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.