Gently Into December

  

 

As the title suggests, I have been easing myself into the month, being mindful of taking on too much, and so far, it's all going rather well. I've turned down a couple of events I felt I was being pressured into. Go me! (Or not, in this case), and I've lowered my expectations. This is very much a positive thing. With so much going on in the  background, it would be foolish of me to think I could keep up a pretence of everything being normal when, in fact, it is anything but.

That's not to say I am not enjoying myself, it's just all happening in a much quieter way this year.

The decorations are up! I think we might have even put them up a little earlier than usual, and we can thank Storm Darragh for that. It arrived the weekend we had planned to go to London to see the Christmas lights. I was quite relieved, to be honest. A weekend spent hunkering down at home, and making everything look festive, was very welcome, and although it was incredibly windy here, we fortunately managed to avoid the worst of it.

Even the decorations have been pared back this year. Not that I ever go overboard, but I've discovered that less is most definitely more in this little house. The advent stockings are in their usual position above the fireplace and the lovely, festive bunting, which my friend gifted me last Christmas, has been hung in the dining room. I've laid fairy lights around the base of the bay window, which give a warm and welcoming glow from outside, and the many decorations that we've collected over the years, have been lovingly hung on our tree. Each one holding precious memories of Christmasses past. 

This year, I didn't buy just one special decoration for the tree, but six! As a child, I remember two little bells hung on the Christmas tree. One green bell, and one red bell, although both of them appeared rather faded with age. I would just love to ring those little bells, which made the most magical sound. The bells I've bought were quite inexpensive, but they sound exactly the same. And each time I brush past our tree, they give that same magical ring. It is so lovely to hear. And, what makes me incredibly happy, is that I've noticed Lily occasionally pausing by the tree to ring one of them, just like I used to do. 

At the beginning of the week, Lily and I visited Sizergh Castle. This year, they are holding a Winter Light Trail, and I thought it would be a lovely way to spend an evening. It was really quite magical. The lights and music were almost hypnotic, and there was something to see around every corner. After the trail we were invited to walk around the house, where each room was decorated for Christmas throughout the years. It was all beautifully presented, and something a bit different. We really enjoyed it. 

Despite my best intentions, I'm still waiting for my festive spirit to arrive. And if it doesn't, then I'm quite okay without it. I'm still having a very lovely time, it's just different this year. Tomorrow, I'm hoping to finish my buying my Christmas gifts, and then I think I'll make a start on planning my Christmas food shopping.

J. X

Cold, Sparkly Mornings

As we near December, the weather has turned much colder here. I'm still riding my bike to work, although I'm wearing more and more layers as winter approaches. I have to be careful. For the most part, the road is fairly free from frost and ice, but I'm often distracted by views like this.

I wanted to blog before tomorrow, as a few of you have asked if I will be posting daily throughout December, like I usually do. I'm sad to say that I won't be doing this year. As much as I enjoy it, I just have too much going on right now, and I won't have the opportunity. My good intentions of enjoying a quieter month are also quite unlikely, as I only have the weekends to be able to get Christmas 'sorted'. Posting daily would put far too much unnecessary pressure on myself, and for me that is not what blogging is about. 

It won't just be preparations, however, as I'm being very firm with myself, this year, and keeping things as stress free as possible. There are also a lot of other fun things happening, which I'm very excited about. Since I last posted I've made a start with gift buying, which seems to be a little bit easier this year, especially as I have fewer people to buy for. I've purchased a very inexpensive box of Christmas Crackers, simply because I liked the pattern, and nobody really bothers with the novelty gifts anyway. And a lovely work colleague has taken orders for Christmas Cakes. She is, I've been told, an excellent baker, so I don't have any need to spend time making one myself. Then I've sat myself down and made a list of what I'd really like this Christmas, which is to make a homemade door wreath, a trip to go ice skating, and enjoying a drink (or two) of my Winter Spice Vodka. Oh, and I mustn't forget the Baileys and Quality Street! Everything else will remain optional. Christmas Day will be a pared back affair. Not quite my ideal vegetable lasagne and red wine scenario, but certainly much more simple. Yikes, I almost forgot the After Eights!

