Seasons Greetings!
Dec. 24th, 2024 03:38 pmWishing you all, whether your celebrate at this time of year or not, all the best!
Here are some of our Christmas celebrations:
Here are some of our Christmas celebrations:
Yes, it's that time of year again!
If you would like me to send you a Christmas card, please drop a note in the comments, which will be screened, with your name and address. That is your postal name, unless you wish the card addressed to 'Twinkle Toes'.
Alternatively, if you would like an online card, then let me have your email address.
You are of course very welcome to have both.
And if you've received a card from me in the past you may receive one again this year anyway.
Yes, I do know it's only the middle of November, but this will allow for last posting dates, the vagaries of my and your postal systems, and the need for me to get to the Post Office.
If you would like me to send you a Christmas card, please drop a note in the comments, which will be screened, with your name and address. That is your postal name, unless you wish the card addressed to 'Twinkle Toes'.
Alternatively, if you would like an online card, then let me have your email address.
You are of course very welcome to have both.
And if you've received a card from me in the past you may receive one again this year anyway.
Yes, I do know it's only the middle of November, but this will allow for last posting dates, the vagaries of my and your postal systems, and the need for me to get to the Post Office.
Fannish Fifty: Christmas
Dec. 24th, 2023 07:37 pmChristmas plays a large part in many fandoms, and I certainly include it in many seasonal stories.
Most of those who follow this blog will know that I'm a Christian, and will not be surprised to hear I celebrate Christmas. Which doesn't mean that I expect everyone else to do so. And today we had a 'scratch Nativity' (unrehearsed), which began with our vicar saying 'What am I going to say?' and me replying 'Well, you know the story'. This was followed shortly afterwards with her cry of 'I've forgotten the baby'. Fortunately the toy pram in the children's corner had an occupant, who was hastily pressed into service. We were running Chill Out Christmas - an hour of crafts, hot chocolate and a chance to 'chill out' in the early afternoon. Not all the children wanted to take part, so we managed without Mary and Joseph, but we did have a star, who doubled as the donkey, an angel, a shepherd, a wise man and a camel (because earlier in the year we had been donated a camel costume). It was fun and everyone enjoyed themselves - that's my kind of Christmas celebration.
Most of those who follow this blog will know that I'm a Christian, and will not be surprised to hear I celebrate Christmas. Which doesn't mean that I expect everyone else to do so. And today we had a 'scratch Nativity' (unrehearsed), which began with our vicar saying 'What am I going to say?' and me replying 'Well, you know the story'. This was followed shortly afterwards with her cry of 'I've forgotten the baby'. Fortunately the toy pram in the children's corner had an occupant, who was hastily pressed into service. We were running Chill Out Christmas - an hour of crafts, hot chocolate and a chance to 'chill out' in the early afternoon. Not all the children wanted to take part, so we managed without Mary and Joseph, but we did have a star, who doubled as the donkey, an angel, a shepherd, a wise man and a camel (because earlier in the year we had been donated a camel costume). It was fun and everyone enjoyed themselves - that's my kind of Christmas celebration.
( Christmas 2023 )
Seasons Greetings
Dec. 24th, 2022 07:30 pmTo all who celebrate: Happy Christmas!
And to everyone, best wishes to you all
And to everyone, best wishes to you all
Local Events - Part 8
Dec. 19th, 2022 05:16 pmYes, back in church again this month. Christingle services are very popular at this time of year, both in churches and in schools. For those who haven't come across them before, these are Christingles (photo taken from the church Facebook page):
We begin with an orange, which symbolises the world. The red ribbon (or sticky tape, which is easier to attach) stands for God's love around the world, the candle is the light of Christ (candles are very popular in churches) and the four cocktail sticks are the four seasons, which have small sweets and dried fruit attached, for the fruits of the earth.
We held our family Christingle on Saturday and had 15 children sitting in a semi-circle all carefully holding their Christingle with the candles lit and it was lovely. Technically the fifteen month old wasn't holding her Christingle, daddy had it for her - she'd also happily eaten all the sweets/dried fruit while the vicar talked about the Christingle.
Yesterday was our family carol service (carol services being another great tradition in England), although ours wasn't quite as traditional as some.
We begin with an orange, which symbolises the world. The red ribbon (or sticky tape, which is easier to attach) stands for God's love around the world, the candle is the light of Christ (candles are very popular in churches) and the four cocktail sticks are the four seasons, which have small sweets and dried fruit attached, for the fruits of the earth.
We held our family Christingle on Saturday and had 15 children sitting in a semi-circle all carefully holding their Christingle with the candles lit and it was lovely. Technically the fifteen month old wasn't holding her Christingle, daddy had it for her - she'd also happily eaten all the sweets/dried fruit while the vicar talked about the Christingle.
Yesterday was our family carol service (carol services being another great tradition in England), although ours wasn't quite as traditional as some.
