I hope you all enjoyed a calm and peaceful Christmastime. I've been intentionally absent in this space for a while, as I needed some time to reflect on the holiday and acknowledge a few aspects which were rather challenging for me, this year. Even though I thought that I'd been prepared for it, the reality was much harder than I had anticipated. The last few weeks have seen many ups and downs, but as usual I'm focusing on the ups, as that is what's keeping me going just now.
Keeping everything incredibly simple has been a huge help, as well as being quite the eye opener to what I really don't need to bother with in future. I did, of course, enjoy taking the time to make my own door wreath, using some fir tree branches, which I'd gathered from the woods, and tied with some pink velvet ribbon, which had been wrapped around one of last year's Christmas presents. This is something I really enjoy doing, and I find it so relaxing.
On Christmas Eve, just like last year, we met up with some friends for a girl's brunch. It was a relaxed and happy occasion and I have a feeling that this will become a regular event moving forward. After all, this is how traditions start.
Even though I'm almost certain that Lily simply does this for my benefit now, we left out the obligatory carrot and mincemeat shortbread for the big man himself. No whisky this year, as for some reason, Lily decided milk would be the more healthy alternative :)
Christmas Day was fairly quiet and relaxed. Dinner was excellent, if I say so myself :) with the only leftovers being five balls of stuffing. This I was thrilled about, as it meant we could get back to eating 'normal' food straight away.
The very inexpensive crackers were a hit. And I've particularly enjoyed transforming the leftover card into next year's gift tags, already. I just adore the robin and holly print.
As is tradition, we went out for a walk on Boxing Day morning. I don't know if it was because of the gloomy, damp weather, but it was much quieter out than usual. The fell tops were covered with cloud, but there were still some gorgeous views to enjoy. I realised that I haven't spent as much time outdoors recently, so I really must rectify that in the New Year. Then it was back home again, where I cooked up a rather tasty homemade take on a Greggs Festive Bake. Simply served up with a side of pickled red cabbage, it was so delicious that it has been suggested as an alternative to next year's Christmas dinner!
Yesterday, we enjoyed some time ice skating. It's one of my favourite things to do at this time of year, even though I'm sure that, by now, I should have graduated to being the person who sits and watches, while holding all the bags. Even so, I'm quite happy to take my time skating tentatively around the edge of the rink, while Lily glides away effortlessly across the ice.
We're now getting ever closer to 2025, and I'm feeling more positive and hopeful. Prioritising my own needs is still an ongoing learning process, but I'm getting better at it all the time. Looking back over the last twelve months, I'd like to think that I've seized opportunities and made the most of my days. There's always room for improvement, of course.
I joked with Lily about doing a New Year's Day dip in Derwentwater, and she was, surprisingly, up for it! Maybe in 2026.
J. X
We quietly downscaled our festivities too - we have done for several years but this one seemed/felt right to scale it to celebrate family and home and avoiding (or trying as best possible) commercialism and excess. It felt good to do it that way. Especially as both our boys have to celebrate with their partner's families too (both of which have rather extended families so is suddenly gets very complicated and expensive).
ReplyDeleteHere is to swimming on New Year's day 2026!
For several reasons, it was my intention to create a much more relaxed holiday this year. I was very fortunate in that I could spend Christmas Day with my family, and that was the most important thing for me.
DeleteWill you be joining me next year? Xx
eek! In spirit (hahaha) in spirit - but in case you think I am shirking - I have a person goal too xxk
DeleteI'm intrigued :)
DeleteExcellent planning with your Christmas meal, just five stuffing balls, which I imagine are delicious fried the next day (I have never had any stuffing balls). I am doing less every year for Christmastime. I realise it was primarily myself putting the pressure on me…. This year, I didn’t bake traditional Swiss Christmas cookies and they weren’t even missed! I would love to make a wreath though, I find these very welcoming and heartwarming. I missed a workshop to learn how to make one because I was so very tired. Next year. There is still a day or so to think about the 2025 New Years Day dip…. Wishing you and yours a happy new year, when it comes xx
ReplyDeleteI couldn't believe how I managed to cook just the right amount for everyone. It felt so good that I could enjoy my meal and not feel completely stuffed. I even had room for some Sticky Toffee Pudding!
