Relaxation.

Pretty wee tree.

Well another Christmas bites the dust. I can now listen to the radio again without my hearing being assaulted by endless jolly Christmas songs of by gone years.

However, despite my lack of enthusiasm for the whole shenanigans, I had a very lovely time with the fabulous Mater and Pater. They went all out as usual to make the day extremely relaxing and special in our own wee family way. I was spoilt with some beautiful gifts that I will treasure and ate possibly the most delicious fillet steak I have had in a very long time. There was even a brussel sprout ban, which pleased me greatly.

Only the New Year to get through now!

Now to drink some of my decorations.

Peace x

All photographs by Caroline Harvey

The 'C' word.

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am not a huge fan of Christmas. I think I used to like them when I was a child, but I don't really recall. Although, I have seen the evidence of photographs and I looked happy enough. Where the dislike has manifest itself from I am not certain, but I have to say it is getting stronger as I get older.

I hate to sound like a grumpy old woman, which obviously I am, but it is just all too much. The expectation to have warm and fuzzy family moments filled with fun and excitement and spending extravagant amounts of cash is almost too much to take.

 Is it ok just to have a quite time and relax?

It certainly doesn't feel like it the way people dash around buying gifts and food etc, by the time the 25th comes most people are dead on their feet.

Don't get me wrong I like giving gifts to my friends and family and I would be a liar if I said I did not like receiving them too, but I try for the most part to give gifts that are possibly more meaningful or personal rather than expensive. Yes, partly because money is tight, but mostly because I hope they will like what I give them for more than just a day.

Anyway I will not become a wingebag and will keep my Bah Humbugness to myself. I know I will have a pleasant day with my folks and be spoilt with good food and wine, but it will be fuss free and relaxing, like any good day off should be.

Below is the sum total of the decorations in my house. Easy to install and tasty.

Peace x