A Pause in Advent?

Floss isn't going to be able to run her 'A Pause in Advent' this year and as such has linked to Dormouse who is taking part in 'Advent Wonder'   I popped over to Dormouse's blog to have a look and thought I would give it a go.

As she says, the mince pies, and Christmas decorations, foods and advertising has now been out for some time, and the feeling of it all building up seems to happen earlier and earlier each year, and it is nice to be able to reflect and pause, whatever your beliefs.

I have received the first email and I like the theme "Gifts" - this seems especially appropriate this year as we have decided to forego the usual 'gifts' this year which has surprised some family members...but we explained we wanted to instead focus on the day and enjoying each others company and not worrying about whether we have the 'right' gift this year etc...so I think this will be very interesting to follow.

This is what the first email reads:

The theme for this year's Advent Wonder is 'Gifts'.  We all have notions of what a Christmas present means, but this series will explore the alternative ones - the unexpected and nonetheless wondrous gifts within the Advent story.

Each Monday and Friday throughout December, you'll receive a 'gift' to ponder and share.  You'll also be invited to reflect specifically upon your own giving,, at Christmas time and beyond.

A Pause in Advent - Four

Joining Floss from Troc Broc & Recup  and friends in taking time out from the rush and panic of Christmas to pause, reflect and enjoy Advent.  

So for the final Pause...things are starting to come together.  The carol concerts have been sung and enjoyed, the presents have been bought, the house is starting to look like it might be ready for Christmas Day.  I have planned the meal and written a list of groceries we need to purchase in order to make it happen.

The Rotary Club Sleigh has done its rounds and was up our street this evening - I have photographed it nearly every year and gone out to watch it make its way up our street playing the Christmas Carols.  To me this always seems to mark the beginning of Christmas.  It was later this year than previous, but I think I like it later...

Our dining room table has been cleared and is waiting...

Just a few more little jobs to see to - the house you can see needs moving out of the lounge to allow more room on Christmas Day for our family who will be coming round to share the day with us.

During these 'Pause for Advent' posts, there have been no profound or deep thinking messages from me, just a simple reflection of our quiet approach to Christmas.  

A Pause in Advent - Three

Joining Floss from Troc Broc & Recup  and friends in taking time out from the rush and panic of Christmas to pause, reflect and enjoy Advent.  

Here is my belated third Pause in Advent, having had a busy, by not too busy few days.

Things are slowly coming together, gifts have been ordered, or thought about... the little wooden Advent tree is filling up and the elf has been discovered in various places.  

The town Carol Concert was last night and I enjoyed singing in the choir for that - brings a lovely feeling and meaning to this time.  Another concert this afternoon which will be a lot of fun I am sure.

My eldest son comes home on Thursday for a couple of weeks over the Christmas period which will be lovely.

I need to start planning the meal and associated shopping list for Christmas Day.  It is not a mammoth affair fortunately, just a special family time.

I should have turned the Christmas lights on!

A catch up post!

Well a bit of a catch up post as far as the Advent tree and Christmas Elf go.

Day 11 saw yet another snowman put on the tree.

Day Twelve was a little boy (I think) 

Day Thirteen a Christmas caroller?

The Christmas Elf has been busy finding places to perch. 

11th - In the leaves of the pot plant.

12th - On top of the Queen...surprised DH didn't notice this one!

13th - Nestled in between Mrs and Santa Claus.

Yesterday while down in the town centre I popped into a couple of charity shops and came home with four books - they were 2 for 50p!

I've heard good things about these children's books, so look forward to reading these as a bit of light relief between my more 'serious' reading.

Couldn't resist this lovely little well known book either.

I also saw this wooden carved figure in the Antique shop.

 I have no idea of the age, but there was something about her that appealed to me.

Today I said goodbye to one of my musical instruments.

As it is still very unlikely that I will be playing again - it has been almost five years now since the operation that stuffed up the nerves in my arm - I put the first of my instruments up for sale.  It sold today and is going to a 17 years old young lady who has been playing a few years and wants to also play soprano saxophone.  It is very sad to see it go, a kind of acceptance, but it pleases me to know it is going to budding young musician.  I wish her much enjoyment.

Christmas Decorating & Advent Tree Day Nine & Ten.

It is starting to look a lot like Christmas around here...

The various teddies and other characters are out.

Mrs Claus and Santa are enjoying some rest time.

The tree is decorated - never realised just how many snowmen I had!

Father Christmas welcomes all who come.

Lights on the little tree.

Knitted nativity scene.

Another Father Christmas and assorted Christmas softies.

Yet another Father Christmas with various decorations.

The lights on the tree.

The little tree just in the front door.

The window scene.  (Better clean the windows and frames tomorrow!_

From the other side.  The nativity is quite special being made by our older son when he was very young.

Snow village scene.

Advent Tree Day Nine - Another little snowman!

The little Christmas Elf yesterday.

The Christmas Elf today.

Advent Tree Day 10 - A bell

Christmas cushions.

Some Christmas lights.

Now all the empty boxes have to go back in the loft, but I am leaving that for DH to do when he gets home!

Choir tonight - so will really be getting into the Christmas spirit with our Carol Concert rehearsal.

A Pause in Advent - Two

Joining Floss from Troc Broc & Recup  and friends in taking time out from the rush and panic of Christmas to pause, reflect and enjoy Advent.  

Today is the second Sunday in Advent,and we have been continuing to take things fairly easy, although have a fairly busy week ahead.

I have been enjoying the daily little ornaments to hang on my little wooden Advent tree, and having fun with the Christmas Elf.  Surprisingly even my husband has got into the swing of things with that little Elf.  

The Community Choir I belong to and the Wednesday afternoon singing group have been full of preparation for Christmas Carol Concerts and I am looking forward to these.  We had an impromptu performance last Wednesday afternoon which was very enjoyable indeed.

No real profound words of wisdom or advice from me, just moving through the days with a gentle casualness that I hope will extend over the whole of this season.

I was watching a squirrel in the garden today getting on with his business...and marvelled at the wonder of nature and wildlife so thought I would share these pictures with you.

A few roses, some not at their best but still bravely flowering.  Most have been pruned back, but I try to keep a few flowering all year round to add a splash of colour to brighten the darker days.

Some more decorating will hopefully be happening this week.  There is no rush, what will be done, will be done.