Here, for your viewing pleasure (I hope), are some images from our home in the week before Christmas. We started decorating a few weeks ago.
The thing above is our unusual Advent calendar.
Before Advent officially began (December 3 this year), we wrote notes/quotes and put them in the tiny drawers. Important reminders of love, slowing down and appreciating our blessings.
Next, we brought out an oldish but favourite Christmas book.
Inside are pop-up scenes marking the 12 days of Christmas, which traditionally don’t begin till December 25.
Then the tree got properly decorated…
Except for the lower branches. We ran out of lights, planned to replace them before adding more decorations, but forgot.
Then I assembled this centrepiece — using birch-bark candles by the talented artist Jean Long, pine cones, baubles, whatnots….
And Santa’s sleigh, of course.
Husband had already filled this very old basket with logs for the fire….
Finally, the table was set with Christmas plates ….
And then I apparently ruined the “tablescape”.
Husband asked: “What on earth is that?”
“Those are real autumn leaves and real fake berries,” I replied.
“Hmm,” he said.
I didn’t tell him I planned to replace the leaves with green sprigs. A woman must retain some mystery, after all.
Wishing you a good week before Christmas and – whatever your special celebration or preparations — I wish you all the best of the season.
Cynthia Reyes 