The Christmas Spirit

The little crystal Gingerbread House always gets displayed in my home in December

It's made by Swarovski.

There were several snowfalls, but sadly it didn't last for very long.

A few autumn leaves were still hanging on

until some strong winds blew them away.

The colder days inspired me to make hot and comforting meals:

Risotto rice with cheese and courgettes and bell peppers

with a small glass of light red wine.

I don't have a Christmas tree this year, 

but I like to create candlelit scenes around my home.

This little snow-capped wooden house, which holds a candle,

was given to me by my grandson a few years' ago.

One day this week, I crossed the lake from Lausanne to Evian in France.

It only takes 35 minutes.

Although the weather was fairly grey, it wasn't too cold.

It was lovely to take the steam boat which was going on a luncheon cruise afterwards.

The clouds were clearing on the Swiss side as we left the port.

The front part of the boat, with the French flag flying, shows us grey weather ahead.

Inside the warmth of the boat, the Christmas decorations were beautiful.

With big red bows either side of the staircase leading up to the upper level.

By the late afternoon, the weather had become sunny

and the snowcapped mountains were bathed in light.

By the time I took the boat back to my side of the lake, the clouds had returned,

but the sunset was still beautiful.

At home, a cheeky little angel brings in the Christmas spirit

I've been crocheting some snowflakes to hang up.

I used a white yarn with a metallic thread running through.

Today is the Winter Solstice in the Norther Hemisphere.

It is when the days are at their darkest.

I hung up six snowflakes against two of my windows and I took this photo this morning

just as the day was starting to lighten the sky.

The colourful bokeh is created from the lights in the houses on the other side of the road.

I've been busy crocheting a two-sided cushion cover to match my Winter Blanket.

Now the two sides have been joined together with red yarn.

This is the other side of the cushion.

The traditional Christmas Cookies are being made.

Everyone's favourite are Viennese Crescents made with almonds.

The Christmas garland is on the wall

Let's shine!

In the true sense of the word.

Let's shine for ourselves

so that we may shine for others.

Where there is darkness, may there be light

Where there is sadness, may there be also joy

Where there is solitude, may there be a hand reaching out

Where there is despair ... let us give hope.

Every evening I light my red candle whose flame is reflected in the window.

Wishing all who visit me here, a very Joyful Christmas

and a Healthy New Year!

Sandra