Last Minute Prep

I managed to decorate the Christmas tree yesterday, after it had waited so patiently for over a week to get its robes on. Here it is in all its glory….. a bit wonky, but it’s all there.

Symbolically, I have placed the star to guide us; the lights to light our path and remind us of Jesus’ mission; the baubles to ‘feed’ us (they symbolise apples) – and I have added the ropes of beads to link us to those we love, near and far. Oh, and I added little crackers, too, because Freddie likes them…….

Today, then, there was just the last minute putting up of a few lights. Traditionally, we like to put a rope of lights over the ‘arch’ in our lounge. Those lights, too, had been sulking in their box waiting to be liberated. However, I finally got the steps out and started thinking about how I’d done it in previous years, when John offered to help, and between us we had them done, ready and waiting to shine for any guests who may arrive.

Talking of guests, we entertained David and Darrell today for an hour this afternoon, to exchange Christmas gifts. We were grateful that they had made the effort to come up, as it’s a bit heavy going doing long journeys these days. We had planned to visit them a couple of weeks ago, but when they offered to make the journey instead…….well, how could we refuse?

We had a lovely time, drinking tea and coffee and enjoying a warm mince pie and a bit of Panettone. We had lighted a fire to keep us cosy while the west wind whistled through the open windows; we maintained our masks and our distance; and I monitored the Co2 in the room….. is this how we do it now? Either that, I suppose, or outside in the cold, or not at all…..

After they had left, I wrapped the last presents and tidied all semblance of Christmas presents away. The Sutton Sleath boys are coming tomorrow and I am keen not spoil the magic….. I hope I haven’t missed anything.

In the meantime, John was pretty exhausted having set the fire – he’d had to empty the ash-pan, which was full to over-flowing, and then hump a load of wood and coal in from the store outside. So, once David and Darrel were on their way, he simply went to bed for an hour or two and then, when he came downstairs – ostensibly to watch a bit of TV – he settled on the sofa and I found him snoring his head off. Obviously still very tired.

I watched another film today while I was doing the ironing – not a Christmas one, but an old musical: ‘Carousel’. I had never seen it, but Grandma had had the sheet music from it, which I remembered her playing, so I thought it might be good. But, heavens above, it hasn’t really aged well at all. The only thing I did enjoy was the song, ‘You’ll never walk alone’. I never knew that it originated from this film. There were a couple of brilliant renditions of it, so it was worth the watch just for that.

The Prime Minister made another announcement today to tell us of his decision regarding how we should manage ourselves over Christmas. It was a bit of a damp squib, wasn’t it? No decision made yet regarding further restrictions, but we seem to be more self-regulating than we were – which is a good thing. However, get Christmas done, and we’ll be in lockdown. Anyone want to take any bets?

Meanwhile, we need to be as careful as we possibly can be. Which means that I shan’t be going to service of Nine Carols and Lessons tomorrow evening. I will watch it on line though and sing my little heart out all by myself to my computer screen. Yay! What fun that will be.

91,743 people tested positive for the virus today. 44 people died in the community. 11 in hospitals over the last 48 hours. 919 people were admitted to hospital today.

Take care everyone. God bless.