On a more reassuring note, I've just been checking in my diary, and so far it is completely empty between Christmas Day and New Year. Completely empty! I'm sure that will change at some point, but I'm going to try and keep it that way for as long as possible. 

J. X

Christmas Eve Eve

 

It has been almost as busy as Santa's workshop here today. This morning I cleaned the house from top to bottom, washed and dried two loads of laundry, then this afternoon I baked some flapjack, some mince pies, and finished wrapping my presents. Christmas Day is almost here.

The Winter Solstice, yesterday, was welcomed with candles and reflection. And after my successful supermarket and farm shop visits, I happily busied myself in the kitchen. Oh, how I have enjoyed spending more of my time in there over the last couple of days. I bottled the vodka and made a final batch of compote using the delicious blackberries I gathered back in summer. I also made a large batch of carrot, sweet potato and butternut squash soup. The weather outside was frightful, and as the rain poured and the wind blew, I felt very grateful for my warm, cosy home, realising how fortunate I am to have a safe roof over my head and cupboards filled with nourishing food. 

The turning of the wheel. Winter is upon us. From here onwards, the days will start getting longer and we will see a return to the light. As someone who is never happier than when feeling the warm sun on my face, this brings me a great sense of calm.

In the evening this manifested as a sudden urge to go out for a run. Lately, having had little to no opportunity to get out running, this was quite unexpected but very much enjoyed. The simple fact that I am still capable of this activity is a huge bonus - I wasn't certain my legs would manage. It was damp and it was dark, but the wind had subsided and the air was still. The run left me feeling quite energised and I made a note to myself to not leave it quite so long until I go out again.

Back to this evening, I put my feet up and enjoyed one of my mince pies with a drink of hot blackcurrant. Now that everything is prepared, I intend to relax and enjoy the next few days.

J. X

Shopping

Christmas is now just a few short days away, and Lily is in her usual state of excitement, with high expectation for the 'Best one ever!' 

Today I have found myself buying some late-in-the-day Christmas presents and finishing off those gifts which were almost complete. The weather hasn't done do much to help me feel festive. It's been blowing a hoolie for much of the day, and it was all I could do to stop myself from being blown off my feet. It did, however, make me feel relieved that I was close to home. Had we travelled to Edinburgh I would have spent all my time there worrying that our return train could have been cancelled. 

Gift shopping completed, I treated myself with a visit to my favourite store. It is full of the most beautiful gifts and homewares and I can always be guaranteed to find something I just need to bring home with me. On this occasion it was another tree decoration and a candle holder. These were actually quite inexpensive, and anyway, I can always consider them an early Christmas present to myself :)

I have, at least, managed to put off getting the main Christmas food shop. Well, I think I probably have most of what I want already. There are just a few more fresh items I need to get, along with the cheeses. I might try and go early in the morning, before it all gets too busy. 

J. X

Cranberries and Carols

 

If I overlook the mountain of ironing I worked through this morning, I have enjoyed a relaxed and stress free day. Simply the fact that I didn't wake until after 6am was proof of that. My brain has clearly tuned itself into holiday mode.

I've also spent some much needed time catching up on some blog reading, and it is  lovely to be up date with everyone's news. Although I'm having a few issues leaving comments on some posts and I think some might also have been sent directly to spam. I will keep persevering. 

This afternoon I made some cranberry sauce and the kitchen was filled with the most amazing aroma, as it simmered gently on the stove. I've put some in the freezer alongside the apple sauce, ready for serving with our Christmas Dinner, and the rest is going to be stirred in with our baked Camembert on Christmas Eve. As I don't really enjoy roast dinners, I'm sure you can probably guess which will be my favourite way of eating it. And I've still to bottle the blackberry vodka. Perhaps I'll do that tomorrow. 

