The christmas festivities start for me today

[tintinthegingertomcat]

The countdown to christmas starts for me today. The first full weekend in December is always my local villages' Christmas Tree Festival. It is fabulous. Many local companies, organisations and local people decorate a tree - the setting is in a church so that when you walk round the church the only lights are those from the trees, and in the background is always a tape with christmas carols on. There are anything up to 100 decorated and lit trees. At the end you can get a coffee and mince pie, and the local pub sells glasses of warming mulled wine. This, to me, is the start of the christmas period.

I will then get home, put on my hat scarf and gloves and fish out the tree and decs from the very cold garage. Then we will spend several hours decorating the tree, the mantel shelf and I have a very tasteful santa that goes on the front window sill. The children love seeing my lit and dancing santa on their way to and from the local primary school.

What defines the start of christmas for you?

[ilove2patch]

Putting up the decorations makes me feel christmassy but it doesn't really start until the grandchildren arrive. 

[captainbovine]

1st of December I put the tree up, and all the decorations. We usually have things to wear in work, but I suppose I feel really festive is the week before when it's bonkers in work, the carols are going full blast on the tannoy, and we are really cosy at home by the fire.

lovely!

[rose2008-2008]

Well today actually,,,, the Salvation Army are playing Carols and Christmas tunes in the town amid all the shoppers and it feels Christmassy today,,, like its started. When you hear a Brass Band playing Carols its lovely.

[ilove2patch]

I stopped & listened to them in town today too. It was a lovely christmassy sound.

[elizabeth_lt]

Well, I would have said last night. We had our Christmas Fair in the village, everything lit up and me on my way to sing carols with my choir. But..... Tripped on a paving stone, smashed my nose on the pavement, blood all over the place. Went to A & E - four and a half hours and £6 in the car park! But, mercifully, nothing broken. So I am sitting here with a real shiner of a black eye, swollen nose, knee and thumb (all were checked at the hospital).

So I'm feeling a bit Bah Humbug, but at the same time counting my blessings like mad. It could have been sooooo much worse.

That'll scare the grandchildren when I see them tomorrow!!

Lizzie
🎄

[ilove2patch]

Oooh Lizzie that sounds nasty! I think a nice glass of wine is called for. Doctors orders! lol

[elizabeth_lt]

Well, I'd just had a nice meal with two glasses of red, so maybe not the best thing!

🍷🍷

[ilove2patch]

Coffee then! Just going to cook mine & settle down to an evening of knitting & probably X Factor.

[dairyview123]

OPPS lizzie at least it should all be gone by the big day, tell the little ones if they dont behave thats what Father Christmas does only kiddin;)  I think more than a couple of glasses is in order!

[elizabeth_lt]

Thanks for the recommendations, ladies. Unfortunately, the Dr in A&E said to stick to Ibroprufen!

I'm afraid I am a bit of a liability and it's not the first time I've fallen/tripped, though other times I've "only" injured arms and legs! First time on the face! Though I think the bruising round my eyes is due to my glasses digging in. I don't think OH will allow me out on my own any more!

Not too worried about what I look like for The Big Day as it's only family but I do have some social occasions between now and then. Will have to put the make up on with a trowel!!

But, as I said, it was a very lucky escape, so for that I'm grateful. (And you notice suddenly I have time to post on here, as I'm confined to the chair!!)

Lizzie
🎅

[ilove2patch]

Well it's nice to see you posting even if you had to throw yourself to the ground to find time! lol

[bitsnknots]

Sorry to hear about your accident Lizzie.  It sounds painful.  Hope that you feel better soon.

[rose2008-2008]

Ohhhhhhhh Lizzie that was a nasty shock i expect. Recover soon my dear,, ouch. ((()))

[elizabeth_lt]

Thank you all for your kind words.

I feel fine - but I look scary!!! Just had three of the grandchildren round (9, 6 and 5). I had sent through a photo so they would know what to expect and they just took it all in their stride. Bless.

Swelling has gone down quite a bit and I can breathe normally again, so a lot of progress in 24 hrs and hoping for the same again in the next day or so.

Thanks again, ladies. What nice people you all are.

Lizzie
🎄

[ilove2patch]

bad timing on your part Lizzie. Halloween would have been perfect! Sending hugs really.

[elizabeth_lt]

Thanks, Maggie! You're not wrong!

😃