December Already

Musings from my week - 3rd December 2022

Hello you,

It feels like such a cliche to start by asking “How is it December already?” But seriously, I really don’t know where this year has gone. Is that just something that happens to us as we get older? The time seems to pass so much more quickly.

There’s a lot of pressure to do all the things this month. From family days out and wreath making workshops, to school plays, carol concerts and somehow navigating the gift-giving season during a cost-of-living crisis.

As ever I’m seeking solace in nature. When I wander through the woods the trees remind me that we’re moving into winter, a time to slow down and rest. I watch their form change as they let go of the last handful of leaves, standing tall and bare ready to face to cold months ahead.

Sometimes I use this as a bit of justification. An excuse (not that one is required), to forsake the glittering Christmas parties and choose slower activities instead. Luckily as a family we love getting out for walks anyway but give me a stroll around some National Trust grounds wearing our Christmas jumpers (the dogs included) over the hustle and bustle of the city any day.

The weather this week has been quite a mixed bag. The beginning of the week saw crisp, frosty mornings and my little ice-scraper got its first outing of the season. But as I sit writing this, its grey and wet. Although I had some beautify foggy walks this week. There’s something quite mythical about the fog, when everything feels eerily quiet and calm. And when you can’t see clearly what lies ahead, you just have to put one foot in front of the other and trust the path you’re on.

This weekend we plan to decorate for Christmas. For many years we had a real tree, and my very favourite tradition was going to choose it in the forest. Lockdown meant this wasn’t possible and after a bit of thought we’ve decided to let this tradition go, at least for now. I’m gutted but the reality of playing “keep the pine needles on the tree instead of the floor” was becoming a bit of a challenge. Especially when the dogs wag their tails right next to it!

I want to make the garden feel festive too. We have a potted tree and I’ll put some fairly lights up. I feel like I haven’t spent much time out there recently but usually, once the Christmas dinner has been eaten and all the gifts have been opened, my mind wanders to the garden and my plans for the following year. Watch this space as I’ll be sure to share all of my plans and I’ll be looking for inspiration from you too.

So that’s all from me today. I want to share little snippets of my week, not have you reading through great long essays. I’d love to hear whether you’ve decorated your tree yet and about your favourite Christmas traditions.

Have a beautiful week,

Claire x