This evening, Lily and I went Carol singing in the village, accompanied by a wonderful community band. We were meant to be on the village green, but sadly the inclement weather put paid to that idea, so the event was held in the church instead. It was just such a lovely evening, filled with joyful singing and punctuated by terrible Christmas Cracker jokes. Also, we were asked to participate a little more than expected during The Twelve Days of Christmas. It was a good way of keeping us warm, at least. 

The evening was fairly well attended, I thought, and I even saw a couple of dogs who were very well behaved and sat beautifully throughout. 

Tomorrow, I think I shall be doing the Christmas food shopping. Wish me luck!

J. X

Mince Pie

 

When I said that I had bought this year's tree decoration from Liberty, I don't suppose anyone thought it would be a felted mince pie. Me neither, but we thought it was so cute that we couldn't leave without it. It is also far more suited to our tree than any of the glittery baubles they had there. 

It's been a tiring day. There has been so much going on at work and I've been rushed off my feet. Even so, it has all been rather lovely, but I'll definitely be glad of the rest when I finish next week. 

This afternoon I've been into town to try and finish my Christmas shopping. I'm almost there. Just one more gift to find and another one ordered, which I need to collect in the morning. Then there's the job of getting them all wrapped :) With any luck, I should have everything sorted by the weekend. 

Next week, I'm looking forward to enjoying some unhurried mornings and spending some much needed down time doing whatever I please. In this house Christmas Day itself is always quite a relaxed affair, it's these days beforehand that I find quite challenging. There's always seems to be so much to do and yet very little time in which to do it. 

J. X

Presents

 

I was chatting with a friend earlier today, and I was saying how I'd forgotten just how busy work can be at this time of year. It often feels exhausting, but it's a lot of fun at the same time. Today was Christmas jumper day. Mine has a large Christmas pudding on the front, which is quite appropriate, seeing as that's how I'm feeling at the moment. 

I've hardly stopped this week and any spare moments I've had have been spent trying to source Christmas presents. This has always been something I have found rather stressful, given that I'm not a huge fan of shopping. And I tend to put far too much pressure on myself to get the perfect gift for everyone, which of course is never going to happen. Unrealistic expectations. 

It can also be incredibly time consuming. Whether shopping online or on the High Street, these things invariably take much longer than I anticipate. Is it just me? That said, I don't think I'm doing too badly this year. Most of my present shopping is now complete, with just a few more items left to buy. Then I can relax.

This evening I have been busy baking some Mincemeat Shortbread, as tomorrow it's my turn to provide the festive treats for the staffroom. The coffee table is already hidden beneath several tubs of chocolates, and these are only going to increase as we get closer to Christmas. 

J. X

Frosty Morning

It had been freezing cold during the night. This morning the garden was iced over, so I ventured out very carefully to replenish the water in the bird feeder. Snowy was still standing, complete with his hat and scarf, although he was looking much slimmer than when we'd first built him. 

After I'd dropped Lily off at school, I came home and ate breakfast - delicious hot porridge, drizzled with syrup, a ideal warmer for such a cold morning. It may have been chilly, but it was a gorgeous, sunny start to the day, so I decided to walk into work. The frosty landscape was sparkling and the ground crisp beneath my feet. It was the sort of cold that made your ears and fingers tingle, and I was very grateful for my woolly hat and gloves. 

It's been an funny sort of day. At work we've almost reached a stage of anything goes, and there's so much going on just now that I can hardly keep up. It's Christmas Jumper Day tomorrow, so I really mustn't forget that.

This evening I was able to collect two more Christmas gifts that I'd ordered. It sounds simple enough but the traffic was so busy that it took ages just to drive to the store and back. I'm glad I've got them though, as there's one, which I need to deliver this weekend and the other, well, I wasn't confident it would actually turn up. 

