Thursday 24 December 2015

The most wonderful time of the year ....

I really love this time of the year, decorating my home and for some years now a new tradition, making an English Christmas cake.
And of course buying a Christmas tree ....




I still remember very well that when I was a child, every Friday at school before we went home, all the kids went up the stairs. The headmaster then lit an advent candle on the chandelier high in the stairwell.
It seems that the older I become I love to revive some traditions, because this year I restored the advent ritual at home.
I found this lovely (advent)candle holder in a little shop near my hometown you can also buy at House Doctor ....




Another wonderful purchase this year is this beautiful book. I'd already seen this so many times on Pinterest and Instagram, and I'm over the moon to have a copy of my own now.
It's a naturalist's diary, The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady , describing the changing seasons of the year in words and illustrations ....




Every year I try to minimise the decorations, ending in a hopeless attempt, as this is just a corner in my kitchen ....    




And again, like every year, busy making Christmas ''cards'' ....





Although red isn't really my colour, this is "a must have" in December at home ....




Meanwhile in the garden my viburnum is in full bloom, and by the looks of it, the only promise for a "white" Christmas this year ....




This time last year it was a coming and going of this one. I think by the mild weather, there's enough food in the garden. She hasn't been near the feeder and only visit my garden for a daily bath and playing hide and seek ....




But this one on the other hand can't get enough of the food in the feeder and isn't shy at all ....




As Christmas is filled with the family we've had a lovely early Christmas dinner with friends ....




After seeing this gorgeous handmade Advent lady (made by Rosie's Armoire ) on Instagram, I just couldn't resist to buy one for myself.
Not only she's so very pretty, but also reminded me I had to make haste with writing the last Christmas "cards" ....




Just like last year, we have two small Christmas trees, of which one is decorated with the old ornaments from my late mum ....




And this, slightly battered, little bird on the top looks very at home together with those on the wall ....




Not only this year has flown by but also this December, can't believe tonight it's already Christmas Eve.
About time, like every year, to share my Christmas card with you and thereby my best wishes.
This year I found the perfect model for it to display ....




Thank you so very much for joining me this past year and all your heartwarming comments.

Have a lovely Christmas Eve, a wonderful Christmas and all the best for 2016!

Love Anita

~xo~

12 comments:

  1. Dear Anita... such a beautiful Christmas Eve post... your home is so warm and cosy and welcoming looking... love all of your natural touches inside, and of course your precious Robin and Blue Tit outside... so fun receiving my card from you all the way from the Netherlands, thank you again!... love your new little advent doll too, so sweet!... and your tree that holds your mums ornaments and precious memories is priceless... Merry Merry Christmas to you and your family, much love, xoxo... Julie Marie

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  2. Thanks Julie Marie .... have a lovely Christmas too! Anita xo

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  3. Lieve Anita,
    Wat heb je het enorm gezellig gemaakt in je huis. Zo zal ieder van je familie zich heel welkom voelen om bij jullie de Kerstdagen te vieren. Prachtig gedecoreerd en je Advent Lady is echt te mooi voor woorden.
    Ik wens jou, je man en je gezin ook heel fijne Kerstdagen toe en een heel erg mooi, gelukkig en vooral gezond 2016.
    Liefs,
    Mirjam

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  4. Dankjewel Mirjam, ook voor jou en je gezin hele fijne kerstdagen!Liefs Anita

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  5. so very lovely Anita ~ your home looks warm and inviting.
    Wishing you a wonderful Christmas xo

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    1. Thanks Deb,have a wonderful Christmas too! Anita xx

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  6. wishing you a very happy Christmas too

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    1. Thanks it was lovely, have a great New Years Eve! Anita xx

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  7. love your Kitchen...my tree was adorned with paper ephemera birds.
    happy New Year.
    xx
    dore

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    1. That must be such a lovely tree! Thanks and a happy new Year to you! Anita xx

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  8. Anita I love your home so much. The view into your kitchen is so beautiful. You are such an amazing photographer. I really need to get that Diary book! I have seen it and wanted it too but You have really encouraged me to get it. Thank you for your heartfelt posts here and on Instagram. I am lucky to know you dear friend. xx

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  9. Aww .... thanks Kerrie and the feeling is mutual, so happy we've found each other through social media! I know for sure you will love the book! Wishing you and your family lots of love and health for 2016! Anita xo

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