Nicola here, celebrating the month of December. I have mixed feelings about this month; on the one hand I find it hard to get out bed on these cold, dark mornings and would quite like to hibernate, but on the other hand I love the sense of anticipation about the holiday season!
December was the tenth month of the Roman calendar which is why its name is derived from the Roman 
"decem" for ten rather than "duodecim" for twelve. The Anglo Saxons called the month "wintermonath" before their conversion to Christianity and "Heligbmonath," holy month, afterwards. Other ancient names refer to the winter festival of yule.
The traditional December weather here in the UK is usually fairly mild and damp, bearing little resemblance to the "white Christmas" snowy scenes on the Christmas cards. However in recent years there has been more chance of cold, frosty days in December and we are promised frost and possibly snow from the end of this week. Elsewhere in the world, of course, Christmas can be hot and sunny. (Sighs with envy).
One UK Christmas tradition that is in decline is pantomime. When I was a child, pantomime was hugely popular over the Christmas and New Year season. Mostly based on comic dramatised versions of children's fairy tales or folk tales such as Cinderella and Aladdin, pantomime involved songs, dancing, slapstick humour and cross-dressing. Pantomime has a fascinating history, growing out of the 16th century "commedia dell'arte" or masked theatre in Italy. It was over 200 years ago that the story of Aladdin was first performed at Drury Lane Theatre in London – our Regency audiences would have been familiar with it! In fact the Georgian fascination with the stories of Arabian Nights led to a fashion for oriental furniture and design and also to Lord Shaftesbury denouncing the stories for "over-exciting the female imagination!"
So what does my over-excited female imagination enjoy about December? So many things! Decorating 
the house for Christmas (this year we aren't having a tree because Angus the puppy is still too young and would tempted to eat the baubles. But we are having lots of other decorations.) Long walks in the frosty countryside. Open fires. Getting together with family and friends over the holiday season. Carol singing on the village green. Making mince pies. Opening my advent calendar, which is a tradition I've kept since I was a child. And a visit to the Christmas fair at one of the National Trust houses near us.
Over to you – what do you like best about the month of December? Do you have any special treats and rituals you particularly look forward to? I'm offering a collection of my Christmas novellas to one commenter between now and midnight Tuesday. Happy December!
Is Angus another dog for the blind (like Rochester?). I don’t like December much, because it’s gloomy. I need sunshine! I do love snow, though, so that will cheer me up (if it happens). I like Christmas, but only for a few days – I hate the fact that it seems to have been going on too long already, and it’s only the beginning of December!
Is Angus another dog for the blind (like Rochester?). I don’t like December much, because it’s gloomy. I need sunshine! I do love snow, though, so that will cheer me up (if it happens). I like Christmas, but only for a few days – I hate the fact that it seems to have been going on too long already, and it’s only the beginning of December!
Is Angus another dog for the blind (like Rochester?). I don’t like December much, because it’s gloomy. I need sunshine! I do love snow, though, so that will cheer me up (if it happens). I like Christmas, but only for a few days – I hate the fact that it seems to have been going on too long already, and it’s only the beginning of December!
Is Angus another dog for the blind (like Rochester?). I don’t like December much, because it’s gloomy. I need sunshine! I do love snow, though, so that will cheer me up (if it happens). I like Christmas, but only for a few days – I hate the fact that it seems to have been going on too long already, and it’s only the beginning of December!
Is Angus another dog for the blind (like Rochester?). I don’t like December much, because it’s gloomy. I need sunshine! I do love snow, though, so that will cheer me up (if it happens). I like Christmas, but only for a few days – I hate the fact that it seems to have been going on too long already, and it’s only the beginning of December!
Hi HJ! Yes, December can be a really gloomy month and I struggle with that too. We need sunshine and crispy days! These days it does feel as though Christmas starts in the summer. Quite a few people around here already have their lights up! We make a point of not beginning Christmas too soon because I enjoy the anticipation as much as the celebration.
Thanks for asking about Angus. He is our pet dog so we will be keeping him, which is nice. He is also a “Christmas puppy” – his birthday is 23rd December so he will be celebrating his first birthday soon!
Hi HJ! Yes, December can be a really gloomy month and I struggle with that too. We need sunshine and crispy days! These days it does feel as though Christmas starts in the summer. Quite a few people around here already have their lights up! We make a point of not beginning Christmas too soon because I enjoy the anticipation as much as the celebration.
Thanks for asking about Angus. He is our pet dog so we will be keeping him, which is nice. He is also a “Christmas puppy” – his birthday is 23rd December so he will be celebrating his first birthday soon!
Hi HJ! Yes, December can be a really gloomy month and I struggle with that too. We need sunshine and crispy days! These days it does feel as though Christmas starts in the summer. Quite a few people around here already have their lights up! We make a point of not beginning Christmas too soon because I enjoy the anticipation as much as the celebration.
Thanks for asking about Angus. He is our pet dog so we will be keeping him, which is nice. He is also a “Christmas puppy” – his birthday is 23rd December so he will be celebrating his first birthday soon!
Hi HJ! Yes, December can be a really gloomy month and I struggle with that too. We need sunshine and crispy days! These days it does feel as though Christmas starts in the summer. Quite a few people around here already have their lights up! We make a point of not beginning Christmas too soon because I enjoy the anticipation as much as the celebration.
Thanks for asking about Angus. He is our pet dog so we will be keeping him, which is nice. He is also a “Christmas puppy” – his birthday is 23rd December so he will be celebrating his first birthday soon!
Hi HJ! Yes, December can be a really gloomy month and I struggle with that too. We need sunshine and crispy days! These days it does feel as though Christmas starts in the summer. Quite a few people around here already have their lights up! We make a point of not beginning Christmas too soon because I enjoy the anticipation as much as the celebration.
Thanks for asking about Angus. He is our pet dog so we will be keeping him, which is nice. He is also a “Christmas puppy” – his birthday is 23rd December so he will be celebrating his first birthday soon!
I am not a fan of winter or the holidays, however, I do love the music, especially The Nutcracker, which I listen to continuously from the day after Thanksgiving until Twelfth Night (or Epiphany).
I am not a fan of winter or the holidays, however, I do love the music, especially The Nutcracker, which I listen to continuously from the day after Thanksgiving until Twelfth Night (or Epiphany).
I am not a fan of winter or the holidays, however, I do love the music, especially The Nutcracker, which I listen to continuously from the day after Thanksgiving until Twelfth Night (or Epiphany).
I am not a fan of winter or the holidays, however, I do love the music, especially The Nutcracker, which I listen to continuously from the day after Thanksgiving until Twelfth Night (or Epiphany).
I am not a fan of winter or the holidays, however, I do love the music, especially The Nutcracker, which I listen to continuously from the day after Thanksgiving until Twelfth Night (or Epiphany).
How lovely, Maria! Festive music is a really important part of the season. I love the Nutcracker!
How lovely, Maria! Festive music is a really important part of the season. I love the Nutcracker!
How lovely, Maria! Festive music is a really important part of the season. I love the Nutcracker!
How lovely, Maria! Festive music is a really important part of the season. I love the Nutcracker!
How lovely, Maria! Festive music is a really important part of the season. I love the Nutcracker!
Usually in Spokane, the weather is gray, rainy, and occasionally snowy. But the forecast for next week is cold in the teens and sunny. I may have to buy thermal leggings.
At home, the weather alternates between warm and cold, sun and rain. Our snowy season is January. I like being in the 30s and 40s. It’s perfect for doing the Christmas preparations, e.g. shopping. I don’t decorate as much as I used to, but I have a wood cut nativity set my mother made and painted, that has a black cat, modeled after my precious Goo, looking over the cradle. And I love the majesty of the organ booming O Come All Ye Faithful on Christmas eve.
I am a huge fan of lights and candles against the darkness of the days. I love the solstice, knowing the days are going to get longer.
