Solstice

Solstice blessings. Peace, love and light. 

J. X

Merry and Bright

 

Post title unashamedly 'borrowed' from the gift tag, which was attached to one of the very lovely and thoughtful gifts I received today. People can be so kind. 

I can't say I'm feeling terribly merry or bright just yet. I'm leaning more towards exhausted and wrung out :) It has been a rather eventful couple of days, after all.  But today was my last working day until the New Year, the car has had it's new tyres fitted, and I have some very exciting things to look forward to. Not least tomorrow, when I will be travelling somewhere I have been looking forward to going to for a long time now :)

It has been a day filled with sparkle and laughter. Wonderment and joy. And I am beginning to think I will feel much more relaxed now that I have finally finished for the holidays. I have most things crossed off my list now, having delivered my very last Christmas Card this evening. I just hope I haven't forgotten anyone. I only have some food to get in, which I will do towards the end of the week, and the gifts still to wrap - of course! :)

There was some more excitement this evening, when Lily was awarded the Student of the Month trophy at her Karate Class. I am so very proud of her. She only started the sessions in March this year and it is something she really enjoys. 

Another early night again for me. I have a busy day again tomorrow. 

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 :)