate, but am putting up the cards as they arrive and I have one or two old favourites I shall put around. As I am outboth on Christmas Day and on Boxing Day it will not seem so bad. Have a good Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI think many cards are decorations in themselves, my favourites feature snowy, festive scenes. X
DeleteYours sound lovely. Such fun, with a 5 year old. :-)
ReplyDeleteOurs are very simple. And they are coming alone. :-) If I would wrap the few things, needing wrapping, I'd be quite golden.
But still have baking to do. Which is just a choice, not a necessity, so no great stress.
Enjoy!
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Thank you. Lily loves this time of year and we have a lot of fun together. We'll be making gingerbread at the weekend. X
DeleteLovely to feel the excitement of Christmas through a child’s eyes. I bet she makes a lovely angel and you will feel very proud of her. No tree here yet but it’s waiting in the garage so hopefully tomorrow. Cards now written. Just a few more presents to sort and then the food shopping. Enjoy your special time. B x
ReplyDeleteIt makes for a magical time Barbara. Lily is so excited. It sounds like you are well organised and I hope you enjoy decorating your tree. X
Deleteaw, so lovely. the picture of Lily at the tree is just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI never got to see Violet in a proper nativity. The closest her rubbish primary did was 'father Christmas needs a wee'. Totally stupid. I feel absolutely robbed and always will. x
Thank you Sadie. What a shame Violet never got to take part in a nativity, I'm not surprised you feel cheated. X
DeleteI miss the magical combination of small children and Christmas. I do get to see a lot of my grandchildren but when they don't live with you, you do miss out on a lot of their excitement. I think Lly will make a lovely angel. Her hair is very Angel-like. That's quite a line. Bet she'll do it wonderfully
ReplyDeleteSmall children do make a difference to the excitement levels in a house, especially at this time of year. X
DeleteThe run up to Christmas with children is so exciting. I'll miss the school nativity this year as my grandaughers year are not doing anything at school now :-(
ReplyDeleteIt'll be the first Christmas in 33 years that DH and I will wake up alone at home on Christmas morning, not sure as yet if I like the idea of peace and calm.
It's such an exciting time for children and there seems to be something on at school every day from now until the end of term.
DeleteIt is bound to feel a little strange to have a quiet Christmas morning for once. Maybe you can induldge yourselves with a sleep in. X
What a cute polar bear.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Lily will do wonderfully as an angel in her Nativity.
xx
Thank you Nil. Lily chose the decoration herself. It's something we've done since my friend bought her a decoration for her first Christmas. X
DeleteIt sounds as if you are well into the joy and excitement of the Christmas Season, you've had some great events and activities.
ReplyDeleteI finished writing the Christmas Cards earlier and now just have some presents to wrap.
The grandchildren are all looking forward to Christmas - it's so magical.
Enjoy your weekend.
All the best Jan
It's a wonderful time of year, especially for children. We've been enjoying a gradual build up. Lily loves the excitement and magic more than any presents she may receive. I'm sure you will share a lovely time with your grandchildren. X
DeleteYour tree is stunning!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd your cards are lovely too.
I know your little one will be the sweetest angel in the play.
Enjoy!
Thank you Billie Jo. It's only a small tree but we love it. X
DeleteBeautiful photo-it brought a tear to my eye. It so lovely to have little ones around who enjoy everything Christmassy. It looks as if you are preparing simply and mindfully as always.
ReplyDeleteThat's so sweet, Catriona. The wonderment in a little ones eyes is priceless and Lily loves the build up of excitement at this time of year. X
DeleteMy tree is up now and some of the cards are done. I am not quite with it just yet, I probably wont be right till after Christmas and then it will be too late. I will be early for next year! lol I was never an angel, I was a sheep once.
ReplyDeleteIt's so great to hear from you again, Sol. It sounds like you've had a busy year so I hope you're not putting any unnecessary pressure on yourself. Lily is happy to be an angel but, initially, she liked the idea of being a shepherd. X
DeleteThis bought back memories for me. I remember years ago when I was at school saying the Lords prayer, I thought it was 'forgive us our Christmases' until the teacher heard it and told me it was 'trespasses'. I really miss having my kids at christmas, its just not the same now.
ReplyDeleteBriony
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I think I like your version better :) Children have the wonderful knack of making us smile without them realising. Having Lily around has really opened my eyes to the joy of Christmas again. X
DeleteI, too, had a giggle about the confusion between "adore him/order him". Too cute! I'm sure she'll make a lovely angel and remember her line perfectly. :) I wish I could borrow her to help me decorate my tree (which is still in a box in the garage!) My preparations are lagging behind and it is starting to stress me out, a bit!
ReplyDeleteIt made me smile, Bless but she was word perfect once I explained what it should be. I'm not entirely sure you would welcome Lily's decorating style, however. X
DeleteHi Jules - just letting you know I am OK - have been so busy with mum and Christmas things (but more with mum!). It sounds like you are having a great time and have most things under control for Christmas - I am not sure I have anymore I seriously need to catch up.
ReplyDeleteI did buy a couple of decorations myself while out shopping with mum - it is just too tempting! xx
Vivien! It's so good to hear from you. I know you mentioned you were having your mum to stay, although I couldn't help but feel concerned when you didn't post for a while. I'm sure you'll have your preparations under control in no time. You are very organised. X
DeleteI love the picture of Lily admiring the tree. It's so sweet! It has been so damp here, too. We are expecting some sunshine tomorrow and that makes me very happy! We saw the Nutcracker today and it was wonderful, and so relaxing to sit back and watch. My daughter loved it! You are ahead of me on writing Christmas cards, and yours are lovely, I must say. I may not get around to them this year. Oh well! Hope you are having a nice weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you Julia. It's been a miserable weekend here too, weather wise at least. It must have been wonderful to see a performance of the Nutcracker. What a lovely way to start your Christmas. I wouldn't worry too much about your cards. I haven't had chance to make my wreath yet and I might not even bother now, although with the strong winds we've been experiencing, I doubt I would have hung it on the front door anyway. X
DeleteI prefer the ordering line than adoring (its much more original) :)
ReplyDeleteI think you're right :)
DeleteI suspect your preparations are much further along than mine...as if Mothers re-arrange the tree on the quiet! xx
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you will have been baking up a storm in the kitchen at at Little Winter, Jackie. X
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