Hello December!

December 2nd 

Time to open the second door on the calendar

Lights in the window

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As much as I hate November, I really, really love December. 

I'm a fully signed up member of the "Christmas-holic" club. I love it all!

So I won't be needing any help to get me through this month. 

But then, I thought, it's so easy to get caught up in the madness and commercialism of the season - rushing round trying to do everything all at once, and collapsing in a heap on Boxing Day. In our house, it's long been a joke that there's no such thing as Father Christmas ... but there's definitely a Mother Christmas .... and she's overworked!

So, I am going to do a list after all.
I want to take time for some special moments.
Some quiet time.
Some time to think.
Time to notice the delights that Christmas brings.
And some special family time.

*I'm taking part in Pause for Advent again linking with Floss at  Troc, Broc and Recup

* I recently bought a book of poetry ...... it's sort of Advent calendar for grown-ups without the chocolate I suppose. There is a poem  and a thoughtful reading for every day throughout December, and right through to the Epiphany. As much as I love reading, I never, ever, choose poetry, so this will be a new experience for me.

* My husband is having a long weekend away at the beginning of December, and I'm planning to do the whole  decorating 'thing' in his absence .... cue cheesy Christmas songs and films and lots and lots of mess.!!! Mr. B. can be a bit 'bah-humbug' about Christmas, bless him ..... and can't cope with 'mess'. I'm so looking forward to this!

* Stopping somewhere warm and cosy for a super frothy hot chocolate on a cold winter's day. 

* We often go to York before Christmas, but it can't be done this year .... so Chester is right on our doorstep and has a whole host of great things to do at this time of year. I want to see the Saturnalia parade again, and the Festival of Christmas Trees at the cathedral.

* It would also be lovely to go to a service in the cathedral .... but failing that, Midnight Mass at our local church would be a close second. Christmas Carols sung by a choir has to be on my list.

* We're taking the whole family to see War Horse at the Lowry on Christmas Eve. I've had tickets for this show for ages and ages. It's long been on my 'list' so I'm very excited about this too!

What are your plans for the Festive Season?