Christmas Thoughts 2021 -

Eugéne Samuel Grasset (Swiss 1845-1917)

Wood Engraving for the month of Décembre from his portfolio Les Mois -1895

This has always been one of my favorite depictions of December as

 Christmas approaches - snow, hellebores, wind, leafless trees,

a warm red dress, cozy wrap, and a huge bunch of mistletoe!

I'm certain some of you will recall how much I love this painting and

 I share it here every year!

Speaking of mistletoe, there was no kissing under our mistletoe 'kissing ball' 

last year, and you know why.  There are many stories related to how this

 traditional bit of Christmas season lore, and frivolity, started. 

Personally I like to go with this typically English version . . . . . it has that lovely 
Downton  Abbey warm feeling -

"The mistletoe tradition blossomed, first among

 English servants and eventually expanding to the

 middle class. The basis of the mistletoe tradition

 was that men were allowed to kiss any woman seen

 underneath mistletoe -- and refusal to accept was

 considered bad luck."

This year Bob and I are throwing caution to the December winds - at least 

here at home when alone. We are vaccinated X 3 so having a little

smooch now and then as we pass from the hallway into the living room

 where the ball hangs.

Hoping you are kissed under the mistletoe this year. . . . and 

will be showered with good luck in the coming year!

Christmas art -

Eugéne Samuel Grasset (Swiss 1845-1917)

Color Wood Engraving from his portfolio Les Mois -1895

This has always been one of my favorite depictions of December as

 Christmas approaches - snow, hellebores, wind, a warm red dress, cozy wrap, 

and a huge bunch of mistletoe. . . . . . but no kissing under it this year!

December weather - a wet Christmas. . . . . . . .

Around North Carolina we've not had the usual weather the 

month of December brings. . . . . no bitter cold, no snow or icy

 conditions, no roaring winds, but quite a lot of rain falling heavily

 like grey sheets of gloom, such as we're getting today. It's

currently "pelting down cats and dogs" as we said in England when

 I was growing up. Do they still say that - maybe my UK readers can

oblige with info - thanks.

We've also had very warm weather and some lovely

sunny days. . . . . .to rake leaves, hang decorations outside, go 

shopping, walk for a little exercise now and then, even sit on the 

front porch with a refreshing drink in hand, in between the pre-holiday

 hustle and bustle of errands and chores December always brings. 

This has always been one of my favorite depictions of December

as Christmas approaches - snow, wind, a red dress and warm wrap, and a huge

 bunch of mistletoe.

Christmas love to you all.

Décembre

Eugene Samuel Grasset (Swiss, 1845-1917)

Color wood graving from his portfolio Les Mois - 1895