DeleteI have missed doing some of my traditional Christmas preparations this year, but not enough that I was going to stress about them. There's always next year.
Happy New Year, Christina! Xx
Your Christmas sounds perfect and I love your simple door wreath. Traditions like girls brunch sound a great way to celebrate the season. Wishing you a calm and happy new year. B x
ReplyDeleteThe girls brunch is such a fun occasion. I really hope it continues.
DeleteHappy New Year, Barbara! Xx
Hello, my lovely friend. I so enjoyed sharing your Christmas with you. I applaud you for embracing simplicity in a time when society demands commercial excess. I have begun to do the same, and it is refreshing and so much more peaceful.I love your wreath, and although I feel badly not knowing what you have went through recently, I am happy you are coming out the other side resilient and ready for a Happy New Year. Hugs from Maryland, my friend!
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Billie Jo, and thank you for your kind words. My simple Christmas was perfect for me, this year. I think it was exactly what was needed. Xx
DeleteYour Christmas sounds a good one.
ReplyDeleteA New Year's dip in Derwent Water sounds very adventurous ... I wonder if you and Lily will be doing this in 2026?
Enjoy the remainder of December and sending good wishes for the New Year of 2025.
All the best Jan
A New Years dip in Derwentwater sounds cold! :) Maybe next year.
DeleteHappy New Year, Jan! Xx
Christmas as a child was full of people and families together, these days we have just 1 day together, which suits us, I don't have the energy to party for days. I love your photo's as always they show much of your adventures.
ReplyDeleteYes, Christmas celebrations are different as we grow older. Families change and move further away from one another. I've never been a huge fan of Christmas Day itself, preferring instead to focus on enjoying the season. X
DeleteI love your wreath, Jules. It is so pretty!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading about your Christmastime celebrations. I am sorry the last few weeks have been so difficult, but, you are doing the right thing by focusing on the positives. I've not heard of a Greggs Festive Bake, so looked it up and I think I need to get myself some puff pastry!
I wish you, Lily, and your loved ones a very happy and healthy New Year. May you be able to face the challenges you encounter in the new year with the same grace you've shown throughout this year.
Thank you, Bless. Yes, even my wreath was kept simple this year.
DeleteGreggs has a bit of a reputation over here. If you haven't eaten one of their sausage rolls or pasties out of a paper bag, then you've not lived :) And they do, in my opinion, make the best mince pies, which I look forward to each year.
I will post the recipe if you are interested. I found it online and it was really delicious.
Happy New Year, Bless! Xx
Beautiful photos of both your Christmas food and festivities and of your Boxing Day walk. Best wishes for the New year:)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rosie. And a Happy New Year to you! Xx
DeleteSmashing seasonal photos Jules. I especially like the stepping stones. Have a great 2025.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dave. I imagine those stepping stones will be under water this morning, after all the rain we've been having.
DeleteHappy New Year! Xx
Your Christmas sounds perfect, scaling back to the simple things often gives us clarity on what we really need and what makes us happy. Well done on the dinner planning, though there'd never be stuffing left on our Christmas dinner table, it's fought over here, haha.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jo. I did make rather a lot of stuffing :)
DeleteScaling back sounds as if it made for the perfect Christmas. I think it makes for a more relaxed time of contentment. I think the less stress we put on ourselves, the greater we can enjoy our family and friends. Wandering out in the woods and foraging for greenery was one of my favourite things to do at Christmas.
ReplyDeleteFor me, it's important to seek out those moments of calm, in what can be a busy and stressful time of year. Xx
DeleteHappy New Year's Eve dear Jules!
