Looking more festive …

 

 

A message on the local ‘kindness’ group last week spurred me into action: Decorations needed for a local care home looking after dementia residents. 

I have had it on my mind to declutter sort through the accumulation of years of Christmas decorations & this was the nudge I needed ahead of doing my own tree. 

I have kept the last few years ones in the garage but in previous years the packed boxes went in the loft. Out of sight but also not easy to access in midwinter when it is really cold up there. When the girls were at uni or working away, it was easier to grab new decorations rather than haul boxes down the ladder from the loft so the things that went up didn’t always come down. 

However, the wanted / needed request spurred us to bring down the loft decorations. We put them in the hallway & I checked in what was needed. ‘Wreaths, garlands, decorations, anything’ was the reply & so I checked through the containers, taking out just a few bits, then they were collected for the care home. 

What a relief to have sorted it out & so relieved that they were going to a good home. 

The conservatory sideboard was changed as the family were stopping by & Advent Sunday was upon us. Old favourites that will be well used over the festive season, many of them gifts over the years & they are on hand to enjoy a mince pie or treat on a nice plate without digging around for them. The sideboard works well for us at home. 

A really wet day today nudged me to bring the tree in from the garage & do the living room tree. I decided that white, rose & old gold decoration combination will prevail again. 

I tested the lights (we have all had the failed light experience) wound them on then set to decorate while catching up on recorded programmes. 

Some additional ones had come down with the loft stash like the ‘peace, joy, Noel’ ones & some delicate angels. The tree nestles in the corner next to the clocks & is a joy in the dark nights.

Our inglenook fireplace gets a large garland that only just stretches between the 2 hooks. 

It had graced the smaller fireplace at previous house where it draped over it but it is fortunately just right here. 

Lights adjusted & plugged in, it’s twinkly lights matching that of the tree. 

Baking is part of my Christmas preparations. 

 I like to put out some of the cookie cutters on the windowsill, alongside the glass candleholders; the plug in lights that stay up all year round are especially pretty in the winter when the candle holders come from various corners of the house to rest on the window sill. 

It is very handy to have candles readily available for when they are needed or when you want to  have one burning while you cook. 

I love passing on the joy of making something imperfect for the festive season. 

I am not yet sure what the festive baking will be - I looked at the long list of ingredients on some of the mince pies & they put me off. 

I know commercial baking is different but I prefer something without all the additives. 

I think mince pies will be on my baking list - any good suggestions are welcome. 

Still things to do about the house ahead of the festive season but I enjoy preparing the space, as my parents did for us growing up. 

Do you also like to take your time with festive preparations so you can enjoy them & the cosy feel at home? 

With various meet ups with friends at local pubs & coffee shops ahead of Christmas, I feel more organised with the major things done. 

What is your strategy for the festive season? When do you get started? Thank you for stopping by, it is always appreciated, 

Dee 🎄⛪️🕯️