J. X

Snow Day

 

It came as a huge relief when we heard that school would be closed today. I didn't relish the thought of trying to get the car off the snow covered drive first thing this morning, and even though the main roads are mostly passable now, the untreated side roads are going to take a lot longer to thaw out completely.

 

Instead, I spent an unexpectedly relaxed morning at home, using my time to write some Christmas cards, compile various lists and place several online orders for gifts. It feels good to have finally made a start, especially with the cards, as I always forget how time consuming it can be just to write them.

 

This afternoon, I set about making my door wreath, using the greenery I'd gathered at the weekend. I had thought about using some pink coloured velvet ribbon, which was why I hadn't added any red berries at this point. I later changed my mind - I do love a traditional red - so I might upload the photograph tomorrow. By the time I'd decided to add the holly, it was early in the evening and had already gone dark.

This afternoon Lily and I went into town. The pavements were treacherous, as the compacted snow, which had begun to melt, left them like an ice rink. It was all we could do just to stay upright. We wouldn't have ventured out at all, but we had a dental appointment, which had already been rescheduled twice previously. I'm pleased to say that we both received good reports, with no need to be seen again for another six months.

J. X

Nativity

 

Yesterday, Lily's school enjoyed their annual Christmas celebration in the village church. I say annual, and yet it hasn't been held for the last two years because of the restrictions. Therefore, this year's service felt rather special, and it was so lovely to see children and their family members gathering together again, after all this time. And of course, nothing is quite so festive than some tiny children acting out the Christmas story and singing 'Little Donkey.' 

It seems like no time at all since Lily played the part of an angel when she was in reception class, and yet next September she will begin her final year of primary school. It has all gone so fast and I'm still in denial :)

The day didn't actually begin terribly well. All the snow had melted away, the car had a flat tyre, and then I was needed at short notice to cover for a colleague who was feeling unwell. Even though it seemed like a huge invonvenience at the time, there was a silver lining. The flat tyre didn't occur when we will be travelling later on in the week. And also it was one of the tyres, which believe it or not, I had already arranged to get replaced at the garage today. Working the additional hours also prompted my new contract to be drawn up, so I will be in my current position until the spring, at least. 

Thankfully, I was able to relax a little in the evening. The day had taken it's toll just a little. Not too long to go now. 

J. X

December Weekend

 

I never meant to miss posting over the last couple of days. In fact, I had also hoped to spend some time catching up with a bit of blog reading, it's just that I've hardly stopped. 

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

Friday passed by in a blur, filled with Christmas Carols, tiny Angels, Kings, and Shepherds. Then in the evening, I attended my work's Christmas party, which was a lot of fun, and everyone had such a great time. I went with the sequined dress in the end, and I am happy to say it received several compliments. It actually felt good to dress up and make a bit of an effort for once. The dress was a lovely fit, and with it being a little bit stretchy, felt very comfortable to wear, even after I had helped myself to a generous plateful (or two) of food from the buffet :)

The following morning, I was delighted to discover that it had snowed again overnight. It looked ever so pretty, although getting about proved to be difficult. Even so, it was a very festive morning I spent in the town, finishing off my Christmas gift shopping. There was a brass band playing, carol singers, and of course a beautiful snowy backdrop. Better still, I managed to get everything I wanted, and a bit more besides. A box of mince pies somehow found their way into my shopping bag :) 

In the afternoon, I put together our Christmas Crackers. My gift isn't going to be much of a surprise, but I made sure I didn't read any of the jokes before placing them inside. Making them was probably an added hassle I could have done without (noted) but it was quite nice to add some more personal touches to each one, and they are going to look lovely on our Christmas table.

