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

 

17 comments

  1. A very merry Christmas to you Sandra. Hope the coming year will be better than the old one.
    Pictures full of genuine feelings. Very nice.
    Warm greetings

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    1. Thank you, Gabi, for your kind wishes. Warm greetings from my home to yours.

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  2. An absolutely charming post Sandra.

    The boat looks amazing as do the pictures of your trip.

    Loving your warm and cosy looking crochet- very homely and inviting.

    I wish you a very happy Christmas and a healthy and positive New Year. Xxx

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    1. Many thanks, Sarn, and for your lovely comments throughout the year. This is the cosy time of the year with candlelight and crochet, brisk walks outside, hot drinks and good books!

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  3. I wish you a very happy Christmas and a healthy new year Sandra! Lovely post as usual, and your crockett work are excellent !

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    1. Thank you very much for your friendly comment and kind words! Warm wishes to you!

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  4. Warm and welcoming and cuddly post. I dream every time with your pictures. I like all you have shown, but particularly the two tablecloths. Very nice!
    Merry Christmas and happy new year Sandra,
    Miriam

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    1. Thank you, Miriam, for your kind comments. The two cloths that you like are in fact decorated cotton tea-towels. They are too pretty to use, so I keep them for my photographs! Warm wishes to you !

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  5. What a delightful Christmas post, Sandra! I so enjoy your photos, especially your landscapes. The boat ride looks so pretty--I bet you wished it could have lasted longer. We've had only about an inch of snow, but may get a bit more tomorrow. We seem to have avoided the horrible snow and travel conditions that are sweeping across the United States this week. Glad we can just stay inside and enjoy a peaceful Christmas without needing to travel. Wishing you a joy-filled day! ♥

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    1. Hello Carol, it's always so lovely to see you here! How lovely for you to get some snow! Our temperatures have risen and we shall not be getting a white Christmas. Having a snug Christmas at home sounds perfect!

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  6. As always, I enjoy your view through your photos. I like that cheeky little angel, makes me smile.

    Have a lovely new year.

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    1. Thank you for your visit and your kind comment, Lissa. I hope this year will be an excellent one for you also!

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  7. Lovely glimpses of your December and holiday spirit. A boat ride in winter sounds so cold, but I suppose not if inside. Happy New Year Sandra!

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    1. So lovely to have you visit, Tammie. Well I was crossing the lake to visit someone on the other side, in France! The boat was snug and warm inside! Thank you for your kind wishes for the new year!

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  8. What lovely decorations, on the boat and in your home. A belated Happy New Year to you.

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    1. Hello Sue, so nice to see your comment here! Thank you for your kind wishes. I hope that you have been quite fine. You must be looking forward to getting on your bike again as soon as the weather and temperatures permit!

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