Usually in Spokane, the weather is gray, rainy, and occasionally snowy. But the forecast for next week is cold in the teens and sunny. I may have to buy thermal leggings.
At home, the weather alternates between warm and cold, sun and rain. Our snowy season is January. I like being in the 30s and 40s. It’s perfect for doing the Christmas preparations, e.g. shopping. I don’t decorate as much as I used to, but I have a wood cut nativity set my mother made and painted, that has a black cat, modeled after my precious Goo, looking over the cradle. And I love the majesty of the organ booming O Come All Ye Faithful on Christmas eve.
I am a huge fan of lights and candles against the darkness of the days. I love the solstice, knowing the days are going to get longer.
Usually in Spokane, the weather is gray, rainy, and occasionally snowy. But the forecast for next week is cold in the teens and sunny. I may have to buy thermal leggings.
At home, the weather alternates between warm and cold, sun and rain. Our snowy season is January. I like being in the 30s and 40s. It’s perfect for doing the Christmas preparations, e.g. shopping. I don’t decorate as much as I used to, but I have a wood cut nativity set my mother made and painted, that has a black cat, modeled after my precious Goo, looking over the cradle. And I love the majesty of the organ booming O Come All Ye Faithful on Christmas eve.
I am a huge fan of lights and candles against the darkness of the days. I love the solstice, knowing the days are going to get longer.
Usually in Spokane, the weather is gray, rainy, and occasionally snowy. But the forecast for next week is cold in the teens and sunny. I may have to buy thermal leggings.
At home, the weather alternates between warm and cold, sun and rain. Our snowy season is January. I like being in the 30s and 40s. It’s perfect for doing the Christmas preparations, e.g. shopping. I don’t decorate as much as I used to, but I have a wood cut nativity set my mother made and painted, that has a black cat, modeled after my precious Goo, looking over the cradle. And I love the majesty of the organ booming O Come All Ye Faithful on Christmas eve.
I am a huge fan of lights and candles against the darkness of the days. I love the solstice, knowing the days are going to get longer.
Usually in Spokane, the weather is gray, rainy, and occasionally snowy. But the forecast for next week is cold in the teens and sunny. I may have to buy thermal leggings.
At home, the weather alternates between warm and cold, sun and rain. Our snowy season is January. I like being in the 30s and 40s. It’s perfect for doing the Christmas preparations, e.g. shopping. I don’t decorate as much as I used to, but I have a wood cut nativity set my mother made and painted, that has a black cat, modeled after my precious Goo, looking over the cradle. And I love the majesty of the organ booming O Come All Ye Faithful on Christmas eve.
I am a huge fan of lights and candles against the darkness of the days. I love the solstice, knowing the days are going to get longer.
Decorations, Lights, Music and more Decorations. I love the looks and sounds of Christmas. Most years I will be part of a Christmas concert or play. Thanksgiving weekend we race to put up our outside lights so we can begin to enjoy the Christmas season. This year it is especially fun because our 22 month old is able to help and enjoy the lights. There is nothing like the smiles and laughter of children at Christmas.
Decorations, Lights, Music and more Decorations. I love the looks and sounds of Christmas. Most years I will be part of a Christmas concert or play. Thanksgiving weekend we race to put up our outside lights so we can begin to enjoy the Christmas season. This year it is especially fun because our 22 month old is able to help and enjoy the lights. There is nothing like the smiles and laughter of children at Christmas.
Decorations, Lights, Music and more Decorations. I love the looks and sounds of Christmas. Most years I will be part of a Christmas concert or play. Thanksgiving weekend we race to put up our outside lights so we can begin to enjoy the Christmas season. This year it is especially fun because our 22 month old is able to help and enjoy the lights. There is nothing like the smiles and laughter of children at Christmas.
Decorations, Lights, Music and more Decorations. I love the looks and sounds of Christmas. Most years I will be part of a Christmas concert or play. Thanksgiving weekend we race to put up our outside lights so we can begin to enjoy the Christmas season. This year it is especially fun because our 22 month old is able to help and enjoy the lights. There is nothing like the smiles and laughter of children at Christmas.
Decorations, Lights, Music and more Decorations. I love the looks and sounds of Christmas. Most years I will be part of a Christmas concert or play. Thanksgiving weekend we race to put up our outside lights so we can begin to enjoy the Christmas season. This year it is especially fun because our 22 month old is able to help and enjoy the lights. There is nothing like the smiles and laughter of children at Christmas.
Good morning, Ms. Cornick,
I started my reply over on TW: The magical bliss of being surrounded by hope, joy, peace, harmony, + love! Celebrating the Season in my community! Electric! You find that your heart warms to those who like you radiate Light with a happy-hearted spirit! Everyone comes together at the holidays, spirits lifted, and a kind thought or two to share! Its an electric time to spend out in your community, as Hope is lit alive by the unexpectedness of what is coming around the corner next! I have oft found that Christmas is a beautiful gift of bringing everyone together – the one time of year where humanity, kindness, and sincerity overtake causticity and rudeness!
I realise I have not yet lived through a proper Winter, but one day I shall be surrounded by plump mounds of dense snow! In that, I find a measure of eager joy as for a girl whose lived below sea level her whole life w/o proper (changing) seasons, just to hear the howling winds, the dusting of snow, & the flakes that fall is going to be an ‘awe’ moment for me!
I have a lot of passion for Winter, as I truly do thrive in this season best! My whole spirit springs to life because the temperatures are so much more agreeable to me! 🙂 In that, for me, the best part of a cool Winter is being out-of-doors, walking in nature, knitting up a yarny bliss of projects, soaking into novels I’ve been itching to read (full of romance, holiday celebrations, & happy ever afters!), as much as being fully present and mindful of each blessing that alights in my life as unexpected as a butterfly or ladybug! Little remainders of how our paths are constantly evolving and bringing us a footstep closer to where we need to be! 🙂
I do miss proper traditions this time of the year, which is why I added my entry on the Society earlier today, which bespoke of my passion for tree trimming! (http://bit.ly/IoiBS1) One day we shall get back into our family traditions! Until then, we’re in our local community celebrating with all cultures, traditions, and backgrounds, which I must say, is exciting! 🙂
Ooh, I adore celebrating Yule! I attended my first Yule Ritual in my twenties, and it was such a lively festive affair! I love learning about cultures, traditions, and beliefs outside of my own! It brings the world and the communities of the world closer to home! I have a lovely book all about the Winter Solstice too, as much as Twelfth Night! One of these years, I can properly celebrate them! Each year, for two years straight I have enjoyed celebrating Hanukkah in my community! The Festival of Lights is such a beautiful testament of how an interfaith celebration can become endearing and special to all who attend! 🙂
Ooh! Did you just say ‘baubles’ in place of ‘ornaments’? Interesting! I like it! I’m always hunting for new British words/phrases! Until I can get a seriously awesome dictionary I found that I know is going to make my head spin with museful musings! 🙂
I learnt about the Advent Calendars by watching a heap of BBC serials. The one I still (cheekily) prefer is Geraldine’s from “The Vicar of Dibley”! There are moments the humour of the show derails a bit, but ooh! Its quirky, endearing, and lovely brilliant at the same time! 🙂
I used to carol sing as well. Some of the traditions I have experienced are still with me in heart, but my life has changed over the years to where I get excited about ‘what’ I do not know is happening each Christmas season rather than the joy of knowing exactly which happy moment is arising next! 🙂 Its the simple difference of going from a small and mighty close-knit family to a rather smaller close-knit family whose in the category now of “Families Without Families”.
postscript: I had a bit of a go at seeing which Christmas stories would appeal to me this year through my local library!? I must’ve outdone my intentions because over one weekend I had *25!* holds to collect! The happy bit is reading over each of the book-flaps and seeing which story to settle into first!! I told my librarians “I decided to research Christmas!” 🙂 Oh, yes, and they were ALL romances!! Your giving someone in this thread a happy surprise, indeed!