Today I finally got around to drying some orange slices to hang on the tree. I've done this for several years now, and I love how they look against the glow of the fairy lights. I've also strained the Winter Spice Vodka, which had been steeping in a large kilner jar at the back of the kitchen cupboard, since the end of August. I might have enjoyed a small glassful this evening - all in the interests of quality control, of course

In between, I have wrapped and delivered a few more presents, I've eaten more mince pies than can be considered a reasonable amount, and I've thought about the possibility of not doing Christmas at all next year,  but going on holiday instead!*

J. X

*Only joking. Lily would never allow it :)

Feeling Better

Although it was a restless night for me, Lily, at least, slept soundly throughout. And this morning, I am very relieved to say, she appeared a little more like her usual self. Another quick check of her temperature and I felt myself relax, realising that my worst fears were unfounded. She is still looking red in the  face but has, at least, eaten today, and she has been drinking plenty of water. 

Overnight, we got a covering of snow. Usually, Lily would be so excited to go outside as soon as she could, but this morning she simply enjoyed looking at it through the window. She has spent the day resting, and I'm sure she will feel the benefit of another good night's sleep. 

Today, I started writing my Christmas cards, and at Lily's request we have decorated the tree. I almost tied myself in knots trying to untangle the lights, but it is all looking quite lovely now. 

J. X

Bleak

 

Lily slept much more soundly last night and even though she is still coughing on and off, she insists she's feeling fine. I know better than to disagree, as much like her mother, she doesn't 'do' being ill. Instead, we plough on regardless, until such time as we have to admit defeat. That said, the advent chocolates disappear rapidly each morning, and she does appear to be quite unaffected by this virus, and so for that I am very grateful.

The weather today has been typical of this time of year. Even when the sun shone, the sky looked colourless and grey. The air felt damp and cold, and even our favourite walk failed to lift the spirits as much as we would have liked. A walk I insisted would do us some good, as I always advocate fresh air to blow away any residual germs, and so far it seems to have worked. We wrapped up well against the chill of the afternoon. Hats and gloves are needed most days now, a sure sign that winter will soon be here. 

I've been though all my gifts and checked some items off my lists, and I am happy to say that I have less remaining to do than I had initially thought. Although I am slightly regretting my fanciful notion of making my own Christmas Crackers this year. In my defence, this was back at the end of the summer, before I realised I would be working such long hours. Oh well, I could always just buy some instead. 

J. X

A Crafty Morning

Lily and I have enjoyed a lovely morning at our local Wildlife club session. We created some sparkly pine cones for our Christmas tree, painted cards with added bark embellishments, and cut out paper lanterns. It was our last session of the year, so I'm glad we were able to attend, even though Lily had spent the previous night coughing and had been quite restless. Despite feeling tired, she had insisted we still attend, and it was lovely to see some familiar faces and wish them well for the festive season. 

This afternoon, I went into town and managed to make some more progress with my gift shopping. However, I must make sure I get the last of the items on my list sooner rather than later. I have a habit of reaching this stage in my preparations and becoming complacent, when in fact there is much more still to be done. And please don't worry that I am putting unnecessary pressure on myself, I just don't really enjoy shopping - at any time :)

J. X

Lists, Lights and a Latte

This evening, I spent a short while writing out some lists. This will have one of two outcomes. I can either feel incredibly organised and smile smugly to myself as I cross things out once they have been accomplished, or I will put unnecessary burden upon myself, then end up feeling stressed and wrung out. I will feel quite satisfied if I can achieve somewhere in between. I am one of those people who needs to feel under some slight pressure in order to get myself motivated enough to do anything, and I do love a good list, especially at this time of year. And for those of you who take a far more relaxed approach to your celebrations, please let me in on your secret :)

Prior to my very essential list writing, we took a trip out to see some Christmas lights at a nearby National Trust property. 

The pretty display is new this year and is combined with the later opening hours of the gift shop and cafe, which I took full advantage of. 

I now have another gift which can be crossed (smugly) off my list. I also enjoyed some delicious hot mulled wine AND a Gingerbread Latte! 

