Today I had sausage rolls and chocolate orange for breakfast. It’s that wonderful time between Christmas and New Year, when the real world is shut out, and I hunker down in my own festive bubble. The date is forgotten, time slows down, and for once, I live in the now. Eating when I want, sleeping … More The Advent Countdown
It was dawn on Christmas day. The puddles had turned to ice, the muddy swamps were frozen solid, and the grass was covered in a pretty layer of white frost. But instead of being tucked up in a warm bed, we were wrapped in extra layers, sitting atop our local hillfort, waiting for the sun … More A Different Christmas
I was awoken on Christmas morning by a symphony of squeals and shouts, and a herd of elephants running up and down the stairs. It was still dark outside. 🙂 Half-asleep, I stumbled down the hall to find my eldest nephew a-jumping and a-leaping, excitedly screaming “Santa has been!”. And his younger brother frantically shaking … More The First Noel
Throughout December, I always skip track number 6 on my Xmas CD. It’s special. Reserved for that magical moment when art becomes reality, and we are indeed “Driving home for Christmas”. We sing-along as we navigate the M40: it signals the start of our celebrations. But this year I forgot my CD. We’d packed halfheartedly, … More Christmas cake, Stockings and the Flu!
I remember the first Christmas Phil spent with my family. Mere hours after our arrival, he disappeared. I found him lying on my childhood bed, in silence, eyes staring at the ceiling. He needed a break from us. From the noise and over-excitement and frenzied activity. I recall being puzzled… why couldn’t he cope in … More Sensory Overload
I adore the countdown to Christmas. As the first drawer on my advent calendar is opened, life suddenly becomes more magical and exciting. One whole month surrounded by twinkly lights, sparkly tinsel and memory-laden tree decorations. Four weeks of planning and shopping and wrapping and giving. Twenty-four days of indulging on Christmas films, Christmas chocolates, … More Finding My Christmas Spirit
`I love Christmas. It is magical. For one week of the year, the world becomes brighter, sparklier, shinier, louder. It is a chance to take a break from normal life, to get excited like a child, and be surrounded by love. But it is also exhausting! Thus, the way I celebrate has had to change … More Christmas With PH
We Can Adjust The Sails 