Christmas Eve

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

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

Calm

 

Today has been my last day at work until the New Year and I can finally relax and hopefully unwind. Yes, I still have a few things I need to do before Christmas Eve, but I now have no need to rush to get jobs done in my lunch break, or quickly before having to collect Lily from school at the end of the day. 

It has been another busy but wonderful day, filled with fun, excitement and laughter. I hardly stopped until I arrived home this evening. And even then it was a quick turn around in order to get Lily to her Karate lesson. Her last one until January. 

I'm looking forward to enjoying some calm over the next few days. I should really have been travelling to Edinburgh tomorrow, but thought better of it, as there have been some severe weather warnings issued. I am a little disappointed, as I always enjoy my trips to the city, but I must confess I am now quite looking forward to a less hectic run up to Christmas Day. 

Tomorrow, I am going to take things easy, for the first time in a while. For once, there's nothing I actually need to do, so I intend to make the most of it. I might make my cranberry sauce or I might bottle up my blackberry vodka. Then again, I might not do either of those. 

J. X

Dark Days

 

Thank you all so much for your kind words on yesterday's post. After a fairly reasonable night's sleep. I felt a lot better this morning. Certainly much less achy at any rate, and I haven't felt quite as chilly. As it turns out, I appear to have a cold. Just a regular cold. I'd almost forgotten what that was like. 

Before I began to feel unwell, I'd had a pleasantly productive day. The last of my Christmas cards were written, I'd wrapped the majority of my presents, and as you can see from the photograph I finally got around to drying the orange slices for the tree. 

It hardly got light today, which isn't exactly surprising seeing as the winter solstice will be here before the end of the week.  I really dislike how dark the days have become, and it's easy for me to see why many people struggle at this time of year. Thank goodness for the Christmas lights, as they bring with them some much needed sparkle. 

This afternoon I attended the school's Christmas celebration. It was a lovely service including several of my favourite carols and various delightful contributions from the children. It's hard to think that this was Lily's very last one, and that this time next year she will be at secondary school. Where did those years go.

Tomorrow, will be my last day ay work until the new year, and I am more than ready for the break. If I've learned anything recently, then it is that I need to do much more than I am doing currently in order to improve my wellbeing. 

J. X

An Early Night

 

It's been a productive day, but I'm feeling achy and shivery this evening. I've just taken some paracetamol and I think an early night is in order.

Back tomorrow. 

J. X

Decorated for Christmas

 

Thank you so much for all your lovely comments on my recent posts. And also for understanding that it sometimes takes me a little while to respond. I think I've finally caught up now. 

The work's party, last night, was so much fun. I'm not entirely sure why it was advertised as being quite different from the typical Christmas party night, however. Because in all honesty it was every bit the same, aside from the street food option. There was food, a well stocked bar and the usual mediocre band. The only difference I can think of was that it was held in what can only be described as an outdoor, marquee style space. I think that was why I was told it might be a bit chilly. As it happened, I went well prepared, with warm leggings under my chiffon culottes, and a large warm soft scarf, should I have needed to wrap up. I even took my hand-warmers! My green velvet top was worn off the shoulder, so you can see why I was a little bit anxious. Anyway, in the end there was no need for any of it. The venue was actually quite warm, and I spent most of the evening dancing, which is probably why I feel a bit achy and tired today - It's the most exercise I've had in a while :) It felt really good to let my hair down, after what has been a rather busy and unsettled few months, and it was lovely to see my colleagues all enjoying themselves. 

Today my intention was to take things easy but instead, this morning, I found myself finishing the Christmas shopping and writing the last of my cards. I feel more relaxed about it all now, although I still need to get them all wrapped.

This afternoon, however, Lily and I took a drive over to Levens Hall, where they have the rooms all decorated for the festive season, along with musicians and choirs performing Christmas music in the main hall. It was a really lovely atmosphere and the fresh foliage decorations looked beautiful.

Outside, it  was a different foliage that provided the decoration. The topiary garden, which dates back to the 1690's, was mesmerising and I imagine it looks all the more special during the summer months. 

For now the weather has reverted to it's customary grey and damp. At least it stayed dry long enough for us to enjoy a walk around the garden.

J. X

A Lovely Evening

  

Good food, a lot of dancing and much laughter. 

J. X

Seeing Stars

 

A mince pie isn't the only new decoration on our tree this year. And no, I'm not referring to the cats - neither has attempted to climb it - so far, at least :)

We actually have twelve gold coloured, glass stars. I'd almost forgotten about them, as I'd bought them on sale at the beginning of this year. But they are really lovely, beautifully made and hung with some gorgeous, soft, green velvet ribbon. I still haven't got round to making some dried orange slices, but hopefully I will find the time at the weekend.