Good morning, Ms. Cornick,
I started my reply over on TW: The magical bliss of being surrounded by hope, joy, peace, harmony, + love! Celebrating the Season in my community! Electric! You find that your heart warms to those who like you radiate Light with a happy-hearted spirit! Everyone comes together at the holidays, spirits lifted, and a kind thought or two to share! Its an electric time to spend out in your community, as Hope is lit alive by the unexpectedness of what is coming around the corner next! I have oft found that Christmas is a beautiful gift of bringing everyone together – the one time of year where humanity, kindness, and sincerity overtake causticity and rudeness!
I realise I have not yet lived through a proper Winter, but one day I shall be surrounded by plump mounds of dense snow! In that, I find a measure of eager joy as for a girl whose lived below sea level her whole life w/o proper (changing) seasons, just to hear the howling winds, the dusting of snow, & the flakes that fall is going to be an ‘awe’ moment for me!
I have a lot of passion for Winter, as I truly do thrive in this season best! My whole spirit springs to life because the temperatures are so much more agreeable to me! 🙂 In that, for me, the best part of a cool Winter is being out-of-doors, walking in nature, knitting up a yarny bliss of projects, soaking into novels I’ve been itching to read (full of romance, holiday celebrations, & happy ever afters!), as much as being fully present and mindful of each blessing that alights in my life as unexpected as a butterfly or ladybug! Little remainders of how our paths are constantly evolving and bringing us a footstep closer to where we need to be! 🙂
I do miss proper traditions this time of the year, which is why I added my entry on the Society earlier today, which bespoke of my passion for tree trimming! (http://bit.ly/IoiBS1) One day we shall get back into our family traditions! Until then, we’re in our local community celebrating with all cultures, traditions, and backgrounds, which I must say, is exciting! 🙂
Ooh, I adore celebrating Yule! I attended my first Yule Ritual in my twenties, and it was such a lively festive affair! I love learning about cultures, traditions, and beliefs outside of my own! It brings the world and the communities of the world closer to home! I have a lovely book all about the Winter Solstice too, as much as Twelfth Night! One of these years, I can properly celebrate them! Each year, for two years straight I have enjoyed celebrating Hanukkah in my community! The Festival of Lights is such a beautiful testament of how an interfaith celebration can become endearing and special to all who attend! 🙂
Ooh! Did you just say ‘baubles’ in place of ‘ornaments’? Interesting! I like it! I’m always hunting for new British words/phrases! Until I can get a seriously awesome dictionary I found that I know is going to make my head spin with museful musings! 🙂
I learnt about the Advent Calendars by watching a heap of BBC serials. The one I still (cheekily) prefer is Geraldine’s from “The Vicar of Dibley”! There are moments the humour of the show derails a bit, but ooh! Its quirky, endearing, and lovely brilliant at the same time! 🙂
I used to carol sing as well. Some of the traditions I have experienced are still with me in heart, but my life has changed over the years to where I get excited about ‘what’ I do not know is happening each Christmas season rather than the joy of knowing exactly which happy moment is arising next! 🙂 Its the simple difference of going from a small and mighty close-knit family to a rather smaller close-knit family whose in the category now of “Families Without Families”.
postscript: I had a bit of a go at seeing which Christmas stories would appeal to me this year through my local library!? I must’ve outdone my intentions because over one weekend I had *25!* holds to collect! The happy bit is reading over each of the book-flaps and seeing which story to settle into first!! I told my librarians “I decided to research Christmas!” 🙂 Oh, yes, and they were ALL romances!! Your giving someone in this thread a happy surprise, indeed!
Good morning, Ms. Cornick,
I started my reply over on TW: The magical bliss of being surrounded by hope, joy, peace, harmony, + love! Celebrating the Season in my community! Electric! You find that your heart warms to those who like you radiate Light with a happy-hearted spirit! Everyone comes together at the holidays, spirits lifted, and a kind thought or two to share! Its an electric time to spend out in your community, as Hope is lit alive by the unexpectedness of what is coming around the corner next! I have oft found that Christmas is a beautiful gift of bringing everyone together – the one time of year where humanity, kindness, and sincerity overtake causticity and rudeness!
I realise I have not yet lived through a proper Winter, but one day I shall be surrounded by plump mounds of dense snow! In that, I find a measure of eager joy as for a girl whose lived below sea level her whole life w/o proper (changing) seasons, just to hear the howling winds, the dusting of snow, & the flakes that fall is going to be an ‘awe’ moment for me!
I have a lot of passion for Winter, as I truly do thrive in this season best! My whole spirit springs to life because the temperatures are so much more agreeable to me! 🙂 In that, for me, the best part of a cool Winter is being out-of-doors, walking in nature, knitting up a yarny bliss of projects, soaking into novels I’ve been itching to read (full of romance, holiday celebrations, & happy ever afters!), as much as being fully present and mindful of each blessing that alights in my life as unexpected as a butterfly or ladybug! Little remainders of how our paths are constantly evolving and bringing us a footstep closer to where we need to be! 🙂
I do miss proper traditions this time of the year, which is why I added my entry on the Society earlier today, which bespoke of my passion for tree trimming! (http://bit.ly/IoiBS1) One day we shall get back into our family traditions! Until then, we’re in our local community celebrating with all cultures, traditions, and backgrounds, which I must say, is exciting! 🙂
Ooh, I adore celebrating Yule! I attended my first Yule Ritual in my twenties, and it was such a lively festive affair! I love learning about cultures, traditions, and beliefs outside of my own! It brings the world and the communities of the world closer to home! I have a lovely book all about the Winter Solstice too, as much as Twelfth Night! One of these years, I can properly celebrate them! Each year, for two years straight I have enjoyed celebrating Hanukkah in my community! The Festival of Lights is such a beautiful testament of how an interfaith celebration can become endearing and special to all who attend! 🙂
Ooh! Did you just say ‘baubles’ in place of ‘ornaments’? Interesting! I like it! I’m always hunting for new British words/phrases! Until I can get a seriously awesome dictionary I found that I know is going to make my head spin with museful musings! 🙂
I learnt about the Advent Calendars by watching a heap of BBC serials. The one I still (cheekily) prefer is Geraldine’s from “The Vicar of Dibley”! There are moments the humour of the show derails a bit, but ooh! Its quirky, endearing, and lovely brilliant at the same time! 🙂
I used to carol sing as well. Some of the traditions I have experienced are still with me in heart, but my life has changed over the years to where I get excited about ‘what’ I do not know is happening each Christmas season rather than the joy of knowing exactly which happy moment is arising next! 🙂 Its the simple difference of going from a small and mighty close-knit family to a rather smaller close-knit family whose in the category now of “Families Without Families”.
postscript: I had a bit of a go at seeing which Christmas stories would appeal to me this year through my local library!? I must’ve outdone my intentions because over one weekend I had *25!* holds to collect! The happy bit is reading over each of the book-flaps and seeing which story to settle into first!! I told my librarians “I decided to research Christmas!” 🙂 Oh, yes, and they were ALL romances!! Your giving someone in this thread a happy surprise, indeed!
Good morning, Ms. Cornick,
I started my reply over on TW: The magical bliss of being surrounded by hope, joy, peace, harmony, + love! Celebrating the Season in my community! Electric! You find that your heart warms to those who like you radiate Light with a happy-hearted spirit! Everyone comes together at the holidays, spirits lifted, and a kind thought or two to share! Its an electric time to spend out in your community, as Hope is lit alive by the unexpectedness of what is coming around the corner next! I have oft found that Christmas is a beautiful gift of bringing everyone together – the one time of year where humanity, kindness, and sincerity overtake causticity and rudeness!
I realise I have not yet lived through a proper Winter, but one day I shall be surrounded by plump mounds of dense snow! In that, I find a measure of eager joy as for a girl whose lived below sea level her whole life w/o proper (changing) seasons, just to hear the howling winds, the dusting of snow, & the flakes that fall is going to be an ‘awe’ moment for me!
