All Around the House . . . . . . . Part 1

 

I completed my Christmas decorating around the house, then sat for a

couple of far too warm days for December, wondering why.

Why was I doing all this when Bob and I might be the only people to see

 the sparkle in dark corners and on tabletops and shelves. The flickering

 of candles all around, Rudolph's red nose, a golden stag, a whiff of fresh

 pine from the mantel, an angel frame with an angel photo of someone

 very special, and tiny trees of silver, green and some snow dusted.

 

Now, after a week of early dusks, after my afternoon cup of tea, I'm in love

with the routine of lighting the candles, the Christmas tree and large paper

 stars in the gazebo, the small metal tree with my collection of birds, hearts,

stars and vintage chandelier crystals. . . . . . and then the outdoor lights.

It's not perfect this year, and I didn't put out every ornament, but the sparkle

 and glow is making these now darker, colder evenings very pleasant.

I'm so glad I made the effort . . . . . off now to listen some 

Christmas music.

More peeks around the house next time.

It's beginning to look. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . a little bit like Christmas!

Yesterday we did venture out for several hours of necessary 

shopping - food for now, and for Christmas. 

This included a visit to the World Market store as they are now stocking

 the shelves with international delicacies such as British goodies. 

I must have jars of Robertson's sweet mincemeat to make my traditional

 mince pies, a Walker's Christmas pudding (I no longer make my own), 

a big tin of Quality Street chocolates (Brits reading this will understand)

 and other, yummy items which I only see during the holiday season. . . . and

will erase dieting from the to do list for a few weeks!

Speaking of coming weeks. . . . . . not many remaining before the 25th!

This cute December barn board calendar caught my eye in Target ($5). 

Even I will remember the day as I move the wreath on the way to

 pour my morning coffee!

I've started decorating and today I plan to finish up, both inside

and out as rain is coming tomorrow. Not doing quite as much this year

 for obvious reasons - the main one being no parties indoors.  

I still want to enjoy candlelit holiday evenings sitting by the hearth

 though, and perhaps, if lucky, the weather will be kind over the holidays

 and allow some distanced porch sitting with some family and friends.

Are you planning to decorate?

We should share our favorite Christmas ornaments in the 

coming weeks - it would be fun.