The first half of Advent

In the midst of the manic pre-Christmas build up, I thought I would try to find something small each day to feel thankful for, something little to cherish and celebrate, whether that is a tradition, or some baking, or crafting. Something to encourage me to pause and savour this season.

1. On the first of December, it is the ceremonial hanging of the advent calendar, which I've had since the children were quite little. Twenty-four pockets filled with chocolates by the elves each night. I've tried other advent traditions over the years but this remains the most eagerly anticipated and the easiest to manage. 

2. A stack of Christmas books by the bed. Some are old and I intend to re-read them, some I bought a few years ago but haven't gotten around to reading yet, but immersing myself in some festive literature is a big part of Christmas for me.

3. The delight of being out and about in towns and cities at this time of year, looking at the Christmas lights and trees. This photo was taken in Oxford on Saturday 3rd December, when I met up with my book group friends for lunch and shopping. 

4. Lighting the advent candle.

5. The tree. Everything about the tree. Choosing it, wrestling it into its stand, the lights, the decorations, all of it. I love it.

6. The baubles of Christmas past. Handmade, inherited, gathered from travels, made by the kids - they don't all make it onto the tree but I cherish them all.

7. The scent of a Christmas candle, full of oranges and cloves, clean and warm all at once. 

8. Christmas cookery books. Every year I love to browse them, making lists of what I might bake.

9. Switching on the tree lights first thing in the morning, watching the warm light fill a cold, dark room. Always magical.

10. The joy of waking up to a bitterly cold, frosty morning, with pink skies and everything covered in white. It's the closest we get to a snow day round here.

11. Baking mince pies. I made these with Angus on Saturday, recipe from here. 

12. Making a wreath with my sister, with willow foraged from a tree near the school, fir foraged from the local forest and eucalyptus from the greengrocers. 

I hope you are finding brief moments to pause in this wonderfully hectic time of year. 

November: crochet, fireworks and the last of the pumpkins

November.

There was a lot of rain, and a lot of mud.

But also brief moments when the sun came out and shone brightly into gloomy corners of the house.

And sent long, long shadows across the fields. 

And had me running for the camera to try to get a good photo of the patchwork quilt.

It's been a busy month for crochet. I started and finished a scarf in about a week, a lovely chunky, thick one. Pattern from here. 

I made these adorable orange slices from this brilliant book, which I've hung on the mantle.

I finally finished these socks, which I started months ago but abandoned over the summer. Angus kindly modelled them for me. They are the best crochet socks I have found because the ribbing on the front means they stretch when you pull them on.

They are also extremely warm, ideal when the weather is as cold as it is at the moment. 

The pattern is from here and the beautiful yarn from here. 

Other lovely things include a morning out at a Christmas craft fair, full of the most beautiful vintage and handmade inspiration. 

I bought some Christmas presents and this stool made its way home with me.

There has also been a three-week long cold, busy weeks at work, mock exams for Bella, little treats like haircuts and manicures, books, baking (pumpkin loaf was a winner), walks in the countryside and a lot more. Life feels unsustainably busy at the moment, with the coming weeks getting busier by the day. I am counting down the days until the Christmas holidays for a little breather.