I have a lot of passion for Winter, as I truly do thrive in this season best! My whole spirit springs to life because the temperatures are so much more agreeable to me! 🙂 In that, for me, the best part of a cool Winter is being out-of-doors, walking in nature, knitting up a yarny bliss of projects, soaking into novels I’ve been itching to read (full of romance, holiday celebrations, & happy ever afters!), as much as being fully present and mindful of each blessing that alights in my life as unexpected as a butterfly or ladybug! Little remainders of how our paths are constantly evolving and bringing us a footstep closer to where we need to be! 🙂
I do miss proper traditions this time of the year, which is why I added my entry on the Society earlier today, which bespoke of my passion for tree trimming! (http://bit.ly/IoiBS1) One day we shall get back into our family traditions! Until then, we’re in our local community celebrating with all cultures, traditions, and backgrounds, which I must say, is exciting! 🙂
Ooh, I adore celebrating Yule! I attended my first Yule Ritual in my twenties, and it was such a lively festive affair! I love learning about cultures, traditions, and beliefs outside of my own! It brings the world and the communities of the world closer to home! I have a lovely book all about the Winter Solstice too, as much as Twelfth Night! One of these years, I can properly celebrate them! Each year, for two years straight I have enjoyed celebrating Hanukkah in my community! The Festival of Lights is such a beautiful testament of how an interfaith celebration can become endearing and special to all who attend! 🙂
Ooh! Did you just say ‘baubles’ in place of ‘ornaments’? Interesting! I like it! I’m always hunting for new British words/phrases! Until I can get a seriously awesome dictionary I found that I know is going to make my head spin with museful musings! 🙂
I learnt about the Advent Calendars by watching a heap of BBC serials. The one I still (cheekily) prefer is Geraldine’s from “The Vicar of Dibley”! There are moments the humour of the show derails a bit, but ooh! Its quirky, endearing, and lovely brilliant at the same time! 🙂
I used to carol sing as well. Some of the traditions I have experienced are still with me in heart, but my life has changed over the years to where I get excited about ‘what’ I do not know is happening each Christmas season rather than the joy of knowing exactly which happy moment is arising next! 🙂 Its the simple difference of going from a small and mighty close-knit family to a rather smaller close-knit family whose in the category now of “Families Without Families”.
postscript: I had a bit of a go at seeing which Christmas stories would appeal to me this year through my local library!? I must’ve outdone my intentions because over one weekend I had *25!* holds to collect! The happy bit is reading over each of the book-flaps and seeing which story to settle into first!! I told my librarians “I decided to research Christmas!” 🙂 Oh, yes, and they were ALL romances!! Your giving someone in this thread a happy surprise, indeed!
Good morning, Ms. Cornick,
I started my reply over on TW: The magical bliss of being surrounded by hope, joy, peace, harmony, + love! Celebrating the Season in my community! Electric! You find that your heart warms to those who like you radiate Light with a happy-hearted spirit! Everyone comes together at the holidays, spirits lifted, and a kind thought or two to share! Its an electric time to spend out in your community, as Hope is lit alive by the unexpectedness of what is coming around the corner next! I have oft found that Christmas is a beautiful gift of bringing everyone together – the one time of year where humanity, kindness, and sincerity overtake causticity and rudeness!
I realise I have not yet lived through a proper Winter, but one day I shall be surrounded by plump mounds of dense snow! In that, I find a measure of eager joy as for a girl whose lived below sea level her whole life w/o proper (changing) seasons, just to hear the howling winds, the dusting of snow, & the flakes that fall is going to be an ‘awe’ moment for me!
I have a lot of passion for Winter, as I truly do thrive in this season best! My whole spirit springs to life because the temperatures are so much more agreeable to me! 🙂 In that, for me, the best part of a cool Winter is being out-of-doors, walking in nature, knitting up a yarny bliss of projects, soaking into novels I’ve been itching to read (full of romance, holiday celebrations, & happy ever afters!), as much as being fully present and mindful of each blessing that alights in my life as unexpected as a butterfly or ladybug! Little remainders of how our paths are constantly evolving and bringing us a footstep closer to where we need to be! 🙂
I do miss proper traditions this time of the year, which is why I added my entry on the Society earlier today, which bespoke of my passion for tree trimming! (http://bit.ly/IoiBS1) One day we shall get back into our family traditions! Until then, we’re in our local community celebrating with all cultures, traditions, and backgrounds, which I must say, is exciting! 🙂
Ooh, I adore celebrating Yule! I attended my first Yule Ritual in my twenties, and it was such a lively festive affair! I love learning about cultures, traditions, and beliefs outside of my own! It brings the world and the communities of the world closer to home! I have a lovely book all about the Winter Solstice too, as much as Twelfth Night! One of these years, I can properly celebrate them! Each year, for two years straight I have enjoyed celebrating Hanukkah in my community! The Festival of Lights is such a beautiful testament of how an interfaith celebration can become endearing and special to all who attend! 🙂
Ooh! Did you just say ‘baubles’ in place of ‘ornaments’? Interesting! I like it! I’m always hunting for new British words/phrases! Until I can get a seriously awesome dictionary I found that I know is going to make my head spin with museful musings! 🙂
I learnt about the Advent Calendars by watching a heap of BBC serials. The one I still (cheekily) prefer is Geraldine’s from “The Vicar of Dibley”! There are moments the humour of the show derails a bit, but ooh! Its quirky, endearing, and lovely brilliant at the same time! 🙂
I used to carol sing as well. Some of the traditions I have experienced are still with me in heart, but my life has changed over the years to where I get excited about ‘what’ I do not know is happening each Christmas season rather than the joy of knowing exactly which happy moment is arising next! 🙂 Its the simple difference of going from a small and mighty close-knit family to a rather smaller close-knit family whose in the category now of “Families Without Families”.
postscript: I had a bit of a go at seeing which Christmas stories would appeal to me this year through my local library!? I must’ve outdone my intentions because over one weekend I had *25!* holds to collect! The happy bit is reading over each of the book-flaps and seeing which story to settle into first!! I told my librarians “I decided to research Christmas!” 🙂 Oh, yes, and they were ALL romances!! Your giving someone in this thread a happy surprise, indeed!
I love the sound of the woodcut nativity set, Shannon. It’s really special when it has something as personal as your lovely cat featuring in it! I’m also a big fan of candles in the dark winter days. There is something so beautiful and warming about spreading the light.
I love the sound of the woodcut nativity set, Shannon. It’s really special when it has something as personal as your lovely cat featuring in it! I’m also a big fan of candles in the dark winter days. There is something so beautiful and warming about spreading the light.
I love the sound of the woodcut nativity set, Shannon. It’s really special when it has something as personal as your lovely cat featuring in it! I’m also a big fan of candles in the dark winter days. There is something so beautiful and warming about spreading the light.
I love the sound of the woodcut nativity set, Shannon. It’s really special when it has something as personal as your lovely cat featuring in it! I’m also a big fan of candles in the dark winter days. There is something so beautiful and warming about spreading the light.
I love the sound of the woodcut nativity set, Shannon. It’s really special when it has something as personal as your lovely cat featuring in it! I’m also a big fan of candles in the dark winter days. There is something so beautiful and warming about spreading the light.
Aww, Samantha, it’s lovely that your 22 month old can join in. That must make this Christmas really special for you!
Aww, Samantha, it’s lovely that your 22 month old can join in. That must make this Christmas really special for you!
Aww, Samantha, it’s lovely that your 22 month old can join in. That must make this Christmas really special for you!
Aww, Samantha, it’s lovely that your 22 month old can join in. That must make this Christmas really special for you!
Aww, Samantha, it’s lovely that your 22 month old can join in. That must make this Christmas really special for you!
