We always like to leave a treat for Santa and the reindeers.
Such a very busy evening for them.
A nice bunch of mistletoe bought from the market.
Home made Christmas cookies and rum truffles.
Chocolate russian dolls.
The stockings are ready and waiting. 
The tree is decorated.
And yes - there are gifts under the tree.
Lots and lots of them.
Prettily packaged.
Has he been yet?
Warmest wishes to you all and I hope you have a very merry Christmas. Peace, Joy and Happiness. 
These Clementines looks so cheerful and bright on this dark and chilly winters day. I love the glossy leaves and to me they look like a bowl of edible Christmas baubles.
These lovely fresh vegetables also have their own kind of beauty and are destined to be made into a lovely country vegetable soup to tempt my family's appetite. When illness strikes the last thing anyone wants is food but once on the road to recovery the trick is to eat something which doesn't put too much strain on the digestion. So this afternoon, to the strains of classic Christmas music, I chopped and diced the vegetables into a huge pan, added stock and herbs and tinned tomatoes, then stirred and simmered until everything was tender and tasty.
Garnished with chopped, fresh parsley and eaten with good wholemeal bread this soup needs to be served in a generous bowl and is surprisingly filling.
All of my family are ill. First my son, then husband and daughter. I got my virus over and done with last week, but sadly it's their turn this last few days. Boo hoo. We were planning to get all the decorations down from the loft this weekend but the best laid plans..........We have bought a real tree this year and I have to say it is the smallest tree we have had for almost 30 years. Earlier in the summer we had a new sofa and chairs, two chairs replacing the previous one. As a result, the corner that was ideal for the floor to ceiling Christmas tree we usually have is now taken up with the extra chair. So we have had to buy a tiny tree that will stand on a coffee table.
This sweet little gold tinsel tree was a bargain from a charity shop this week. It is vintage and cost the grand sum of £1.00. My husband bought the tiny battery operated fairy lights to add the finishing touch.
This pretty jar is also a recent purchase from my favourite antiques centre in Church Stretton. I made the decoration from some old buttons.
When the house is full of invalids who don't really want food it is difficult to know what to cook. My husband asked for fish cakes, but not the frozen, ready made ones. Oh nooo, I'm talking home made with fresh fish, mixed with creamy mashed potato. Lightly seasoned with mace and parsley. Dipped in beaten egg and coated with bread crumbs. These are a real favourite and the least I could do in the face of all the illness surrounding me. Poor loves, I hope they all feel better soon.
Today is my husband's birthday so I made him a chocolate cake. We have just enjoyed a lovely meal and some mulled wine, made by Zoe. I love to spend time at home with my family and David's birthday is the start of our Christmas. My mum and nephew also have December birthdays even nearer to Christmas Day and we try to get to see them around this time to take our cards and gifts for all the family.
Mulled wine is seriously potent and very pleasant!!!!!
Mmmmmmm...............
Zoe seems to be enjoying herself, taking a rest between preparations for the meal.
It is no coincidence that Christmas sweets and treats have more than a touch of whimsy. Tiny marzipan fruits have a child-like appeal and I had to buy these as soon as I saw them.
The richness of the Christmas pudding makes this a once a year treat. Sometimes I make one, but not this year. I'm realistic enough to accept that I can't always make everything for the festive table so this year the pudding is a bought one, made by a local lady who runs a weekly stall in our town. I'm sure it will be delicious as it is full of lovely ingredients.
Chocolate coins and peppermint creams, so evocative of my childhood. Mum and dad always set out lots of little dishes of sweets, nuts and chocolates on Christmas Eve and we have continued this tradition.
Sugar mice, what could be more Christmassy than these?
Antique pine shelves, dressed in ivy, lace and tiny fairy lights.
Very festive looking corner of the kitchen, my most favourite room in the house.
The aroma of mince pies baking in the oven is pure perfection for me. Delicious when eaten whilst still warm and accompanied by a mug of tea.
These won't last long!!!!!!
Finally, the first Christmas tree to appear in our house, this one is in Zoe's room.
I love to deck our halls gradually but at least I feel a start has been made to the festivities. I hope your preparations are going to plan.
This sweet little mouse would like to extend warmest wishes to you all at the beginning of this special season. Take care and enjoy your weekend whatever you are doing.
