We had heard somewhere that real Christmas trees were going to be more expensive this year; mainly due to the poor growing seasons for the last couple of years in the Scandinavian countries, leading to a lack of supply. So, holding our breath yesterday, when we visit our local farm that sells some, we enquired about the price for the smaller trees, thinking we would need to economise. Well, to our surprise, we could still buy a large 6ft one and unbelievably they were
less than last year.
The farmer said that yes, some places were cashing-in on the scare, but not him. We selected our tree and grappled with it to get it into the back of our car.
Back home, it was manhandled into its pot and there were several willing hands waiting to add the assorted decorations.
A wonderful evening was spent with our three daughters and it struck me that this could be the last year that this happens for us. (My eldest daughter is hoping to go and teach English as a foreign language in Taiwan next year, having spent her spare time studying for her TEFL qualification.)
It felt good to have all of my daughters here joining in; the Christmas CDs playing loudly, the smell of the blue spruce and the excited chatter.
'Skinny Santa' is my youngest daughter's favourite decoration!
Other old favourites found their place amongst the branches, including mine - 'button-leg Santa', bought from Heidelberg market in Germany by hubby, when we were lucky enough to have a romantic weekend away once, when our girls were mere babes!
The new glass hearts fitted nicely amongst our nostalgic assortment.
And then we all stepped back to take it all in....
The photo below was taken this morning. I must admit that I hadn't felt very Christmassy until last night. There's always so much to do isn't there? And it's not until you stop and enjoy the simple pleasures of family life and create some more memories for the future that it hits you.
Yes, that warm and fuzzy feeling of togetherness and the appreciation for what we have has returned.
***
My trio of primitive ladies with their 'faith, hope and love' pillows perch on the window sill. A gift from my hubby many years ago...
*
Rustic snowflakes hang at the windows.
Hyacinths scent the air.
Frosted paper leaves tumble over a mirror.
*
Ooops...Did you notice the little pale blue cabinet? You did? OK then, I'll come clean... ;-))
...I took a little Christmas gift around to my friend who owns a junk shop in the next village...fatal! Ha! For what did I spy whilst I was there? It just
had to come home with me, I couldn't help it! It had already received the CK treatment when I bought it(!), so all I had to do was sit it on the shelf in the kitchen. It's very old and tatty, just the way I like it!
A few early pressies of wine and flowers add another festive touch.
I made some finishing touches to linen gift bags for friends....
My glitter village found a new place this year in the sunshine...
And I found time to add some vintage glass baubles to the snowy wreath that I mentioned in the post below.
This was simple to do and didn't require a large amount of decorations.
Hanging from the mirror in the living room, it reflects the other wreath opposite.
Hope you are having a lovely weekend and are feeling fuzzy and festive too!
Niki x