Hi Jorie! Wow! What lovely sentiments about Winter and the month of December. Thank you for the link as well. I wish you a very happy “white Christmas” one day!
I didn’t realise that baubles was a UK word, and I didn’t realise that advent calendars weren’t universal. It’s so interesting to learn these things. Thank you so much!
Hi Jorie! Wow! What lovely sentiments about Winter and the month of December. Thank you for the link as well. I wish you a very happy “white Christmas” one day!
I didn’t realise that baubles was a UK word, and I didn’t realise that advent calendars weren’t universal. It’s so interesting to learn these things. Thank you so much!
Hi Jorie! Wow! What lovely sentiments about Winter and the month of December. Thank you for the link as well. I wish you a very happy “white Christmas” one day!
I didn’t realise that baubles was a UK word, and I didn’t realise that advent calendars weren’t universal. It’s so interesting to learn these things. Thank you so much!
Hi Jorie! Wow! What lovely sentiments about Winter and the month of December. Thank you for the link as well. I wish you a very happy “white Christmas” one day!
I didn’t realise that baubles was a UK word, and I didn’t realise that advent calendars weren’t universal. It’s so interesting to learn these things. Thank you so much!
Hi Jorie! Wow! What lovely sentiments about Winter and the month of December. Thank you for the link as well. I wish you a very happy “white Christmas” one day!
I didn’t realise that baubles was a UK word, and I didn’t realise that advent calendars weren’t universal. It’s so interesting to learn these things. Thank you so much!
December is special because our wedding anniversary is December 1st and our great-granddaughter’s birthday is December 6th. And, of course, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th. “The Nutcracker” is always in December, and this year we’re going to see Shoji Tabuchi on the 19th.
December is special because our wedding anniversary is December 1st and our great-granddaughter’s birthday is December 6th. And, of course, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th. “The Nutcracker” is always in December, and this year we’re going to see Shoji Tabuchi on the 19th.
December is special because our wedding anniversary is December 1st and our great-granddaughter’s birthday is December 6th. And, of course, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th. “The Nutcracker” is always in December, and this year we’re going to see Shoji Tabuchi on the 19th.
December is special because our wedding anniversary is December 1st and our great-granddaughter’s birthday is December 6th. And, of course, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th. “The Nutcracker” is always in December, and this year we’re going to see Shoji Tabuchi on the 19th.
December is special because our wedding anniversary is December 1st and our great-granddaughter’s birthday is December 6th. And, of course, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th. “The Nutcracker” is always in December, and this year we’re going to see Shoji Tabuchi on the 19th.
I hope you had a lovely anniversary, Bettye, and that your great-granddaughter has a wonderful birthday. We too have a family birthday on the 6th December – my aunt. What a fabulous treat to go to see The Nutcracker!
I hope you had a lovely anniversary, Bettye, and that your great-granddaughter has a wonderful birthday. We too have a family birthday on the 6th December – my aunt. What a fabulous treat to go to see The Nutcracker!
I hope you had a lovely anniversary, Bettye, and that your great-granddaughter has a wonderful birthday. We too have a family birthday on the 6th December – my aunt. What a fabulous treat to go to see The Nutcracker!
I hope you had a lovely anniversary, Bettye, and that your great-granddaughter has a wonderful birthday. We too have a family birthday on the 6th December – my aunt. What a fabulous treat to go to see The Nutcracker!
I hope you had a lovely anniversary, Bettye, and that your great-granddaughter has a wonderful birthday. We too have a family birthday on the 6th December – my aunt. What a fabulous treat to go to see The Nutcracker!
I love going to the Pantomimeand it’s fascinating to learn about its origins.
December for the past three years has all been about the hectic build-up of deadlines at uni, before being able to head home to enjoy my birthday and Christmas. Unfortunately, I’m not going to be able to relax too much this year because I have 5,000 words due in January!
I love going to the Pantomimeand it’s fascinating to learn about its origins.
December for the past three years has all been about the hectic build-up of deadlines at uni, before being able to head home to enjoy my birthday and Christmas. Unfortunately, I’m not going to be able to relax too much this year because I have 5,000 words due in January!
I love going to the Pantomimeand it’s fascinating to learn about its origins.
December for the past three years has all been about the hectic build-up of deadlines at uni, before being able to head home to enjoy my birthday and Christmas. Unfortunately, I’m not going to be able to relax too much this year because I have 5,000 words due in January!
I love going to the Pantomimeand it’s fascinating to learn about its origins.
December for the past three years has all been about the hectic build-up of deadlines at uni, before being able to head home to enjoy my birthday and Christmas. Unfortunately, I’m not going to be able to relax too much this year because I have 5,000 words due in January!
I love going to the Pantomimeand it’s fascinating to learn about its origins.
December for the past three years has all been about the hectic build-up of deadlines at uni, before being able to head home to enjoy my birthday and Christmas. Unfortunately, I’m not going to be able to relax too much this year because I have 5,000 words due in January!
Good evening, Ms. Cornick,
Such a happy 2nd Day of December – I’ve been all over the place today in the blogosphere & bookish Twitter community! It was quite lovely as I am off to the races starting on the morrow, as December is happily full of joy for me this year! I think I’m also a bit anxious for the podcast, as its my first! Laughs.
Ooh, thank you!! Indeed, your wishes for my first white Christmas are warmly accepted! Until then, I can always watch “White Christmas” and dream! I had forgotten to tell you that one of my traditions is watching holiday &/or Christmas movies!! Classics & contemporaries combined! For new releases I go between Lifetime & Hallmark channels on tv, or play one of my favourite dvds: “It’s A Wonderful Life”, “White Christmas”, “The Christmas Card”, etc.
I like using baubles in lieu of ornaments, as I think each word can be used at different moments, especially in a story set at Christmastime! Beautiful discovery for me! Yes, I think Advent Calendars are used outside of the UK, but for me and my family specifically we did not have them. Except for the past three or four years when Mum & I surprise each other with a Jacquie Lawson Advent Calendar! 🙂
Thankful we each enjoyed each others’ company on this topic!
Good evening, Ms. Cornick,
Such a happy 2nd Day of December – I’ve been all over the place today in the blogosphere & bookish Twitter community! It was quite lovely as I am off to the races starting on the morrow, as December is happily full of joy for me this year! I think I’m also a bit anxious for the podcast, as its my first! Laughs.
Ooh, thank you!! Indeed, your wishes for my first white Christmas are warmly accepted! Until then, I can always watch “White Christmas” and dream! I had forgotten to tell you that one of my traditions is watching holiday &/or Christmas movies!! Classics & contemporaries combined! For new releases I go between Lifetime & Hallmark channels on tv, or play one of my favourite dvds: “It’s A Wonderful Life”, “White Christmas”, “The Christmas Card”, etc.
I like using baubles in lieu of ornaments, as I think each word can be used at different moments, especially in a story set at Christmastime! Beautiful discovery for me! Yes, I think Advent Calendars are used outside of the UK, but for me and my family specifically we did not have them. Except for the past three or four years when Mum & I surprise each other with a Jacquie Lawson Advent Calendar! 🙂
Thankful we each enjoyed each others’ company on this topic!
Good evening, Ms. Cornick,
Such a happy 2nd Day of December – I’ve been all over the place today in the blogosphere & bookish Twitter community! It was quite lovely as I am off to the races starting on the morrow, as December is happily full of joy for me this year! I think I’m also a bit anxious for the podcast, as its my first! Laughs.
Ooh, thank you!! Indeed, your wishes for my first white Christmas are warmly accepted! Until then, I can always watch “White Christmas” and dream! I had forgotten to tell you that one of my traditions is watching holiday &/or Christmas movies!! Classics & contemporaries combined! For new releases I go between Lifetime & Hallmark channels on tv, or play one of my favourite dvds: “It’s A Wonderful Life”, “White Christmas”, “The Christmas Card”, etc.
