Wednesday 1 December 2021

December

 


Sadly, the snow only lasted a day or so before it got washed away by the rain. But here is another photograph from the weekend when everything looked oh-so-seasonal and just that little bit more festive. 
And I need all the festive cheer I can get at the moment, as I'm trying very hard to get into the spirit of all things Christmas but this year I am really struggling to muster up even the slightest enthusiasm. I need to remind myself that it is still a little while off yet, and I'm sure I'll be feeling a bit more excited as the days go by. I hope so, anyway. 

Last night I hung up the advent stockings, and I noticed the string they are tied up with is wearing rather thin in places - I forget they've been in use for a few years now. I'll have to remember this when I pack them away again in January, so that I'll be prepared for this time next year. They have been put above the fireplace and I expect there will be some more decorations joining them towards the weekend.

This morning, Lily excitedly reached for her first chocolate and once I had dropped her off at school, I made a quick trip into town to stock up on some ribbon, Christmas cards, and wool. I really would love to just take a whole day to myself and get everything I need all in one go, but I have to be content with snatching a couple of hours here and there. I know I will get there in the end, it just all takes that little bit longer this way.

Oh, and while I was there, I might just have treated myself to some mince pies. I'm feeling that little bit more festive already. 😁

J. X


34 comments:

  1. Yes it sounds that you definitely need that day to yourself. Love the snowy photo, it looks very festive. Hopefully things will improve as the month wears on. B x

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    1. I'm sure it is having only those fleeting moments of opportunity where I can get anything done that is leaving me feeling hurried and less organised than I actually am. X

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  2. (((HUGS))) Jules. I might have mentioned this before, but, that first Christmas after my mother's death was very difficult for me. I hope you will feel more like celebrating closer to the day. Lily's enthusiasm and the mince pies will help you, I'm sure. :)

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    1. Thank you, Bless. It is easy to feel overwhelmed at this time of year. I'm sure you're right. X

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  3. Christmas always comes whether we are ready or not and it is hard when we have suffered a loss to get into any kind of festive mood. Just enjoy the little moments as they appear like your lovely photo and Lily's excitement. Thinking of you xx

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    1. It is all about taking comfort in the little things. That is what makes it such a special time of year. X

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  4. Lovely seasonal photo! Are they holly berries? My Rowan berries have all gone down the throats of the birds, mostly the Robins!

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    1. I'm not sure, Chris. I just thought they looked pretty :)

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  5. Maybe, if you do just a little Christmassy something each day, the feeling will build up and help. Sending love. xx

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    1. That is my plan, Joy. And listening to your Christmas music every morning is a lovely way to start my day. X

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  6. You'll feel more in the festive spirit as the month wears on, Lily will be getting excited. Such a beautiful photo xx

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    1. I'm sure you're right, Eileen. I've yet to start doing any of my favourite festive activities, besides eating mince pies that is :)

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  7. Those berries are beautiful and capture the season perfectly Jules. I hope you start to feel more Christmassy soon and that those mincepies were a yummy start.
    Have a good day x

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    1. Those mince pies were a delicious start. I've already eaten two of them :)

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  8. That snowy berry photo is beautiful.
    Festive occasions are very hard following a loss, take your time and enjoy those mince pies. xxx

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    1. Thank you, Vix. I'll be baking some of my own soon. X

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  9. Christmas is a particularly hard time when you're grieving, especially that first one. Just go with the flow, no one says you have to feel a particular way just because it's a certain time of year. I had my first mince pie of the season yesterday too, I managed to hold off until December came but I shall definitely be having my fair share now.

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    1. I don't like to eat them too early either, Jo. For me it's very like opening the tin of chocolates, once I've started... X

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  10. I also had a mince pie yesterday. Wife said they had to be saved for Christmas but I rediscovered my childhood nattering skills.

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  11. A nice mince pie can do wonders! I treated myself to a luxurious one from a cafe the other day and I felt much better instantly. Maybe have on everyday, just because xx

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    1. So far, this month, I am already keeping to your plan. I might even bake some of my own at the weekend. X

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  12. I love your photo of the icy berries. Thinking of you and sending you warm wishes x

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  13. I truly feel that the 'first' of any date/event after a loss is the hardest but the feeling of loss and grief become more bearable with time, it just does not feel like it at that time.
    Oh and please, please don't mention mince pies, tis hard enough trying not to pile the pounds upon my already rotund frame due to my ladder acrobatic imposed inactivity!

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, John. I'll try not to mention the chocolates then :)

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  14. That's a lovely photo Jules, it looks very festive and would make a great Christmas card. I'm sure you'll feel more in the mood as the days pass.

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    1. Thank you, Eunice. I'm sure you're right. X

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  15. Another beautiful photograph.
    December is definitely the time to spoil yourself with a mince pie or two :)

    All the best Jan

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    1. Well, I have enjoyed two mince pies so far, already :)

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  16. Some years are harder to get into the festive spirit but it does arrive - sometimes it sneaks up with a tune or a mince pie or other times with a lightning bolt - like when the tree goes up - just let it happen - and let Lily's excitement be what carries you until you find your own xxx

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    1. That is very true, of course. And Lily generates enough excitement for everyone. Xx

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  17. I hope the mince pies were suitably rewarding 🥧 🥧

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    1. Not rewarding enough, I'm afraid. I'll just have to eat some more. 😁

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