Christmas Mantel

 

I've made a start. This evening, the fireplace has been decorated with a few favourite Christmas items, with more to follow over the weekend.

Today, at work, Christmas music filled the air and I spent much of my morning surrounded by kings, shepherds and sheep! 

It's beginning to feel festive.

J. X

Early December Morning

The sky was beautiful and clear as dawn broke. This was the scene as I made my way to work early this morning. It wasn't freezing, although you'd be forgiven for thinking it was, it had certainly felt chilly enough, and even then I'd been wrapped up well in my hat, scarf and gloves. 

I've spent another morning dashing around, but with just a couple of hours to spare I managed to accomplish everything I had set out to do. I am now stocked up with plenty of Christmas cards, enough brandy for making my mince pies, Christmas crackers - absolutely essential according to Lily, and most importantly, something sparkly for her to wear for the class Christmas party. I feel much better knowing all these bitty things are now out of the way and I can just concentrate on finishing my gift buying and making sure we have the necessary foodstuffs for the day itself. Then once all that is done with, the most important part, simply enjoying the season. 

J. X

December

 

Sadly, the snow only lasted a day or so before it got washed away by the rain. But here is another photograph from the weekend when everything looked oh-so-seasonal and just that little bit more festive. 

And I need all the festive cheer I can get at the moment, as I'm trying very hard to get into the spirit of all things Christmas but this year I am really struggling to muster up even the slightest enthusiasm. I need to remind myself that it is still a little while off yet, and I'm sure I'll be feeling a bit more excited as the days go by. I hope so, anyway. 

Last night I hung up the advent stockings, and I noticed the string they are tied up with is wearing rather thin in places - I forget they've been in use for a few years now. I'll have to remember this when I pack them away again in January, so that I'll be prepared for this time next year. They have been put above the fireplace and I expect there will be some more decorations joining them towards the weekend.

This morning, Lily excitedly reached for her first chocolate and once I had dropped her off at school, I made a quick trip into town to stock up on some ribbon, Christmas cards, and wool. I really would love to just take a whole day to myself and get everything I need all in one go, but I have to be content with snatching a couple of hours here and there. I know I will get there in the end, it just all takes that little bit longer this way.

Oh, and while I was there, I might just have treated myself to some mince pies. I'm feeling that little bit more festive already. 😁

J. X

First Snow

As the weekend's storm subsided, the weather became decidedly chilly and by Sunday morning the sky had turned overcast and heavy, a far cry from the bright sunshine we had been forecast. I was a little disappointed, having already planned a walk for the day but undeterred we set off anyway, determined to get out for some gentle exercise and fresh air. A few flakes of snow hung in the air but I wasn't expecting them to come to much, any hopes of a decent snowfall are often dashed, usually turning to sleet before even a light covering is settled.

It wasn't long before it became clear that the snow was here to stay and we were certainly not going to be heading up onto the fells any time soon. We couldn't even see them hidden beneath the heavy, low cloud. Never mind, we would take a walk round to the local National Trust property and through the nearby wood. But unfortunately we couldn't manage that either, as it was closed. Instead we walked a little way up the hill and along the lane. The snow was falling far heavier by this time and I was frequently being used as target practice for Lily's snowballs, when she wasn't on the ground making snow angels, that is. Any time I paused to chat with someone, she made sure to gather even bigger handfuls. Her aim is excellent by the way :)

Dropping down through the field we crossed the large stepping stones over the beck, being extra careful not to fall in. I didn't particularly relish the thought of a soaking in the icy cold water. Fortunately, the stones in the middle were flat and dry, it was on the ones closer to the edge where we needed to be especially cautious. It was lovely and peaceful there, not even a sheep to be seen. 

The final stretch of our walk took us alongside the river. The snow was falling much lighter now and the sun was trying it's best to break through the cloud. We gathered branches and pine cones, which had blown from the trees and onto the path. These will be used to make our festive door wreath at some time during the coming week.

It is the beginning of December tomorrow. Last year I posted a little something each day throughout the month. I'm not sure I will have chance to do that this year but I hope to at least post more often than I have recently.

J. X