Ringing in the new ...

So, we have feasted. We have brought winter evergreens into the house and decorated with twinkling lights, spruce and mistletoe. We have sung carols, listened to ancient truths and prayed our prayers. We have lit tall, ivory altar candles and advent wreaths and we have stretched out in front of the fire to play games, exchange gifts and create shared stories. There have been long muddy walks, hugs, dogs, laughter, tears and new resolve. 

And now, with the freshening of the year, I am sweeping up the pine needles and the wood ash. The house is newly quiet. Wrapping paper (non-metallic) has been sorted and recycled. Christmas letters have been put ready for reply, new addresses and family news safely noted. I tie up this year's cards and pack them away with the decorations - to be brought out next December, at card-writing time! We have chopped the branches off the Christmas trees; they make a dry layer in the chicken run, lifting the ladies' feet out of the mud. The trunks are ready to chop and stack in the log pile. They are good fuel once they are seasoned.

In the new year, I always make a list for my 'Christmas-self next year'. As well as notes about recipes that did (or didn't) work etc, there are always more philosophical wishes too. For Christmas 2019 I want to: buy less, shop local, invest in people, invite friends, keep it simple, have time ...