The rose gold tinge of their shell is so linked to December, in my mind. Even with my birthday being in October, and many of the Christmas gifts being in the shops in September I didn't mind. There was more chance I'd get an exciting birthday present because of it. In those heady days of the 70s, as a child, Halloweven wasn't really an event in South London. So, it would be Christmas presents on sale September / October, then fireworks late October to 5th November and suddenly all the shops had Christmas decorations. If you had an artificial tree (normally silver tinsel!) you could put it up in early December, but for those of us who had a real tree, then it would be week before Christmas.
For those, who, like my father gate keep when Christmas can start (normally after their birthdays), it smacks of those Bridezillas who won’t let others do anything during their wedding year. We each need to choose when our own Christmases start for us.
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Yesterday I looked at what Advent means, building on my blog from last year about what makes Advent Calendars so special. Today, I want to explore some Advent Traditions.
The Advent Crown was a take on the Advent wreath. As with many traditions that we are familiar with, here in the UK, they became popular through Prince Albert's influence. But with our tradition of Yule, it didn't take too much to pursuade us to bring evergreen greenary into the house. Sweden and Julklapp
The Rules of the Game Today (taken from the elfster blog) While there are many various, the most standard version is relatively simple.
Carol Services
The College's website says that it was introduced to 'bring a more imaginative approach to worship', but I can't help thinking that just 6 weeks after then end of World War I this must have been a very moving way to start Christmas. Each year, the service is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 as well as the World Service and now appears on iPlayer shortly after the service has concluded.
Christmas Devotions
Whether or not you are a Christian, there is a sense of light in the darkness, starting with Diwali, which falls at the end of October / start of November, then Hanuakkah, during December, the Winter Solstice, on 21st December, and finally Christmas, there is a sense of hope, of light in the darkness and salvation. Whether it's good over evil (Diwali), deliverance from peril (Hanuakkah), the days getting longer (Solstice) or the promise of salvation (Christmas). Many Christains will undertake weekly advent bible studies in the run up to Christmas. One of the most memorable ones I've attended was based on the lines of a well know Christmas Carol.
Others will read a commentary or special daily devotion that allows them to reflect on this period of anticipation. Whether you are a member of a church, occasionally attendee or someone who keeps their faith in their heart, it offers an opportunity to remind yourself of why you believe and, whatever your faith, that we all strive to be the best we can in this world.
Wassail is a traditional drink that is associated with the Christmas season in many parts of the world. A hot, spiced punch, wassail can be made from a variety of ingredients, including apples, oranges, spices, and ale or wine. Traditionally, it was served from a communal bowl and was meant to be shared among friends and family. The origins of wassail can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was used as a way to celebrate the winter solstice and welcome in the new year. In the Middle Ages, wassail was a popular drink during the holiday season, and it was often served at Christmas feasts and celebrations. In some parts of the world, it is traditional to go wassailing, which involves visiting friends and neighbours and singing carols while carrying a bowl of wassail. The tradition of wassailing is still practiced in some areas and is seen as a way of spreading good cheer and celebrating the holiday season. If you fancy a warm, spiced drink for the New Year, but prefer something non alcoholic, then I highly recommend this recipe that was developed for me, when I ran the cook school, by a wonderful lady called Judith. Judith's Fruit Punch Ingredients
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Why the Christmas Lace Notes?2023 has come along and this is the second year of my lace notes. All kicks off on 15th November with the first of this year's Chrismas movies. One a day, every day until Christmas. Archives
December 2023
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