Prep for Christmas

It's getting closer and closer to decoration time.  K has already put up a string of coloured lights along the perimeter wall which light up automatically at 7pm.  I must say I like them.  They're jolly and bright, especially when we have had a wet grey day.  The 5 boats have been lighting up inside the house for a lot longer.  I like their cheeriness too.  I may tell him to leave them for another month or so.

This Christmas liqueur was made a few weeks ago and is slowly maturing, flavours mellowing, ready for the 25th.  It's red wine, sugar, a cinnamon stick and as many rose geranium leaves as I could stuff into the jar.

For the last few years we have found xmas crackers for a very reasonable price at the big toy store here called Jumbo.  We ordered 3 packets of 4 crackers.  Unfortunately the order wasn't checked and the 3rd box were 6 mini crackers.  We will  have just enough for pulling at the table.  

This years pickled onions should be ready for eating right now.  This time I used white vinegar so they're much paler in the jar.  The jar on the left has red onions cut into pieces.  They've made the vinegar turn red.  Very festive

My collection of Christmas earrings.  Thanks Jan and the girls.

I shall start wearing them today so I can enjoy wearing all of them over Christmas and New Year

2 of our decorated boats keeping the house cheery and bright 

 

The Christmas doormat has been out for a while.  Thanks Jan.  She has gifted us a second one too.  Love them

And my xmas socks.  I've been wearing these for a while.  I've got 3 pairs, presents from Christmasses past.

In the car we have the radio tuned to Easy FM. They play Christmas music from November 1 to New Year.

In a few days we will be putting up our shortened Christmas tree.  K is chomping at the bit.  A bit early but I do have more of the Christmas spirit this year, so why not.