I like using baubles in lieu of ornaments, as I think each word can be used at different moments, especially in a story set at Christmastime! Beautiful discovery for me! Yes, I think Advent Calendars are used outside of the UK, but for me and my family specifically we did not have them. Except for the past three or four years when Mum & I surprise each other with a Jacquie Lawson Advent Calendar! 🙂
Thankful we each enjoyed each others’ company on this topic!
Good evening, Ms. Cornick,
Such a happy 2nd Day of December – I’ve been all over the place today in the blogosphere & bookish Twitter community! It was quite lovely as I am off to the races starting on the morrow, as December is happily full of joy for me this year! I think I’m also a bit anxious for the podcast, as its my first! Laughs.
Ooh, thank you!! Indeed, your wishes for my first white Christmas are warmly accepted! Until then, I can always watch “White Christmas” and dream! I had forgotten to tell you that one of my traditions is watching holiday &/or Christmas movies!! Classics & contemporaries combined! For new releases I go between Lifetime & Hallmark channels on tv, or play one of my favourite dvds: “It’s A Wonderful Life”, “White Christmas”, “The Christmas Card”, etc.
I like using baubles in lieu of ornaments, as I think each word can be used at different moments, especially in a story set at Christmastime! Beautiful discovery for me! Yes, I think Advent Calendars are used outside of the UK, but for me and my family specifically we did not have them. Except for the past three or four years when Mum & I surprise each other with a Jacquie Lawson Advent Calendar! 🙂
Thankful we each enjoyed each others’ company on this topic!
Good evening, Ms. Cornick,
Such a happy 2nd Day of December – I’ve been all over the place today in the blogosphere & bookish Twitter community! It was quite lovely as I am off to the races starting on the morrow, as December is happily full of joy for me this year! I think I’m also a bit anxious for the podcast, as its my first! Laughs.
Ooh, thank you!! Indeed, your wishes for my first white Christmas are warmly accepted! Until then, I can always watch “White Christmas” and dream! I had forgotten to tell you that one of my traditions is watching holiday &/or Christmas movies!! Classics & contemporaries combined! For new releases I go between Lifetime & Hallmark channels on tv, or play one of my favourite dvds: “It’s A Wonderful Life”, “White Christmas”, “The Christmas Card”, etc.
I like using baubles in lieu of ornaments, as I think each word can be used at different moments, especially in a story set at Christmastime! Beautiful discovery for me! Yes, I think Advent Calendars are used outside of the UK, but for me and my family specifically we did not have them. Except for the past three or four years when Mum & I surprise each other with a Jacquie Lawson Advent Calendar! 🙂
Thankful we each enjoyed each others’ company on this topic!
December has rocked in here with a foretaste of summer with 34 degrees C (that’s about 94 Fahrenheit) yesterday. I love our Australian crazy Christmas season, with all the shops playing songs about white christmases, and snow and sleighbells while we swelter in the heat.
I love the rituals of the season– cleaning the house in readiness (which also means getting rid of clutter), the smell of fresh pine in the house from a real christmas tree, getting out the decorations and ornaments, planning the food. Presents are not so much a big deal for me — I decided long ago that since we all had so much “stuff” that I’d give OxFam presents — give a goat for Xmas, kind of thing, where a relative or friend gets a card with a goat on it, and a family in some poor country gets a real goat.
Because it’s also the start of the long summer holidays here, a lot of people go away for Christmas — beach Christmas is pretty common here — so I usually have a “friends” Christmas dinner in early December.
December has rocked in here with a foretaste of summer with 34 degrees C (that’s about 94 Fahrenheit) yesterday. I love our Australian crazy Christmas season, with all the shops playing songs about white christmases, and snow and sleighbells while we swelter in the heat.
I love the rituals of the season– cleaning the house in readiness (which also means getting rid of clutter), the smell of fresh pine in the house from a real christmas tree, getting out the decorations and ornaments, planning the food. Presents are not so much a big deal for me — I decided long ago that since we all had so much “stuff” that I’d give OxFam presents — give a goat for Xmas, kind of thing, where a relative or friend gets a card with a goat on it, and a family in some poor country gets a real goat.
Because it’s also the start of the long summer holidays here, a lot of people go away for Christmas — beach Christmas is pretty common here — so I usually have a “friends” Christmas dinner in early December.
December has rocked in here with a foretaste of summer with 34 degrees C (that’s about 94 Fahrenheit) yesterday. I love our Australian crazy Christmas season, with all the shops playing songs about white christmases, and snow and sleighbells while we swelter in the heat.
I love the rituals of the season– cleaning the house in readiness (which also means getting rid of clutter), the smell of fresh pine in the house from a real christmas tree, getting out the decorations and ornaments, planning the food. Presents are not so much a big deal for me — I decided long ago that since we all had so much “stuff” that I’d give OxFam presents — give a goat for Xmas, kind of thing, where a relative or friend gets a card with a goat on it, and a family in some poor country gets a real goat.
Because it’s also the start of the long summer holidays here, a lot of people go away for Christmas — beach Christmas is pretty common here — so I usually have a “friends” Christmas dinner in early December.
December has rocked in here with a foretaste of summer with 34 degrees C (that’s about 94 Fahrenheit) yesterday. I love our Australian crazy Christmas season, with all the shops playing songs about white christmases, and snow and sleighbells while we swelter in the heat.
I love the rituals of the season– cleaning the house in readiness (which also means getting rid of clutter), the smell of fresh pine in the house from a real christmas tree, getting out the decorations and ornaments, planning the food. Presents are not so much a big deal for me — I decided long ago that since we all had so much “stuff” that I’d give OxFam presents — give a goat for Xmas, kind of thing, where a relative or friend gets a card with a goat on it, and a family in some poor country gets a real goat.
Because it’s also the start of the long summer holidays here, a lot of people go away for Christmas — beach Christmas is pretty common here — so I usually have a “friends” Christmas dinner in early December.
December has rocked in here with a foretaste of summer with 34 degrees C (that’s about 94 Fahrenheit) yesterday. I love our Australian crazy Christmas season, with all the shops playing songs about white christmases, and snow and sleighbells while we swelter in the heat.
I love the rituals of the season– cleaning the house in readiness (which also means getting rid of clutter), the smell of fresh pine in the house from a real christmas tree, getting out the decorations and ornaments, planning the food. Presents are not so much a big deal for me — I decided long ago that since we all had so much “stuff” that I’d give OxFam presents — give a goat for Xmas, kind of thing, where a relative or friend gets a card with a goat on it, and a family in some poor country gets a real goat.
Because it’s also the start of the long summer holidays here, a lot of people go away for Christmas — beach Christmas is pretty common here — so I usually have a “friends” Christmas dinner in early December.
Love this post, Jory.
Love this post, Jory.
Love this post, Jory.
Love this post, Jory.
Love this post, Jory.
I’m like Anne and getting ready for a warm christmas her is Australia. I live in a small town of about 800 people and this year the schools put on a pantomime for the people. It was very good and very funny.
WE used to have a small dog who had her own christmas stocking. She died of old age last year. Each year we would hang her stocking up about 4 days before christmas. She would first see it and sniff it out. Nothing in it, so would walk past and ignore it. Then on Christmas evening I would put a bone in it, well wrapped in plastic, and we would watch what she did Christmas morning. She would walk past. Stop. Turn around and walk past again and then stop. Then walk right up and sniff, sniff, and then bark really loudly. She could smell the bone through all the layers of plastic. We always enjoyed her antics on christmas day. So I hope you have a nice bone for Angus to enjoy.
I’m like Anne and getting ready for a warm christmas her is Australia. I live in a small town of about 800 people and this year the schools put on a pantomime for the people. It was very good and very funny.