J. X

 

December

 

Here we are again. It is the beginning of a new month and what is, in this house at least, the official start of our countdown to Christmas. If you have been reading here for a while now, you will know I have, for the last couple of years at least, posted a little something each day during December, and I would really like to continue this tradition if I can. I love having this reminder of my days throughout the month. The reassuring comfort in the familiar, and also the joy in discovering new ways of celebrating the festive season.

It is still a little too early for us to put up our tree, but this evening I added a few decorations to the mantel and some bright fairy lights now surround our new wooden advent calendar. I had originally intended to buy one of those candles, which can burn down a short amount each day.. However, with very limited choice, I decided this would be a far more suitable option instead, especially what with Boo running around and wreaking havoc :) It is a lovely, simple design and the little star on top gets moved along each morning right up until Christmas Eve. The chocolate filled stockings are hung below the ledge, just above the fireplace.

It has been a gentle start to the month. This afternoon I was helping out at the village Warm Space initiative, where my home made sticky ginger cake was much appreciated, and where I enjoyed plating several games of dominoes. I won best out of three, although I have been challenged to another match next week. How could I refuse! I think this time I'll bake mince pies.

J. X

Happy Christmas!

 

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!" 

J. X

All Wrapped Up

 

I've only just gone and done it! After spending a half hour locked away in my bedroom, all the presents  are finally wrapped. Now I can rest easy knowing the hardest part is over with. With a little one in the house, keeping the magic alive for as long as possible isn't always easy, but it will be worth it to see Lily's eyes light up on Christmas morning.

I woke earlier than usual this morning. Something disturbed my sleep shortly after 4am and then my mind started to wander to what I needed from the supermarket, what else needs to be done before Saturday, and what do I need to remember to take out of the freezer. There was nothing else for it, other than to get out of bed and write myself a list. Fortunately, an early start also meant I could get to the supermarket before the rush, and so I was back home with everything on my list by nine o'clock. What a relief, I really don't enjoy shopping, even less so when it is busy. And better still, I managed to fit everything I needed into the fridge freezer. It took a bit of rearranging, but I should now have enough in there to last me until next week.

After my second coffee of the morning, I set about clearing the huge pile of ironing, before topping up the bird feeder and cleaning our walking boots, which was quite a job in itself - somehow they had gotten filthy with mud yesterday. 

This afternoon I baked some mince pies. This is a sure sign we are getting closer to the big day. Mincemeat shortbread is my preferred choice and it is so much easier for taking with us when we go walking, but on Christmas Eve only a proper mince pie will do. 

And of course, I had to try one, just to make sure they tasted delicious. 

J. X

Christmas Countdown

 

It's been a wonderful, magic filled and incredibly busy day, but it's time now to relax. 

J. X

Cinnamon and Cloves

 

Much as I have thoroughly enjoyed working this week, I know that by tomorrow afternoon I'll be relieved to finish for the holidays. I feel exhausted. My decision to drop off a Christmas card 'only fifteen minutes out of my way' after Lily's swimming lesson this evening, and at the end of an already long day, was not one of my better ones, so I won't be long out of bed. The recipients were not even in, so I just had to put it through the letterbox. I should have just posted it in the first place. I'll know better next year :)

This morning I was reading Sue's blog, when she happened to post about one of my most favourite things to eat - shortbread. I love it. And I meant it when I commented that I would happily pass on any type of cake or biscuit for  piece of good shortbread. For something so simple it really is delicious. And I also meant it when I said I would then have to bake some for myself, which I did, except I added a generous pinch of cinnamon and cloves to mine, just to give it a Christmassy flavour. I'm glad I remembered to pick up some more at the supermarket last week, as I've recently been adding it to my compote and I will also be using it in my mincemeat shortbread when I finally get around to making it next week. I always associate both flavours with this time of year.

This is the recipe if you would like to bake some yourself. 

Tomorrow is the last day of the school term, and that means Christmas parties. Lily is so excited and will be wearing her 'something sparkly' for the occassion. I've sent all my cards, I've bought all my gifts. Now I'm looking forward to having the time to relax and make the most of the festive season. 

J. X