Brown Paper Packages, Tied Up With String

Today I braved the masses and finished up my Christmas shopping, at least I think so.

I've still to do the final list-checking, but for once I've gotten ahead of the game, and wrapped all of the gifts.

I'm usually a Christmas-Eve wrapper, in panic mode no less.

My daughter used to help me wrap all of the gifts, but since she has her own family to take care of, I'm left to my own devices.

 

Tonight I'm taking a little time to relax.

With the winter moon high in the sky, and  the landscape covered in a rain-filled mist, I'm treating myself to an evening hearthside .

Twinkling trees, candles glowing, a lovely pot of tea and Christmas shortbread,  I'm settling in for a date with Dylan Thomas, the popular and much-loved Welsh poet.

 

A Child's Christmas in Wales film, a timeless tale, delivers with gentleness a glimpse of a child's Welsh Christmas and takes you on a journey back to the magic and marvel of boyhood " where no two moments were ever alike, and life was embraced with belief instead of doubt ."

Purely magical !
 

Done And Dusted.

I made the mistake of venturing amongst the market crowds today.
At least people were in a festive mood, many decked out in their Christmas red sweaters and twinkling necklaces hung around their necks.
I'm finally finished with my shopping, and couldn't wait to return home, indulge in a shortbread biscuit or two and a nice pot of tea.
Hope everyone has a little relaxing time, before the big day.

Christmas Shopping

It's a bone-chilling 20 degrees in our fair city this early morning, no cloud coverage, and hoar frost white as snow.

I ventured amongst the masses yesterday, taking myself off to the thronging Christmas shopping mart, I must confess, it's not my cup of tea.

I much prefer the kind of shops that are a 'hole in the wall' kind of place, chocked with antiques and time-worn utilitarian pieces, their finishes worn with years of use and enjoyment.

Today's a day of work for me, so the shopping will go on hold. It's not looking promising to finish checking my list !