Home for Christmas

I've finished! 

This afternoon I added the final pieces to my Home for Christmas jigsaw, and I have to admit it has proved to be quite the challenge. I've always loved jigsaws. Searching out the corners, completing the straight edges, then fitting all the middle pieces until the puzzle is finally complete. But what I had forgotten is that most of the jigsaws I've done previously have been for children, whereas this one has 1000 pieces.

I bought this puzzle last year with the intention of completing it on the run up to Christmas. I took a relaxed approach. Too relaxed, as it turned out. I didn't start it until halfway through December and I only managed to complete the border, so in my frustration it was hurriedly packed away. This year, determined to finish it, I set it up on the dining table and got started on the border right away. This was quite straightforward as, fortunately, I'd had the foresight to at least keep the border pieces separate from the rest when I'd put it away following my first attempt.

For the last two weeks I've been chipping away at it whenever I've had a spare moment. Sometimes I've managed to place just one or two pieces, whereas others I've completed whole sections. Often, I've found myself lingering over it far longer than I intended - it's surprising how time flies when I'm concentrating. Some pieces seemed almost impossible to fit, to the extent I was convinced some of the puzzle pieces were from a completely different jigsaw, and occasionally I've returned to it to discover I've had a little 'help'.

I think you'll agree, it's a lovely festive scene. Will I get another to complete next Christmas? Maybe, but perhaps one which has just 500 pieces. ☺

J. X

Cinnamon Shortbread

This morning I took another trip into town and I'm happy to say that I've now finished my Christmas shopping. It's always a relief to know this part of Christmas is in hand and that all I have left to do now is the wrapping. This is not my most favourite thing to do but this year I'm going to enlist my own little elf to help me - not that she knows this yet :) As well as my gift buying I posted Lily's letter to Santa, stocked up with brown paper and treated myself to some more mince pies. 

On returning home I hung some dried oranges slices from the tree. I originally intended to use them to make a garland but as I've yet to find the time to make my door wreath, I don't think this is going to happen this year. Not to mind, they look pretty on the tree instead. 

This afternoon I baked some cinnamon shortbread. This is a very easy and delicious bake, perfect for enjoying with a mug of coffee. 

To make these you will need:

60g Caster sugar

120g Butter

180g Plain Flour

½ teaspoon cinnamon

A large pinch of ground cloves

Put all the ingredients into a large bowl and mix well together, I like to use a fork. Roll out the dough to approx. 1cm thick and cut into shapes. Bake at 150° for 15 minutes. 

More progress has been made on the jigsaw and I'm hoping it will be finished in the next couple of days.

J. X

Peter the Polar Bear

This evening we've decorated our tree. I had originally planned that we would do this after dinner, with some Christmas music playing in the background and a large glass of Baileys in my hand. What I hadn't accounted for, however, was Lily's level of excitement, and insisting we decorate the tree the moment she returned home from school. Fortunately, the tree was in position, having been brought into the house earlier this morning, and I had already hung the lights, so it was all set for Lily to do the fun part. My Baileys would just have to wait.  

With the box of decorations open on the coffee table, we removed each glass bauble from it's tissue paper wrapping and hung them carefully on the more sturdy branches of the tree. Next we opened the more special decorations. Some which have been bought on holidays or weekends away and others gifted from a dear friend. This year, with not being able to enjoy our usual visit to the Christmas markets, we found our decoration much closer to home, at the farm shop. 

Introducing Peter the Polar Bear. Peter is a lovely little felted bear and he's been waiting very patiently above the fireplace all week, just ready for his moment on the tree,

which is fully decorated, and until now has remained that way. For how much longer, I'm not too sure.........

I think I'll be needing that Baileys. 

J. X

Christmas Traditions

This afternoon, I was slightly taken aback when a colleague wished someone a Happy Christmas. The days are passing quickly and even though I feel reasonably well organised (for once), I had a sudden realisation that Christmas is a little over two weeks away and there is still so much I keep meaning to do. I've been gradually working my way down my list and I've noticed that, although some of these activities are changeable each year, there are just some things I like to do the same every Christmas. We all do them, our own little traditions that make Christmas's special to us. It might be something that reminds us of our childhood, such as hanging a particular decoration that brings back special memories, how we like to  countdown to the day itself, or even the special treats we bake to enjoy with family and friends. 

This last week I've been to the florists for some eucalyptus. For many years now I've liked to display sprigs of eucalyptus somewhere in the house throughout December, usually across Lily's advent calendar. This year, because the florists were closed until the 2nd, I have placed some in a vase above the fireplace instead, and I might use some in my door wreath - something else I need to get on with this week.

Another little tradition of mine is buying clementines. Now, if I'm being completely honest, it is highly  likely they won't all get eaten, but the sweet citrus scent of the ones that do will transport me right back to my childhood, eating them while sitting underneath the Christmas tree in the twinkly colourful glow of fairy lights. I remember gazing in wonderment at all the brightly coloured, old style baubles and quirky (often questionable) decorations hanging from the tree, and twisting strands of gold lametta around my fingers. 

Home made apple sauce, Winter Spice Vodka, gingerbread, enjoying a glass of Baileys while decorating the tree. A tin of Roses or Quality Street? A tin of each? A trip to the nearest town to see the Christmas lights. Mince pies, winter walks, a new tree decoration. These are just some of the little things that make it feel like Christmas for me. Sometimes I add to the list. Last year we had the best time ice-skating. Sadly, that won't be happening this Christmas but we will be looking forward to enjoying it again next December.

Christmas is going to be very different for everyone this year but what I would love you to share, please, are your little traditions. What little things make Christmas for you?

J. X