The sun is streaming through the windows here in southwestern France, Nina Simone is playing in the background, I’m making my own watercolour Christmas cards, and it really doesn’t feel like the shortest day of the year. But winter solstice it is, despite the fact that I’m still harvesting herbs from the garden and hanging my washing out in the sunshine. It’s certainly a nice way to ease into the festive season.

Although I love the buzz of Christmas time with last-minute shopping and everywhere lit up and decorated, I’m also looking forward to a lovely quiet time this year. There will be good company, good food and lots of time outdoors. It’s going to look something like this………

morning walks in the mist

collecting pine and cedar cones

decorating the tree Bauble

enjoying lazy afternoons on the sofa with this little fellow Cat

while reading books like this and satisfying my curiosity about what it would have been like to be a flapper in the 1920’s.

Unlike a flapper though, I’ll be wearing these great winter flip-flop socks knitted by my talented mother from a free pattern by Chris in Niagara (thank you Mum and Chris!) Socks

and, because I can’t knit, I will be immersing myself in other creative pursuits like this

Tonight we’ll be lighting a bonfire to celebrate winter solstice. There may be mulled wine (just one glass obviously) and macaroon treats.

Wishing everyone a great winter solstice and happy holidays ♥

PS. If you’re wondering about which essential oils to use at this time of year here are some of my suggestions: Five festive scents * Voluptuous vetiver * Winter warmers

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