WE used to have a small dog who had her own christmas stocking. She died of old age last year. Each year we would hang her stocking up about 4 days before christmas. She would first see it and sniff it out. Nothing in it, so would walk past and ignore it. Then on Christmas evening I would put a bone in it, well wrapped in plastic, and we would watch what she did Christmas morning. She would walk past. Stop. Turn around and walk past again and then stop. Then walk right up and sniff, sniff, and then bark really loudly. She could smell the bone through all the layers of plastic. We always enjoyed her antics on christmas day. So I hope you have a nice bone for Angus to enjoy.
I’m like Anne and getting ready for a warm christmas her is Australia. I live in a small town of about 800 people and this year the schools put on a pantomime for the people. It was very good and very funny.
WE used to have a small dog who had her own christmas stocking. She died of old age last year. Each year we would hang her stocking up about 4 days before christmas. She would first see it and sniff it out. Nothing in it, so would walk past and ignore it. Then on Christmas evening I would put a bone in it, well wrapped in plastic, and we would watch what she did Christmas morning. She would walk past. Stop. Turn around and walk past again and then stop. Then walk right up and sniff, sniff, and then bark really loudly. She could smell the bone through all the layers of plastic. We always enjoyed her antics on christmas day. So I hope you have a nice bone for Angus to enjoy.
I’m like Anne and getting ready for a warm christmas her is Australia. I live in a small town of about 800 people and this year the schools put on a pantomime for the people. It was very good and very funny.
WE used to have a small dog who had her own christmas stocking. She died of old age last year. Each year we would hang her stocking up about 4 days before christmas. She would first see it and sniff it out. Nothing in it, so would walk past and ignore it. Then on Christmas evening I would put a bone in it, well wrapped in plastic, and we would watch what she did Christmas morning. She would walk past. Stop. Turn around and walk past again and then stop. Then walk right up and sniff, sniff, and then bark really loudly. She could smell the bone through all the layers of plastic. We always enjoyed her antics on christmas day. So I hope you have a nice bone for Angus to enjoy.
I’m like Anne and getting ready for a warm christmas her is Australia. I live in a small town of about 800 people and this year the schools put on a pantomime for the people. It was very good and very funny.
WE used to have a small dog who had her own christmas stocking. She died of old age last year. Each year we would hang her stocking up about 4 days before christmas. She would first see it and sniff it out. Nothing in it, so would walk past and ignore it. Then on Christmas evening I would put a bone in it, well wrapped in plastic, and we would watch what she did Christmas morning. She would walk past. Stop. Turn around and walk past again and then stop. Then walk right up and sniff, sniff, and then bark really loudly. She could smell the bone through all the layers of plastic. We always enjoyed her antics on christmas day. So I hope you have a nice bone for Angus to enjoy.
Nicola, I feel for you on the lack of a Christmas tree, but you give Angus a big cuddle for me! Still laugh when I remember us going up to the White Horse with him last April and trying to spot the sheep poops before he could eat them.
We aren’t having a tree this year either because we’re going to my brother-in-law for a few days. But all the baking still has to happen. The car will be stuffed with containers of shortbread, the Christmas pudding and various other temptations. As long as we get most of it to Canberra intact…
Nicola, I feel for you on the lack of a Christmas tree, but you give Angus a big cuddle for me! Still laugh when I remember us going up to the White Horse with him last April and trying to spot the sheep poops before he could eat them.
We aren’t having a tree this year either because we’re going to my brother-in-law for a few days. But all the baking still has to happen. The car will be stuffed with containers of shortbread, the Christmas pudding and various other temptations. As long as we get most of it to Canberra intact…
Nicola, I feel for you on the lack of a Christmas tree, but you give Angus a big cuddle for me! Still laugh when I remember us going up to the White Horse with him last April and trying to spot the sheep poops before he could eat them.
We aren’t having a tree this year either because we’re going to my brother-in-law for a few days. But all the baking still has to happen. The car will be stuffed with containers of shortbread, the Christmas pudding and various other temptations. As long as we get most of it to Canberra intact…
Nicola, I feel for you on the lack of a Christmas tree, but you give Angus a big cuddle for me! Still laugh when I remember us going up to the White Horse with him last April and trying to spot the sheep poops before he could eat them.
We aren’t having a tree this year either because we’re going to my brother-in-law for a few days. But all the baking still has to happen. The car will be stuffed with containers of shortbread, the Christmas pudding and various other temptations. As long as we get most of it to Canberra intact…
Nicola, I feel for you on the lack of a Christmas tree, but you give Angus a big cuddle for me! Still laugh when I remember us going up to the White Horse with him last April and trying to spot the sheep poops before he could eat them.
We aren’t having a tree this year either because we’re going to my brother-in-law for a few days. But all the baking still has to happen. The car will be stuffed with containers of shortbread, the Christmas pudding and various other temptations. As long as we get most of it to Canberra intact…
I’m so glad you enjoy the pantomime, Alexandra. I think it’s a wonderful old tradition and I’d be very sorry to see it fade away. Best of luck with the 5000 words! I hope you still have time to enjoy the holiday season!
I’m so glad you enjoy the pantomime, Alexandra. I think it’s a wonderful old tradition and I’d be very sorry to see it fade away. Best of luck with the 5000 words! I hope you still have time to enjoy the holiday season!
I’m so glad you enjoy the pantomime, Alexandra. I think it’s a wonderful old tradition and I’d be very sorry to see it fade away. Best of luck with the 5000 words! I hope you still have time to enjoy the holiday season!
I’m so glad you enjoy the pantomime, Alexandra. I think it’s a wonderful old tradition and I’d be very sorry to see it fade away. Best of luck with the 5000 words! I hope you still have time to enjoy the holiday season!
I’m so glad you enjoy the pantomime, Alexandra. I think it’s a wonderful old tradition and I’d be very sorry to see it fade away. Best of luck with the 5000 words! I hope you still have time to enjoy the holiday season!
I love hearing about Christmas in summer because it sounds different and wonderful, and a friends Christmas dinner sounds lovely, Anne!
I love hearing about Christmas in summer because it sounds different and wonderful, and a friends Christmas dinner sounds lovely, Anne!
I love hearing about Christmas in summer because it sounds different and wonderful, and a friends Christmas dinner sounds lovely, Anne!
I love hearing about Christmas in summer because it sounds different and wonderful, and a friends Christmas dinner sounds lovely, Anne!
I love hearing about Christmas in summer because it sounds different and wonderful, and a friends Christmas dinner sounds lovely, Anne!
December is definitely a favorite of mine. Today is my :)73 rd birthday! And like all the kiddies, it is a “looked for” celebration; hey, I give thanks that I’m still alive with reasonable good health, & enjoying my favorite hobby..reading! Of course I, like others before me have said, “Christmas with all it’s wonder..a celebration, of Jesus’ birthday.” Nativity plays, lighted trees, choirs that sing not only for church, but at malls, hospitals, nursing homes, anywhere they are welcomed. And, the joy they bring is also glowing on their faces. The air in December is filled with excitement as well as wonderful smells of all the goodies being made in kitchens across the land, most to share with neighbors & friends. It’s a time when the world takes a breath, steps back , & tries to be a little better. I do LOVE December! I’m a little “wordy” on this blog it is a great inspiration for thought. Merry Christmas!
December is definitely a favorite of mine. Today is my :)73 rd birthday! And like all the kiddies, it is a “looked for” celebration; hey, I give thanks that I’m still alive with reasonable good health, & enjoying my favorite hobby..reading! Of course I, like others before me have said, “Christmas with all it’s wonder..a celebration, of Jesus’ birthday.” Nativity plays, lighted trees, choirs that sing not only for church, but at malls, hospitals, nursing homes, anywhere they are welcomed. And, the joy they bring is also glowing on their faces. The air in December is filled with excitement as well as wonderful smells of all the goodies being made in kitchens across the land, most to share with neighbors & friends. It’s a time when the world takes a breath, steps back , & tries to be a little better. I do LOVE December! I’m a little “wordy” on this blog it is a great inspiration for thought. Merry Christmas!
