Taking one day at a time! 🎄

I must be a bit of a Scrooge when it comes to Christmas. If I need to defend myself, this time of year has not always been my happiest.

My son and his family have lived in the US for five years. Before they emigrated we had Christmas with them in Kent. I didn’t put up any decorations that year because we weren’t going to be at home on Christmas Day. That set the precedent!

So, last year was the first time I had a Christmas tree for years! It had languished in the loft together with decorations acquired when the children still lived at home. My US family and my daughter and her husband were celebrating Christmas with us on the 27th December! This warranted the exception!

This year we are spending Christmas with my daughter. There was no need to get the tree down and spend ages prizing open the branches and dusting off the decorations. But, three things made me change my mind and ‘leap out of my box’! It’s been a rubbish year, one I’m sure most of us would like to forget! The weather has been awful with many varied shades of grey, all equally depressing! And I felt uncharitable!

The neighbour opposite has made her large bay window and garden very festive! I enjoyed looking across at the lights all shining brightly, lifting my spirits significantly. The evenings are so dark and cheerless. Every little bit of help is gratefully accepted! I needed to reciprocate!

So, the tree is up in the sitting room, strategically placed in the middle of the large window. Every evening either my husband or I turn on the lights. We sit in the conservatory and look out across the green to the neighbours house opposite and smile when our eyes alight on our own equally sparking offering!

I spoke to my daughter in law in the US last week. She told me how her autumn decorations were being replaced by Christmas ones. She always ‘dresses’ her house again after thanksgiving and really enjoys celebrating the seasons and festivals. She was surprised when I told her that I wasn’t going to bother. I think ‘horrified’ might have been closer to the mark but she managed to control the tone in her voice! However, I felt ashamed and couldn’t shake off the feeling!

Nest week brings its own challenges! Today I’m feeling quietly smug. I made the effort despite my initial Scrooge intentions! It’s the weekend. Our house is warm and cozy and bright and my husband is about to build our first fire of the winter.

A glass of red wine as I stare dreamily into the flames is all I’m asking for now! I’ll cross bridges later when I get to them! 👠