CHRISTMAS IS A-COMING!

Here in rural Lincolnshire, the temperature is definitely dropping.  We woke this morning to a frost at long last and, excited and encouraged by a surprise visit from Chelsea Godmother, we realized that the only way to spend the afternoon was in nearby(ish) beautiful Stamford.  Apparently the best preserved Georgian town in the country, and home to no fewer than five medieval parish churches, it did not disappoint.  Twinkling lights, steaming hot chocolate, bells and Christmas stalls – festive bliss.  Now that we’re home I’m about to go and join the rest of the party in the drawing room where the fire is lit, there’s a bottle of something open, and we’re going to decorate the trees that we chose in November.  Every year we pick two: the smaller one in the sitting room is decked in green and red.  The second, the bigger one, goes in the drawing room, and is always gold and silver.  There will be the annual battle with the lights, the usual discussion around whether or it’s a tartan bow, an angel or a star on the very top, and for a while both rooms will look as though they have survived a cyclone strike.  And then there will be a moment just before bed when I go back in to admire our handiwork in the peace and quiet of nearly midnight – and probably find someone else in there too, enjoying what has become something of a family tradition.  This weekend is a huge one in our family, this year as no other, and how lucky are we that we’re all here, with the next generation’s partners and the magnificent aforementioned Chelsea Godmother.  Happy Sunday, everyone!