Thursday 24 December 2015

A Peaceful Eve




The end of the working year has finally come to an end, and the last leaf has been cleared away. The gardens have been put to sleep for a month, and the festivities can at last begin in earnest.

The tree came into the house a few days before it was decorated, and when the time came to bring down the baubles and lights, Hobie offered some help.


I read recently on John's blog 'Going Gently', about various traditions that people have at this time of year. One of ours, and perhaps the most important, is the finding of a new bauble or two. Virtually every bauble on the tree is unique, and represents a particular time in our lives, both before we met, and during the years since. 


The 'Angel' on the top belonged to my father, and sat on his tree in his final days. An unusual figure in a blonde, western faced sort of way, with wings somewhat streamlined for fast flight, she nonetheless holds very fond memories.



We picked these two many years ago in Rothenburg ob der Tober. We stayed there for a few days with my step mother after my father had passed away. The town had been taken over by medieval soldiers who were encamped in the main square. It was a particularly special and happy time.


This little fairy belongs to Celia. She is only a couple of inches tall, a bit moth eaten, but has a place as usual.


Amanda lived in Edinburgh for a while, and this long purple bauble would be on her tree there.


This carved wooden bell was sent to me by my German relatives in Stuttgart.


And lastly, this is our latest. A china bell from St. Pauls Cathedral during a trip to London last weekend.


The house is now officially ready for Christmas, and as we wait for the family to arrive in a few hours time, let me take you on a very short tour of our house at midday.










May you all have a most peaceful and blessed Christmas.


12 comments:

  1. Love the stories behind the pretty ornaments. Your home looks lovely decked for the holidays and your tree is gorgeous.

    Enjoy a love, peace and joy filled Christmas and time off from work. Have a wonderful 2016 ~ FlowerLady

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Lorraine,
      All best wishes to you too from both of us.

      Delete
  2. You house is nicely arranged for the festive season. Merry Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Red, and a Merry Christmas to you too.

      Delete
  3. Your tree is so well decorated. I like the different ornaments that you buy each year. You whole house is ready for family guests. I hope it is a very Merry Christmas for your family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We have had a wonderful time with family. Any moment now we are heading to Bournemouth for midnight mass. All blessings to you.

      Delete
  4. It all looks lovely. We too gather ornaments that fit a time in our lives or a place we have visited. Added several from travels this year. Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy Christmas to you and all Sherlock. A kindred spirit, how wonderful. Do you have a favourite bauble?

      Delete
  5. Lovely! (And I love the leaded glass windows.) May 2016 be a healthy one for you and a happy one for you and yours.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks Val. The leaded glass is on an old French kitchen dresser that we have restored. Wishing you and all the best as well.

    ReplyDelete