Boxing Day

When my brother and I were younger.

Boxing Day was the day we had to write our thank-you letters

for the Christmas presents we had received.

It was also a day to relax with no hassle in the kitchen

as there were always enough delicious leftovers to see us through the day.

Today, my daughter and grandson came over for lunch

and to exchange presents.

I seemed to spend the whole morning in the kitchen

but the meal was good  and  made all the work worthwhile.

It's traditional to make mince pies over Christmas

and they are served warm, fresh out of the oven.

When I was on my own again,

there was all the washing up to see to.

I do not own a dishwasher.

That job seemed to go on for a long time.

Now I'm getting used to the contrast of having visitors over

and getting back into routine of being on my own again.

I don't dislike the solitude

as it enables me to really be me

to get in touch with who I really am at my core.

However, I do enjoy the company of other folk too

and sometimes it's really nice to be invited 

and not always be the hostess!

I do notice that many people prefer to be invited rather than invite,

have you noticed that too?

So on this Boxing Day,

I shall put up my feet, pick up some handiwork

and look at a recorded film.

I also have a new book to start

which is waiting for me on my bedside table!

I hope that you are enjoying a more peaceful aftermath of Christmas.

It feels so good, doesn't it?

Ding Dong Merrily on High

This is the week before Christmas

when the frenzy in the air is very tangible.

Sometimes, it's just good to find a quiet place to sit

and take the time to breathe...

maybe light a candle

a red one is so festive.

The presents are wrapped and the bows tied

I'm so glad I did everything early.

What about my new hand and arm cast?

Red for Christmas. What else?

Just to be a little silly, I'm going to wear a tinsel bracelet

on Christmas Day!

Since there won't be a Christmas tree this year,

I've bought some cheerful fairy lights to create

several luminous and festive corners around my home.

A sparkling butterfly in memory of a sweet loved-one

departed much too early.

A bowl of Christmas baubles on a small table

This glass container, containing tinsel and shiny baubles

will have added fairy lights in red and white 

to be the centre-piece on my Christmas table

I love my living room at night

all lit up

as pretty as any Christmas tree!

The Christmas elves are already in place in the entrance.

They have been a tradition for more than twenty years.

The homemade truffles will have to wait for the New Year

before I make them again.

I was just able to finish crocheting the front door wreath

on the last day of November.

That was lucky!

I am unable to make my usual Christmas crochet gifts and decorations this year,

but fortunately I have some snowflakes left over from previous years.

As soon as the afternoon light starts to fade

those little lights come on.

Scintillating evenings just for me and a good book!

Those little bells again, just because they're so joyful!

and the sweet sound of children's voices.

Please click below on the name of the Christmas Carol:

Ding Dong Merrily on High

It just goes to show that we can still create a festive feeling with very little

and with just a bit of imagination!

I wish you all a very heartwarming and beautiful time with your families.

Sometimes, not all members of a family can get together, but we can phone and

exchange emails and have special thoughts for all those who have

other obligations or cannot be with us.

In the meantime, whatever you do, and whoever you're with, 

may you have a joyful heart to share!

I'll be taking a blog break over the holiday period until sometime in January.

Be well

Be happy

Remember to smile

to someone who may need it!