O Christmas Tree!

 

Much like our new bauble, I sourced our Christmas tree back at the beginning of the year. And yes, it is artificial. Lily wanted to go big this year, which for us would have meant having to get a cut tree. And as many of you know, I don't like the idea of a tree without roots.

Although I usually prefer a living, potted tree, I do quite like this one, because of its lack of symmetry and realistic shape. It is neither too big nor too small, and just the right width that it doesn't dominate the room. Also, it would probably withstand the attentions of a small kitten should he ever be inclined to give it a closer inspection :)

It is much lower maintenance than a real tree. I don't need to water it on a regular basis, or constantly vacuum up pine needles, although I had forgotten just how long it takes to unfold all those branches. 

If I'm being honest with you, I think I might just have been converted. Although, next year, I might consider a real tree again. Just a small one. In the kitchen. 

J. X

Wide-Eyed!

 

You might not think it from looking at this photograph, but Boo has not yet attempted to climb up the Christmas tree. He will occasionally take a gentle swipe at a bauble or two but has, so far, allowed all of the other decorations to remain untouched. I think I will keep him ;)

Christmas is gradually building to a low simmer here, and yet I am still not feeling quite in the festive mood. I've managed to buy all but one of my gifts (As always, I'm trying not to think about the wrapping!), I've written all of my cards, and yet somehow it all seems a little flat this year. I don't expect the current climate is doing anything to help the situation, and I have noticed the stores here are already running down their Christmas supplies. 

I realise that with working longer hours, I haven't had as much time as I would have liked to prepare this year. Something to address another time perhaps. Then again, I'm probably expecting too much of myself as well. After all, I am very good at that :)

It is my work's Christmas 'do' this weekend, and to mark the occasion I have treated myself to something new to wear, that is neither practical nor outdoorsy! Two dresses arrived yesterday.  Yes, two! The first one I ordered went missing in the mail, and so I ordered myself another. Of course, the first one eventually turned up, albeit two weeks later than it should have. Now, they are quite similar in style and I really like them both. So, I just need to decide. Do I go with sparkles or sequins?

J. X

Herdy Bauble

 

Every December I buy a new decoration for our tree, and this year was to be no exception. Only this one I got way, way back in January, and tucked it away safely in a drawer. That was until last weekend, when I took great joy in finally hanging it up on our Christmas tree.

This gorgeous little sheep bauble has been hand felted from actual Herdwick fleece, and he has the most adorable expression. He is sitting beautifully, high up on the tree, in between Peter the Polar Bear and Glittery the Mouse Angel, who are keeping a watchful eye on him Now he just needs a name.

J. X

Cold and Frosty Morning

 

Thank you all for your kind and understanding words on my last two posts. I am relieved to say that after another good night's sleep, Lily has finally turned a corner and appears to be back to her usual self once more. You can probably imagine what a relief this is. 

With this in mind, I thought it was about time we got out for some gentle exercise and fresh air, with a short stroll around Grasmere. The fields were white and frosty and it felt bitterly cold. Thankfully, we were wrapped up well, it was definitely a day for big coats! You can't tell from these images but there was still snow up on the higher fells. 

We enjoyed a short walk up to Allan Bank, the local National Trust property, where they had some musicians playing Christmas Carol's, and some paper Christmas crafts available for children - we came home with two tree decorations. 

We then went for a wander through the woods before retracing our steps back towards the village.

The little Gingerbread shop was busy, and I'm not surprised. As we arrived, Lily was the first to smell the delicious aroma of freshly baked gingerbread from the opposite side of the river. And I might just have bought myself a pack :) 

In the window there was a delightful gingerbread house on display. I was a little disappointed to discover it wasn't made from actual gingerbread, but it still looked lovely and festive. 

On the way back to the car, my hands became rather chilly. I meant to put them in my pockets to keep warm, but I had already filled them with pine cones for my Christmas wreath :)

J. X