Christmas Time 2012

The past two days have passed by in a blur of frantic activity and happy feel good. Yesterday was spent wrapping and delivering presents and cards to friends and neighbours around town, and doing The Food Shop. I went by myself (twice) to the supermarkets, walking down in the rain pulling my trusty shopping trolley behind me. It was surprisingly stress free, and I might even go so far as to say I enjoyed the experience. Kind of.

Since last Wednesday when the tree was finally put up I've been really, really loving the glow of 200 coloured lights in the corner there. The tree is, as usual, completely laden with baubles and decorations (decked out by Little Lady and a very enthusiastic Little B), and looks beautifully bright and cheerful.

It's become something of a tradition for me to have red tulips on the table at Christmas, and this year I've gone for tulips+glitter for an extra bit of festive sparkle. They look so pretty, I really love the whole idea of adding glitter to flowers, well I just love glitter full stop.

I spent a good part of today with an apron on over my pyjamas, tidying and cleaning like a mad thing. I got it into my head yesterday that the house needed to have a very thorough Home Blessing before the Big Day, and I somehow managed to find the energy to spend 3 hours doing it this afternoon. Our downstairs living space had gotten ridiculously untidy (the Shelves of Doom were beginning to make a come back, much to my horror), so it was a lot of work, but I am sooooooooo happy that I made the effort to give it a bit of a sort out. Even the table is now remarkably clear of paper snippets, glitter, sellotape, newspapers, magazines, wrapping paper, pens, envelopes, toys etc.

Part of todays Home Blessing also involved stripping and washing my bed linen as I really do love to go to bed on Christmas Eve with freshly laundered bedding. I kept my own little personal Christmas tradition going this year with new pillowcases and new pyjamas....

...well I say pyjamas, but actually I've gone for brushed cotton bottoms and the most gorgeously soft and snuggly pink top thingy. Not sure what you would call it...lounge wear? It's a definite idling-about garment, and I am sooo looking forward to wearing it tomorrow. I love that I can get away with this sort of outfit for Christmas day.

I finally finished adding the seasonal touches to my two fireplaces this morning too. I'm so sorry my photographs today are a bit pants but the persistent rain has made the light rather dull and gloomy. Still, you can get an idea of how it's looking...much the same as last year actually, but no less lovely for being samey.

I had such fun getting out my mini glass baubles again this year and decorating my twigs, oh it made me so happy! Fun and Joy indeed. Little Lady was helping me here and she really enjoyed unpacking the box and setting it all up. Out came the little wooden christmas tree, the wooden train, the quirky little homemade pom pom robins (I love them so), and the wooden nativity. All stuff from previous years, and already a part of her childhood memories.

I had a bit of a faff with this fireplace actually, more specifically trying to hang and display my beloved wreath. I tried (and failed) to hang some paper behind it to make a kind of a background/frame, so it looks a bit weird hanging over the top of the picture. But anyhow, it is there, and I love it very, very much.

I have candle jars along  my mantel again this year, and I had grand plans to turn these into a Christmas Village with the cunning and creative use of paper cutting. I adore paper houses, and Christmassy paper houses just send me into a spin of desire. A few months ago I began saving glass jars, and I even bought some coloured card, craft knives and glitter (got to have glitter on the rooftops). I had something like this in mind, but in colour. If I get some time later this week I may still give it a go.

My frenzy of tidying and cleaning ended around about 3pm this afternoon, and I literally collapsed on the sofa with exhaustion. J took over and lit the fire, handed me a glass of chilled prosecco and proceeded to bake a loaf of bread (yes, he really did! He made Xmas fruity walnut beer bread, and it was divine!). He then went on to cook dinner for us all. I was truly grateful, I don't think I would have had the energy.

Late this afternoon, while J was baking/cooking in the kitchen, I lay on the sofa with my two youngest and we watched  The Polar Express. Wow, what a fabulous movie for Christmas Eve! We have seen it loads of times over the years, but it was the first time watching it with Little B. His excitement for all things Christmassy has been the sweetest thing this year, and I can't wait to see it all unfold in the morning. Just before he went to bed we sprinkled some reindeer dust in the back yard, and put out refreshments for the Big Man and Rudolph too. Stockings are hung and as far as I know (almost 10pm now) all three Little Peeps are tucked up and asleep. It feels wonderful, and my heart is full of gratitude.

I'm going to go and cosy up by the fire now with my lovely hubby, but I'll be away to bed myself soon (oooooooo new rosy pillowcases!).

Wishing you all a warm, cosy and blissfully happy Christmas Time. Fun and Joy to you all!

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Comments

[Karen]

Your house looks very festive Lucy! Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[Marga]

Merry Christmas and have a lovely time with your family the next couple of days.
Also a very happy and creative New Year!

[Amy]

I love the peaks into your home. You make everything seem so lovely and doable... It gives me hope for myself! Enjoy the special time with your family!

[Thomasina Tittlemouse]

A very merry Christmas to you too, Lucy! And A Happy Hooky 2013 as well! E xx

[Laura]

Merry Christmas to you and your family, Lucy! What a lovely home you have!

[Barbara]

Have a merry Christmas to you and your family :)

[corry en Heleen]

Christmas wishes to you too!!! :)

[Posch Judit]

Merry Christmas, Dear Lucy, your photos are always very kind!

[Helen]

oh so lovely, Lucy, we've been a busy flurry of cleaning and decorating too today, there are always more things to do!
Wishing you and yours the merriest of Christmases
http://ahandfulofhope.blogspot.co.uk/

[Teresa Kasner]

Everything looks cozy and Christmassy in your home. Thanks for sharing with us.

❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉
*M*E*R*R*Y* *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*
❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉

((hugs)), Teresa :-)

[Bee]

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas ... it looks very cosy with you ... Bee xx

[Adaliza]

Merry Christmas - looks like you're going to have loads of fun!

[Rachell]

Merry Christmas! Time for bed and to listen for the sound of sleigh bells jingling

[Heather]

Ah the glitter... Got some pink glittery tulips this morning too! So fun - a hint of spring with festive fun. Merry Christmas to you and yours x

[Jackie]

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas - I hope you all have a wonderful day and that all your Christmas wishes come true ! :0) xx

[Carol]

It looks beautifully festive. Have a wonderful family Christmas.
Carol xx

[Ariadne]

Merry Christmas Lucy!Enjoy the holidays!AriadnefromGreece!

[Carol]

I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Christmas. I love all of your pictures, especially the tree and little hand/candy cane photo. I also share your thoughts about glitter!

[Jilly Harris]

Merry Christmas! I'm sure you will have a lovely family Christmas day .

[kelli]

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[Rose]

Bingle jells Lucy!

[Louise]

Merry Christmas!

[Ella Rook]

Have a blessed Christmas! Your house looks absolutely adorable, warm and inviting, a typical house where youre kids will look back with fond memories at when they are all grown up! Enjoy! Loooove the snow-stars-garland hanging on your mantle!!!

[haylee]

Oh Wow Lucy!! Your house looks amazing and so cosy!! and colourful! Go you!! I love the glittery tulips, they brought me a tear of happiness, love flowers too. The cath Kidson items are lush, the cup & piloow case match my supermarket bag. I came across a lovely book (well it is a tin, made to look like a book) in wh smith today in the box section of a granny square cushion with hook and wool and it reminded me of you. Wishing you and yours a wonderful wonderful xmas and I look forward to seeing you and hearing of your adventures in the land of blog in the new year. Have fun! Love Haylee & Family :) x

[Debby P.]

Merry Christmas, Lucy. May the new year be full of joy and blessings.

Debby P.