”I love Christmas, not just because of the presents but because of all the decorations and lights and the warmth of the season.”
Winter is here, a colder winter, a colder December, than usual. The high today will be 28°. It is inside hoodie weather. I’m going to watch the world from through my windows. I have no reason to leave the warm, cozy house. The dogs too like the warmth of the house. I swear Henry runs into the house with his leg still in the air.
It is time for an update on the mice. I trapped over twenty from under the bed. The latest were tiny, babies I think. Last night was the fourth night of empty traps. Either I have them all or they have moved on with packed bags and a few cat treats for the trip.
I need a little Christmas. I haven’t even hung the outside lights to replace the ones the spawn chewed. I’m waiting for a warmer day. I think today I may bring up a few Christmas storage boxes from the cellar. I’ll do that for a couple of days. Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat.
My town where I grew up was always festive at Christmas. Lights outlined the fire station, and Santa was on a ladder to go down the chimney. The town hall too was covered in lights. Garlands hung across Main Street. Bells in the center of the garlands swayed in the breeze. A stage was set up in front of the Children’s Corner, one of the up town stores. Each night carolers, from different schools, stood on the stage and sang for the shoppers. I remember being so proud standing there and singing. I was in the fifth grade. We sang from the John Hancock carol book. I still have mine. It is certainly worse for the wear.
I have a list of goodies I’ll make this year. I just need a few more ingredients, like oranges and lemons and sour cream. I’ll make my toffee, probably the most popular treat I make every year. I’ll make orange cookies. There were my mother’s favorites. She used to save some cookies just for herself. My mother used to make peanut butter balls, my favorites. She’d hide some in the freezer then bring them out long after Christmas as a surprise. My sister still makes them and generously sends me a tin full. I don’t put any in the freezer. They don’t last long.
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December 6, 2025 at 7:33 am
Locally, some houses have Christmas displays since late November. I am keen to send seasonal cards to friends far and wide. So far I have achieved half my target so I need to get on with it. We, mostly my wife, have made two Christmas cakes. We will be taking an elderly neighbour to the Christmas Market in the pleasant city of Salisbury. Unfortunately the weather forecast shows wet and windy conditions for the next week.
December 6, 2025 at 11:04 am
Peter,
A couple of times a week I pass through the same small town. It is so lit that I am in awe all the way through. This past week they had added lights around the trunks and among the branches of trees lining the road. It is a delight.
I still have to put out my lights. Maybe I’ll bite the bullet and do it today though it is a bit chilly.
I have the ingredients for some of my Christmas goodies, but I’m going to bring up some boxes and decorate a bit. I want to cut pine holly branches from the trees in the yard.
If I were there, I’d add this elderly neighbor to your Christmas market jaunt!
December 6, 2025 at 11:18 am
Kat, you’d be most welcome. With you, my wife Jo., dog Ellie, and Pam, our neighbour, the car would be full. Pam is aged 86, I am 79. When we are going places, she likes to tease her daughters by telling them that she is going out with a married man! We go to gigs and musical shows occasionally. She loves Christmas, makes her own cards, and often goes out dressed in red as Mrs Claus.
December 6, 2025 at 2:05 pm
Peter,
I am 78. All my friends too are in their 70’s, but one is in his early 80’s. I used to go to all the church fairs but haven’t in a while. I used t make ornaments for presents but haven’t done that of late. I am thinking about it for this year. I am going to make food gifts for people. The vanilla is already aging.
December 6, 2025 at 3:33 pm
Yes, do it. We need to stay positive. I tidied up my bedroom drawers today, and have thrown out a few old things I’ll never wear or use again.
December 6, 2025 at 4:34 pm
Peter,
Some days I need to get to be with. People more. My uke gets me out of the house a minimum of two days a week. With concerts it could be as many as four days. I have good friends in that group.
Some days I just get drum up enough enthusiasm to do much. Other days I am filled with energy. My leg still hurts if I do too much, and I forget that.