It's beginning to feel a lot like...
Nov. 29th, 2022 08:11 pmLess than four weeks to Christmas!
On Sunday we went to Malvern, where SM was singing in an Advent Sundary service.
And that's really just the beginning. In my diary I have two Christingles, one school carol service, one family carol service, Christmas Eve nativity plus, of course, Christmas Day.
And, on Saturday, I was at a local Christmas fair, raising funds for my charity, Gloucestershire Bundles. I'm at another fair this Saturday, and on the Saturday afterwards it's my own church Christmas fair. Then there's the carol concert at which we're invited to take donations.
The Daughter phoned up last night to arrange when she was coming down over Christmas, and we go to The Son on Christmas Day.
HoHoHo!
On Sunday we went to Malvern, where SM was singing in an Advent Sundary service.
And that's really just the beginning. In my diary I have two Christingles, one school carol service, one family carol service, Christmas Eve nativity plus, of course, Christmas Day.
And, on Saturday, I was at a local Christmas fair, raising funds for my charity, Gloucestershire Bundles. I'm at another fair this Saturday, and on the Saturday afterwards it's my own church Christmas fair. Then there's the carol concert at which we're invited to take donations.
The Daughter phoned up last night to arrange when she was coming down over Christmas, and we go to The Son on Christmas Day.
HoHoHo!
Festive Greetings
Dec. 24th, 2021 05:42 pmSending best wishes to all my flist at this time of year
For those who celebrate, a Very Happy Christmas
And to all, I wish you what for me are the major themes, Peace and Joy
For those who celebrate, a Very Happy Christmas
And to all, I wish you what for me are the major themes, Peace and Joy
Festive Cards and E-cards
Dec. 2nd, 2021 11:07 amSlightly late this year, but if you would like a seasonal card please do ask. Comments are screened so you can leave me your address there if I don't already have it. However, if you are non-UK based, please can you let me know by next Wednesday 8th (your time) to allow me to get to the Post Office and hopefully get them to you on time.
Alternatively I am also happy to send e-cards, just let me know of any preferences, so long as I have your email address. Naturally, there is no time restriction for these, so if you'd prefer a New Year card then that's great too.
In fact, I'm always happy to send e-cards at any time of year, so if you would like one for another occasion, even if it is 'the middle of February can always benefit from cheering up' then let me know :)
Alternatively I am also happy to send e-cards, just let me know of any preferences, so long as I have your email address. Naturally, there is no time restriction for these, so if you'd prefer a New Year card then that's great too.
In fact, I'm always happy to send e-cards at any time of year, so if you would like one for another occasion, even if it is 'the middle of February can always benefit from cheering up' then let me know :)
Happy Christmas
Dec. 24th, 2020 07:10 pmIf I'm honest Christmas this year feels rather like our current weather, a bit bleak:
( Happy Christmas )
( Happy Christmas )
Festive Cards
Nov. 21st, 2020 08:53 pmI shall be sending festive cards again this year, although I'm not absolutely sure when they will go. We're in lockdown, but it's a bit hard to work out what can and can't be done. We're only supposed to go out for essential reasons. But the library is open for collection of reserved books, so presumably this is essential.
Enough of the waffling. If you would like a card, please let me know. Comments are screened so if I don't have your address please either leave it there or DM me.
Alternatively, or as well, if you would like an e-card I am happy to send them, so long as you say whether you'd like a Christmas card or a winter card. I can also send one for Hanukkah or New Year if you would prefer. Just make sure I have your email address.
It's been a hard year, so if a card would give you a smile just let me know!
Enough of the waffling. If you would like a card, please let me know. Comments are screened so if I don't have your address please either leave it there or DM me.
Alternatively, or as well, if you would like an e-card I am happy to send them, so long as you say whether you'd like a Christmas card or a winter card. I can also send one for Hanukkah or New Year if you would prefer. Just make sure I have your email address.
It's been a hard year, so if a card would give you a smile just let me know!
The first of my 12 Days of Christmas ficlets is written for ![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
stonepicnicking_okapi who requested Bill/Tony from The Red House Mystery. The case of the Christmas pudding. And here is indeed The Case of the Christmas Pudding.
Ficlets will be revealed daily: A Further Twelve Days of Christmas. I will also post links to all of them here, but I'm away for a couple of days so there won't be a daily posting.
I was delighted with my Yuletide gifts. Firstly Featherlight which is a Matthew Bourne Swan Lake fic. It's entirely in keeping with Bourne's interpretation of the ballet, sad but beautiful. And then In Which Pooh Hunts for the Meaning of Christmas which was written as a treat and encompasses all that the Hundred Acre Wood is about. And finally, I also received a gift ficlet from Yuletide Madness Snowpile in which Pooh's hunny is stuck beneath a snowdrift, which won't do!
