Now That's More Like It

'Deck the halls with boughs of holly

Fa la la la laa, la la la laa!'

Yes, term is finally over and I have time to hear myself think - hooray! The house is now looking very Christmassy, most of the presents are bought and I have a bit of time to be creative. This term I have been true to my word and am now a very regular gym-visitor as well as a healthy-eater. I am seeing positive results already and am lighter and more toned than I was. However, it has been at the cost of regular blogging, and I can't tell you what a treat it is to be posting again. I shall spend the next few days catching up with you all too. 

So I've been decking the halls indeed, and we have lots of festive prettiness going on here. I've never been a minimalist where decorations are concerned, so our window-sill is looking very seasonal indeed.

My Christmas pixies are back - it wouldn't be the same without them.

We have twirling cherubs on the candle-chimes which catch the light and make a sweet tinkly sound,

bright orange clementines with their leaves still on in their sweet little wooden box,

glossy chestnuts ready for roasting

and jewel-bright chocolate coins - I love these coloured ones, as well as the traditional gold and silver.

The dresser is bedecked with the snowflakes which I crocheted over the last two years. 

I remember how addictive it was making them - hmmm, shall I make any more?

The Christmas tree is up in its usual place in the corner of our living room, groaning under the weight of decorations. Eclectic, you might call it, with a bit of everything. I know that tinsel divides opinion and is rather a Marmite thing (you either love it or hate it), but I like it in moderation. Only silver tinsel, mind you.

There are lots of little things made by my youngsters when they were little, and there are some sweet little creatures on the tree too.

I am very fond of the shiny vintage-style ones and am mad about these frosty, twinkly cones.

I even have a glittery cupcake.

There are also silver nutmegs and golden pears, although I'm not expecting a visit from the king of Spain's daughter.

 Last night P sang in a choir in Bath in a Christmas concert. It was a wonderful evening in a gorgeous church, filled with song and fun, and as we walked through Bath afterwards I was reminded of how lucky we are to live so nearby.

The tree outside the Pump Rooms sparkled against its Georgian backdrop.

The quaint cobbled streets twinkled prettily.

And the medieval Abbey looked splendid with its angels climbing up and occasionally falling down Jacobs Ladder, either side of the front door.

Yes, I am most definitely feeling a Christmas vibe now - bring it on!