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~