I’m ridiculously fond of this time of year. Even though I don’t like the fact that it’s so cold and dark, and I hate all the ditherers in town. I do love Christmas. I love that I get to hang out with my family and drink booze. I love that it’s fine to stuff my face with things that aren’t entirely healthy. I love festive songs and movies. Even the fairly rubbish ones. And I absolutely LOVE decorations and twinkly lights. Like you would not believe. Last year we had a HUGE real tree in the bay window. It looked fantastic and filled the house with that wonderful aroma of fir needles. Lovely. We just don’t have the space this year (now that we actually have proper furniture that is). So instead, I’ve gt a fibre optic tree. It’s much smaller, and can only support the smallest and lightest of my decorations, but I still love it. I’ve also scattered a few other bits about. A yarn tree on the hearth with my favourite porcelain and pressed metal decs. A berry garland over the mirror (which will have twinkly lights added to it very soon). And various “things” that I’ve picked up over the years. I love it. I’ve taken to working on the sofa so that I can gaze at the pretty things whenever I need a quiet moment. But it seriously only dawned on me last night that Christmas day is only a week away. I’ve so much to do. The cards are written, but I haven’t posted them yet. The pressies (well some of them) are bought but I haven’t even thought about wrapping them. And then there’s Christmas dinner – we’re hosting again for 9 people in total. There’s the food to buy and prepare, drinks to sort, a whole house to clean. Eek. I had better get a wiggle on. Those extra twinkly lights aren’t going to magic themselves into position are they?

I hope you’re all having a fabulous festive season anyway, full of mistletoe kisses and mulled wine, and that even the most bah-humbug of you manage a little smile when you see some twinkly lights and a big tin of Christmas sweeties. We’ve gone for the Swizzels Sweet Shop Favourites this year – brilliant idea. I was rather tempted by the limited edition Cadbury Heroes featuring Toblerone though. Tee hee…

This post was brought to you by Various Artists : A Very Special Christmas