In addition, I received a gift fic fromvix_spes which is Spooks, Adam Carter finding the perfect Christmas Eve Eve night out for Lucas North Merry and Bright not only my favourite couple, but my favourite activity.
stonepicnicking_okapi who requested Bill/Tony from The Red House Mystery. The case of the Christmas pudding. And here is indeed The Case of the Christmas Pudding.Ficlets will be revealed daily: A Further Twelve Days of Christmas. I will also post links to all of them here, but I'm away for a couple of days so there won't be a daily posting.
###
I was delighted with my Yuletide gifts. Firstly Featherlight which is a Matthew Bourne Swan Lake fic. It's entirely in keeping with Bourne's interpretation of the ballet, sad but beautiful. And then In Which Pooh Hunts for the Meaning of Christmas which was written as a treat and encompasses all that the Hundred Acre Wood is about. And finally, I also received a gift ficlet from Yuletide Madness Snowpile in which Pooh's hunny is stuck beneath a snowdrift, which won't do!
In addition, I received a gift fic from
vix_spes which is Spooks, Adam Carter finding the perfect Christmas Eve Eve night out for Lucas North Merry and Bright not only my favourite couple, but my favourite activity. Seasonal Cards
Dec. 4th, 2019 12:24 pm If anyone would like a card from me, then please drop me a message by DM with your address, and I will send one. I have some lovely cards with winter birds on them and would be very happy to send them to people. Anywhere in the world, but not extra-terrestrially.
And don't forget, if you would like a ficlet (Twelve Days of Christmas) there are still days available.
And don't forget, if you would like a ficlet (Twelve Days of Christmas) there are still days available.
Seasons Greetings
Dec. 24th, 2018 08:06 pm
Wishing all on my flist best wishes, whether you have a particular celebration at this time of year or not.
( Seasons greetings )
Something New (No 8)
Dec. 15th, 2018 12:08 pmAs part of my 'go on try something different' challenge, about six months ago I signed up for a Dare to Dabble session at Nature in Art, which is a local art gallery, specialising in art with a natural theme - be it animal, vegetable or mineral. They're quite well known in their sphere and have temporary exhibitions including 2018 British Wildlife Photographer, the exhibition which is currently on, together with The Wildlife Photographer of the Year, which comes directly after the Natural History Museum in London have had their exhibition.
( Christmas wreath )
( Christmas wreath )
Happy Christmas
Dec. 24th, 2017 09:29 pmWishing all my flist a Very Happy Christmas
and if you don't celebrate then you have my Best Wishes.
and if you don't celebrate then you have my Best Wishes.
Happy Christmas
Dec. 24th, 2016 10:53 amIn the run up to Christmas this year, I have been helping at the Christingle:
( Christmas pics )
And all that remains is for me to wish those who celebrate
HAPPY CHRISTMAS
and all my flist
because that is the gift we would all hope to receive.( Happy Christms )
( Christmas pics )
And all that remains is for me to wish those who celebrate
HAPPY CHRISTMAS
and all my flist
PEACE
because that is the gift we would all hope to receive.
It seemed a bit sad that ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
vix_spes only had a tag-on to another ficlet and she did leave such irresistible prompts I obviously couldn't resist writing a second. She said "Margaret Hale/John Thornton - generic Christmas fluff", so from North & South (icon is John Thornton) have a little fluff for the Thorntons' first married Christmas.
The Christmas Tree
vix_spes only had a tag-on to another ficlet and she did leave such irresistible prompts I obviously couldn't resist writing a second. She said "Margaret Hale/John Thornton - generic Christmas fluff", so from North & South (icon is John Thornton) have a little fluff for the Thorntons' first married Christmas.The Christmas Tree
This is for laurose8 who requested "For ACD Holmes: would your muselet - sorry, muse - find a pre-canon Christmas for Holmes interesting? I admit I first thought of Mycroft and Sherlock as kids; but if you'd rather go with Holmes as a student or starting as a detective, that's fine, too."
I liked the idea of having the Holmes' brothers enjoying a childhood Christmas, but struggled with the angle. In the end I decided to write it as part of my "Sussex Retirement" series and insert Holmes' memories into the Christmas Day which Holmes and Watson spent with Seth and his family. I hope this is okay.
Christmas Memories
laurose8 who requested "For ACD Holmes: would your muselet - sorry, muse - find a pre-canon Christmas for Holmes interesting? I admit I first thought of Mycroft and Sherlock as kids; but if you'd rather go with Holmes as a student or starting as a detective, that's fine, too."I liked the idea of having the Holmes' brothers enjoying a childhood Christmas, but struggled with the angle. In the end I decided to write it as part of my "Sussex Retirement" series and insert Holmes' memories into the Christmas Day which Holmes and Watson spent with Seth and his family. I hope this is okay.
Christmas Memories
