Here we are again, Christmas Eve. The shops are shut, the fire is lit and all is peaceful in our home. We had a lovely day today, and went to Betty's tea rooms in Ilkley, Yorkshire, which has become our Christmas tradition. It is always so beautifully decorated, with impeccable food and attentive service. We really enjoyed our lunch, which extended into afternoon tea!
The windows are are a joy to behold, whatever the season, but particularly so at Christmas. This year they marked their Centenary.
Long time readers of my blog will know that I find Christmas to be bittersweet, for various reasons, not least that it is the anniversary of my late husband's death. He died on Christmas Day several years ago. I'm not miserable at Christmas, far from it, but I do sometimes find the overwhelming and sometimes enforced jolliness a little bit too much. Much too much commercialism, to my mind. I do however love the way that complete strangers will talk and laugh with each other at Christmas, the way the lights twinkle on late afternoon dark walks with Daisy Dog, and the feeling of warmth and cosiness that snuggling by the fire brings.
Some years I have struggled listening to endless repeats of the same frenetic music, and other times the adverts that encourage us to spend! spend! spend! This year, however, I have found a solution that works for me - Classic FM radio station. The music is a lovely mix of classical pieces alongside choral and orchestral Christmas music and carols. The presenters have soothing and friendly voices, as they introduce each piece, sometimes with a little bit of a back story. In the past few days I have listened to Alexander Armstrong, Alan Titchmarsh and John Suchet amongst others. It's been like a quiet and happy conversation with a friend. When my husband has been out and I've been home alone I have carried my little DAB radio around the house as I completed Christmas tasks, and perched it in my sewing room as I worked on my next quilt, and felt quite relaxed and happy. They have played so much music from my childhood too - songs we sang at school or Sunday school - that I haven't heard since. The lights have twinkled on the Christmas Tree and brought feelings of happiness at the life I have now and the happy memories I hold in my heart, instead of feelings of loss. Music is very evocative and I have found my Christmas home in the glorious sounds of beautiful pieces.
There is so much pressure these days on having the 'perfect Christmas' but that too brings its own anxieties. If I have learned anything over the years it's that we need to take time for ourselves, to have the Christmas that suits us and our own families, and not be trying to match any artificial or celebrity version, which for all we know only exists on the screen.
I hope wherever you are, whatever you're doing, and whoever you are with, you are having the Christmas that you want. I hope it brings happy memories, and the opportunity to make new memories. For anyone who is having a difficult or worrying time right now, I send you my heartfelt good wishes, and may a little bit of the magic of Christmas bring peace and comfort to your heart.
Happy Christmas,
Donna x
Hello first of all I want to congratulate you for your xmas quilt it's a such precise and accurate work! This xmas is being sad, my father in law is very ill...it's hard time...I'd like to go to Betty's tea room, I hope some day I'll be able to visit the lovely places you show in your blog, I enjoy seeing them. At xmas is good to share your time with family and friends, that's the best present.I don't like spending too much. Thanks to share your blog! Aran
ReplyDeleteHello Aran. I am so sorry to hear that your father in law is very ill. I will be thinking of you all. It must be a very difficult time for your family.
DeleteI am so grateful for your kind words about my blog, it is lovely to hear your enjoy reading it. With all good wishes, Donna
Thank you for your lovely words. I am struggling with a new loss this year, and it is a relief to know that I'm not the only one. Thank you for your thoughtful ideas, and for reminding me that the joy will come back. You are a good person, and I hope your new year is filled with new and happy experiences. Sheri
ReplyDeleteHello Sherri, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and I hope that there will be a little glimmer of light in your days again before too long. Be kind to yourself and take as much time as you need to mourn, reflect and hopefully call to mind some happy memories of your loved one. Take good care and I hope to see you again. Donna
DeleteThank you for this lovely blogpost. It's really heartening to read how you cope with your loss and with life in general. I loved reading about your radio. It's often the small things that make a day special.
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right in that it's the small things that make a day special. I am definitely trying to focus more on that these days.
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