December to date

 I cannot believe we are already nearly half way through December - where has the year gone! 

I wish I could say I'm feeling very festive and all ready for Christmas, but unfortunately that's not the case ...

The count down candle was lit and Wally was very interested.  That was the most prepared I was for the beginning of December.

Next I had a panic buying session as I normally try to have my Christmas presents bought by the end of November with just the last few to pick up in December.  This year, I hadn't started buying and December had arrived.  I haven't finished yet and need to sit down, wrap what I have and work out what's still to be bought.

We've had a couple of wet and very windy storms blowing through this month but when the sun does come out it's so pretty and I love the light on the trees.

I don't see the sun rise unless I'm out for a walk but I get some beautiful sun sets from the flat windows.  It's getting dark by 4 o'clock now and if I'm working I sometimes miss them but the longest night will soon be here and we'll start getting slightly longer days again.

Being new to the area, on 03 December 2024 I walked into the village to have a wander around the Christmas market and see what it was like.  It was quite busy but I walked round the stalls and enjoyed seeing the lights on the houses and in the gardens.

This window was very pretty and felt quite festive.

I have been working more from home recently, which I enjoy as I get more done that way. However, I do get distracted from time to time by Wally who likes to see what I'm doing.

Sometimes he likes to play catch the fingers, while I'm trying to type

We had Alice's birthday last month and last weekend we celebrated Megan's early birthday (her actual birthday is Christmas Day so we do an early birthday so she has a day about her). I can't believe they are now 14 and, soon to be 12, respectively. I'm looking forward to seeing them being big cousin's to Em and Jack's little one, next year.

As to how the Christmas preparation is coming along:

1. I have a kitten who would strip a Christmas tree in no time at all so no tree has been put up and I'm yet to put up the fairy lights!

2. While I've done a fair bit of my shopping, I sense a panic buying session may happen when I start to wrap what I have, and feel I don't have enough - anyone else do this? I do it every year!

3. This year will be the first year where I'll wake up on my own - I have no problem with that but it will be the first time in over 36 years - no, in fact, probably the first year ever! It will be different but it will also be more relaxed. I'm looking forward to spending it with the family and am grateful to Em and Jack for hosting.

4. I have holiday between Christmas and New Year and am looking forward to a break

If I don't get round to posting again before, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and I'll see you in the New Year (or before) ;)