Christmas came early, arriving by the late coach from the north Friday night for an even later supper…once Ani had calmed down a little; her excitement on the arrival of her ball throwing friend evident. She has him well trained in cheese sharing too. A pile of books and films grew as gifts were exchanged and the ones we had saved since Glastonbury opened.
Saturday morning the kites flew in to say hello as we worked on the latest project… a slight departure from our usual books. The work is hampered by the internet issues, but even so we have managed to get ideas put together ready for the off. It was a lovely day… almost like spring, but after going to my son’s we had lunch in a 15th century inn before the latest Hobbit film. It is sort of traditional and goodness knows what we will watch next Christmas! Though there will be the extended version released by then, of course. The sun was beginning to set as we headed back to dinner at mine, collecting good ice cream to go with the ‘spice slice’ I had concocted with pastry left over from the mince pies.
We wandered through the village bypassing our usual coaching inn and sitting instead under the heated awning behind the old 17th century inn at the far end of the High Street. Homes and trees are lit, from the tasteful to the tastelessly brash… yet there is something about the light against the darkness that speaks of Christmas and the winter turning of the Solstice.
Sunday I went to Nick’s while Ani walked my guest. We worked a little more, then after lunch we settled down with another film, before it was time to head out in the gloaming for the station, the weekend having somehow already flown.
As the day draws to a close, the small dog is ignoring me for having once again failed to return with her friend and exhausted from exhausting him with the tennis balls. As Christmases go it was, perhaps, a tad unorthodox… not a scrap of turkey, nor a sprout in sight, barely any dishes to wash… and a few days off the normal date too. It was, however, what Christmas is supposed to be… a relaxed time shared with care and laughter.
The last of the wine sits ruby red in the glass and I feel grateful beyond measure for the gifts of this season, things that cannot be bought and which are beyond price; for the lives that are entwined with mine, for friendship, for a daft dog, for the trust that opens small windows on the soul.. for laughter shared and the small joys that are an outward and very human symbol of an inner and divine birth of Light and Love.
Wherever you are, whatever your faith … whether today is Yule, Litha, Solstice, Hanukkah, Advent or just another December day… as my day draws to a close on this longest day …“…may you be blessed with the spirit of the season, which is peace, the gladness of the season, which is hope, and the heart of the season which is love.”
Sue Vincent's Daily Echo 
I know it’s pretty much here because (pause, drumroll) I wrapped. But we are not allowed to exchange until Wednesday night. That’s WHY I wrap. Otherwise, I just start giving everything to everybody. No self control at all.
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We used to give the gifts Christmas Eve in France too, though here it was always Christmas morning.
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I loved the story and the photos are just magic. Now I’m ready for the holiday!
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Happy holiday, Barb!
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Oh, what a lovely and heart-warming post, Sue. Your weekend sounds truly special and full of gifts in the true meaning of the word. Happy Solstice. xxx
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It was, Ali… and thank you for being part of that 🙂 xxx
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what can be better than receiving, a wish from you Sue on this day.Thanks a lot dear Friend and we all say Same to you and even more.
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Thank you, Obi.
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how lovely and all good wishes to you and yours, sue )
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And to you, Beth.
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What a beautiful sounding weekend……and here’s to the light 🙂
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It was… 🙂
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What a fun time, Sue, and in such lovely and historical settings. We also saw the Hobbit today – a tradition with friends that started with the first of the Ring Trilogy films, Next year a new Star Wars movie is out in December, so that will be our traditional outing. How nice that Ani managed to insert herself into most of the activity – clever dog, she. Blessings for the season!
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Ani manages to insert herself into pretty much anything, Noelle 🙂
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Reblogged this on Anita & Jaye Dawes.
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excellent, as usually… merry holidays and say “hi” to Anubis, please! 🙂
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I will indeed:)
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Beautiful Sue, and the very same to you!
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Thank you, Fransi x
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