This evening, I've been out for an early Christmas meal with some friends. It was such a  nice and relaxed atmosphere, and the food was absolutely delicious. It's not often that I eat a three course meal, so I'm feeling rather full now. 

Tomorrow night I'm off out again! This time it will be for my work's Christmas celebrations. I'm not quite sure what to expect but I've been told it will be quite different to our usual Christmas party. And also, that I should wear something which will keep me warm!

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

The Tree is Up

 

We've spent a lovely evening decorating our tree. Now, which cat will be the first to try and climb it?. 

J. X

London Christmas Lights

Regent Street in December is not for the faint hearted. Fortunately, we were not there for the shopping experience. Instead we were there for for the festive atmosphere, but mainly to see all the wonderful Christmas lights on display. 

By the time we arrived in central London it was already heaving with shoppers and those who, like us, were there for the festive markets and Christmas lights. In fact, I couldn't even begin to imagine being able to get any shopping done, it was ever so crowded. Not that I was complaining, it was exactly as I'd expected it to be. London was always going to be busy on a weekend in December.

And it was totally worth it. Yes, it was exhausting, we must have walked miles, but the lights were absolutely beautiful. We even ventured into Fortnum and Mason, albeit briefly, as it was rammed. Then onto Liberty, which was much less frenzied, and where we managed to buy this year's Christmas tree decoration.

The evening ended with a drink of mulled wine, overlooking the Thames. The twinkling lights reflected in the water. 

The following morning we enjoyed a more leisurely stroll over Westminster Bridge, along Whitehall, down The Mall, then through St James's Park, where we stopped for coffee. Then it wasn't long after that we needed to catch the train for our journey home. 

Tired, but happy. It was a wonderful weekend, and one which I'll always remember. 

J. X

London in December

 

I apologise if I sparked concern with my feeling so tired last night. The truth is, I was exhausted, but on this occasion it was self inflicted. We've just spent an amazing couple of days in London seeing the Christmas Lights. 

We're back home again now, still tired but very happy. It was a wonderful experience. 

Oh, and I managed to get those presents delivered :)

I'll share more photographs tomorrow, when I've had time to sort through them all. 

J. X

Spirit of Christmas

 

I'm feeling very tired this evening. Back tomorrow.  

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

Tree Decorating

 

Thankfully, I woke this morning to find that most of the snow had thawed overnight, leaving the roads clear once again. The garden is still looking rather white, however, and as the temperatures are forecast to drop below freezing tonight, I expect there will be some patches of ice to contend with tomorrow. 

It has been a beautiful day. The sun shone and the sky was blue. I managed to find time to hand deliver several of my Christmas cards this morning, and I took another handful to the Post Office, feeling quite pleased with myself for being much more organised this year. 

At work this afternoon , myself and a colleague were given the wonderful task of decorating the tree. It was a lot of fun to do, especially as it is a real tree, and this year it is a respectable size. I spent a lot of time up a ladder in order to reach the higher branches, but even then I still struggled to get the star on the very top. Luckily I have fairly long arms and a blatant disregard  for my own personal safety :)

I'm looking forward to decorating our own tree, although I'm undecided as to whether it should be done before the weekend or early next week, by which time we should have a new ornament for it. The small kitchen tree is already looking lovely, decorated with bells and stars.

Oh, and I promised an updated photograph of the wreath with the holly added. I definitely prefer it with the red berries.

J. X

Down but Not Out

 

I have spent the last few days enjoying some festive fun in Edinburgh. Unfortunately, while I was there I sustained a slight injury, and on returning home I have also tested positive for Covid once again.  Hey ho!

Back soon. 

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 :)

Cold

 

I really don't tolerate cold weather very well at all, but I haven't found the recent low temperatures too unbearable, that is until today. It has been freezing all week, and so incredibly chilly that I made sure Lily has been wearing a pair of leggings underneath her school trousers each day! But it was -9° when I took her to school this morning! A little 'fresher' than I would like. 

It also doesn't help that I have been feeling tired today, as I had woken several times during the night.

An ordinary day, it began as usual for me, by putting some food down for Mog and Boo. Who, if appearances were anything to go by, hadn't eaten in days :) Next, I topped up the bird feeder, with a reminder to myself to buy some more fat balls next time I am in town. I also put out some fresh water and some small pieces of bread. We've been receiving plenty of visitors on these frosty mornings. My favourites, as always, are the robins.

This afternoon, I was, again, helping at the Warm Space event in the village. And after it proved to be so popular last week, I baked some more of the mincemeat shortbread, which went down a treat, and disappeared just as quickly.

An unexpected, last minute cancellation of plans, meant we have, at least enjoyed a less hurried evening.  Now, it is an early night for me, as tomorrow I will be spending the day rounding up Shepherds, Wise Men and Angels!

J. X