December is definitely a favorite of mine. Today is my :)73 rd birthday! And like all the kiddies, it is a “looked for” celebration; hey, I give thanks that I’m still alive with reasonable good health, & enjoying my favorite hobby..reading! Of course I, like others before me have said, “Christmas with all it’s wonder..a celebration, of Jesus’ birthday.” Nativity plays, lighted trees, choirs that sing not only for church, but at malls, hospitals, nursing homes, anywhere they are welcomed. And, the joy they bring is also glowing on their faces. The air in December is filled with excitement as well as wonderful smells of all the goodies being made in kitchens across the land, most to share with neighbors & friends. It’s a time when the world takes a breath, steps back , & tries to be a little better. I do LOVE December! I’m a little “wordy” on this blog it is a great inspiration for thought. Merry Christmas!
December is definitely a favorite of mine. Today is my :)73 rd birthday! And like all the kiddies, it is a “looked for” celebration; hey, I give thanks that I’m still alive with reasonable good health, & enjoying my favorite hobby..reading! Of course I, like others before me have said, “Christmas with all it’s wonder..a celebration, of Jesus’ birthday.” Nativity plays, lighted trees, choirs that sing not only for church, but at malls, hospitals, nursing homes, anywhere they are welcomed. And, the joy they bring is also glowing on their faces. The air in December is filled with excitement as well as wonderful smells of all the goodies being made in kitchens across the land, most to share with neighbors & friends. It’s a time when the world takes a breath, steps back , & tries to be a little better. I do LOVE December! I’m a little “wordy” on this blog it is a great inspiration for thought. Merry Christmas!
December is definitely a favorite of mine. Today is my :)73 rd birthday! And like all the kiddies, it is a “looked for” celebration; hey, I give thanks that I’m still alive with reasonable good health, & enjoying my favorite hobby..reading! Of course I, like others before me have said, “Christmas with all it’s wonder..a celebration, of Jesus’ birthday.” Nativity plays, lighted trees, choirs that sing not only for church, but at malls, hospitals, nursing homes, anywhere they are welcomed. And, the joy they bring is also glowing on their faces. The air in December is filled with excitement as well as wonderful smells of all the goodies being made in kitchens across the land, most to share with neighbors & friends. It’s a time when the world takes a breath, steps back , & tries to be a little better. I do LOVE December! I’m a little “wordy” on this blog it is a great inspiration for thought. Merry Christmas!
Hi Jenny! That is such a lovely story about your dog! I imagine you will miss her this year. Yes, Angus will be getting his fair share of Christmas dog treats and I think we will hide them for him to find. He’s pretty good at sniffing things out so it should be fun!
Hi Jenny! That is such a lovely story about your dog! I imagine you will miss her this year. Yes, Angus will be getting his fair share of Christmas dog treats and I think we will hide them for him to find. He’s pretty good at sniffing things out so it should be fun!
Hi Jenny! That is such a lovely story about your dog! I imagine you will miss her this year. Yes, Angus will be getting his fair share of Christmas dog treats and I think we will hide them for him to find. He’s pretty good at sniffing things out so it should be fun!
Hi Jenny! That is such a lovely story about your dog! I imagine you will miss her this year. Yes, Angus will be getting his fair share of Christmas dog treats and I think we will hide them for him to find. He’s pretty good at sniffing things out so it should be fun!
Hi Jenny! That is such a lovely story about your dog! I imagine you will miss her this year. Yes, Angus will be getting his fair share of Christmas dog treats and I think we will hide them for him to find. He’s pretty good at sniffing things out so it should be fun!
LOL, Elizabeth! Yes, that was a stressful walk. I’m very happy to report that Angus has stopped eating poop now! I love the sound of all that shortbread and other goodies making the journey to Canberra!
LOL, Elizabeth! Yes, that was a stressful walk. I’m very happy to report that Angus has stopped eating poop now! I love the sound of all that shortbread and other goodies making the journey to Canberra!
LOL, Elizabeth! Yes, that was a stressful walk. I’m very happy to report that Angus has stopped eating poop now! I love the sound of all that shortbread and other goodies making the journey to Canberra!
LOL, Elizabeth! Yes, that was a stressful walk. I’m very happy to report that Angus has stopped eating poop now! I love the sound of all that shortbread and other goodies making the journey to Canberra!
LOL, Elizabeth! Yes, that was a stressful walk. I’m very happy to report that Angus has stopped eating poop now! I love the sound of all that shortbread and other goodies making the journey to Canberra!
Happy Birthday, Jean! I hope you have a lovely day.
Yes, you are so right – the air in December is definitely filled with anticipation and excitement, as well as all that delicious cooking!
Happy Birthday, Jean! I hope you have a lovely day.
Yes, you are so right – the air in December is definitely filled with anticipation and excitement, as well as all that delicious cooking!
Happy Birthday, Jean! I hope you have a lovely day.
Yes, you are so right – the air in December is definitely filled with anticipation and excitement, as well as all that delicious cooking!
Happy Birthday, Jean! I hope you have a lovely day.
Yes, you are so right – the air in December is definitely filled with anticipation and excitement, as well as all that delicious cooking!
Happy Birthday, Jean! I hope you have a lovely day.
Yes, you are so right – the air in December is definitely filled with anticipation and excitement, as well as all that delicious cooking!
Our neighbors used to come caroling, sadly due to everyone ‘growing up’ and moving, etc.. No one comes to our door making wonderful music!!
Our neighbors used to come caroling, sadly due to everyone ‘growing up’ and moving, etc.. No one comes to our door making wonderful music!!
Our neighbors used to come caroling, sadly due to everyone ‘growing up’ and moving, etc.. No one comes to our door making wonderful music!!
Our neighbors used to come caroling, sadly due to everyone ‘growing up’ and moving, etc.. No one comes to our door making wonderful music!!
Our neighbors used to come caroling, sadly due to everyone ‘growing up’ and moving, etc.. No one comes to our door making wonderful music!!
A special treat we enjoy only during the holiday season are the Swedish meatballs (a family recipe handed down for generations).
A special treat we enjoy only during the holiday season are the Swedish meatballs (a family recipe handed down for generations).
A special treat we enjoy only during the holiday season are the Swedish meatballs (a family recipe handed down for generations).
A special treat we enjoy only during the holiday season are the Swedish meatballs (a family recipe handed down for generations).
A special treat we enjoy only during the holiday season are the Swedish meatballs (a family recipe handed down for generations).
Oh, that’s a shame, Kate. Caroling is very special for getting everyone in the Christmas spirit!
Oh, that’s a shame, Kate. Caroling is very special for getting everyone in the Christmas spirit!
Oh, that’s a shame, Kate. Caroling is very special for getting everyone in the Christmas spirit!
Oh, that’s a shame, Kate. Caroling is very special for getting everyone in the Christmas spirit!
Oh, that’s a shame, Kate. Caroling is very special for getting everyone in the Christmas spirit!
Yum, Jackie. That sounds fabulous! I love a good meatball recipe and the traditional family recipes are always the best!
Yum, Jackie. That sounds fabulous! I love a good meatball recipe and the traditional family recipes are always the best!
Yum, Jackie. That sounds fabulous! I love a good meatball recipe and the traditional family recipes are always the best!
Yum, Jackie. That sounds fabulous! I love a good meatball recipe and the traditional family recipes are always the best!
Yum, Jackie. That sounds fabulous! I love a good meatball recipe and the traditional family recipes are always the best!
Thank you, Ms. Gracie! I enjoyed sharing “my December” with all of you!! 🙂
Thank you, Ms. Gracie! I enjoyed sharing “my December” with all of you!! 🙂
Thank you, Ms. Gracie! I enjoyed sharing “my December” with all of you!! 🙂
Thank you, Ms. Gracie! I enjoyed sharing “my December” with all of you!! 🙂
Thank you, Ms. Gracie! I enjoyed sharing “my December” with all of you!! 🙂