ReplyDeleteYou live in such a beautiful area. I'm so glad that focusing on a simpler Christmas and prioritizing yourself is your focus. So healthy! Those crackers are adorable! And I love that you go ice skating. I haven't been in years. You have such beautiful intent in your thoughts and all you share -I love that. Wishing you abundant blessings for your 2025. I look forward to more time sharing with you here my Friend. 🙏🏻✨❤️
I loved the print on those crackers, and the card has made some sweet little tags to go on next year's gifts.
DeleteIce skating is a lot of fun. You should try it again.
A very Happy New Year to you, Carrie! Xx
Happy New Year, dear Jules! I'm delighted to hear that your scaled back Xmas was just as enjoyable as your usual one. Your wreath with the pink velvet ribbon is beautiful, so classy! xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vix. This Christmas has made me realise just how ridiculous I'd been to put so much pressure on myself. I've tried to put more emphasis on connecting with my family and friends, and making memories.
DeleteThe ribbon was from Anthropologie - so definitely classy ;)
Happy New Year! Xx
It sounds like your Christmas was just right Jules. I love the photo of Mog, that little face is just so adorable. Have a Happy New Year and I hope 2025 is a good one for you and your family xx
ReplyDeleteHere's to more adventures! Happy New Year, Eunice. Xx
DeleteBeautiful photos, as always, Jules. I LOVE that wreath! Maybe I will make my own next year. The pink ribbon is delightful. Glad to hear you are prioritizing yourself. Very wise…
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stephenie. I always enjoy making my door wreath. I think it's about taking that bit of time for myself, just to focus on creating something pretty.
DeleteHappy New Year! Xx
I love your door wreath! I had every intention of making one but didn't get round to it. Well done for not having leftovers, despite not over buying on food this year we still seem to have a lot left, although we have made an effort to get back to normal eating. Thank you for visiting my blog and taking the time to leave a comment, I will put the stollen recipe up in the next few day, it's really easy to make, might be too late to try this year but do let me know if you try it in future.
ReplyDeleteHappy new year, hope it's a good one for you x
The recipe would be great. Thank you, Maggie. My daughter loves stollen.
DeleteI'm not really a fan of traditional Christmas food, so I made a big effort not to get too much in this year. Although, I still have far too much chocolate in the cupboard :)
Happy New Year! Xx
Hello Jules. Your Christmas sounds a lot like ours this year. It was different in many ways and quieter than in years past, but it was also nice. Your wreath is lovely, by the way. I'm happy to hear you are coming out on the other side of whatever you have dealt with this past year. In many ways, 2024 was a tough year for me, and I'm happy to say goodbye! Happy New Year to you and Lily! Here's to a happy, healthy, and blessed 2025, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI think we have so many unrealistic expectations of how this time of year should look, when the reality can be quite different for many of us. I've tried to focus on connecting with friends and family, and creating happy memories.
DeleteMay 2025 bring you peace and happiness. Xx
Thank you Jules for all the glorious photos you have posted over 2024. Wishing you a blissful, joyful and healthy 2025. June
ReplyDeleteThat's very kind. Thank you, June.
DeleteHappy New Year. Xx
A happy new year to you and Lily and I look forward to seeing more of your lovely photos in 2025. xx
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Joy. Xx
DeleteI always enjoy your photos and get inspired by your walks. I find walking almost a meditative process, it somehow centres me, and brings me back to myself. I find myself when I walk. I’m not sure if that makes sense, but walking is an important part of my life. Your wreath is lovely, I had to look up the Greggs Festive Bake also, it sounded very tasty. Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy 2025. Jean in snowy Winnipeg.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words.
DeleteI love to walk. Spending time in nature is important to me, and I find myself getting restless when I can't get outdoors (I'm sure I must have been a dog in a previous life). I'm looking forward to adventuring more, as the days lengthen and the weather begins to improve.
Greggs is very much a British institution, and I'm a big fan of their mince pies at Christmastime. Their cheese and onion pasties are rather tasty, as well :)
Happy New Year, Jean! And please send some snow my way. Xx