Home made

Traditionally, although we've bought a tree in advance, we haven't decorated it until Christmas Eve. When the children were small it was a way of keeping them occupied in the mad anticipation of Christmas Day. Now that they've left home, it is something for us to do together when they arrive.

This year B and I thought we might not bother with a tree. We talked about maybe bringing some branches in from outside. Or maybe not. But when son arrived yesterday he couldn't imagine Christmas without a tree, so he and I cycled with a bike trailer down the towpath to the scout hut where we normally buy it. Very closed. We cycled round. Notice on the door: Sold Out.

So back home to set about Plan B. We cut down two overhanging branches from the yew tree, trimmed them further and chose the best-shaped pieces. We found a big tub, cleaned it, placed the branches where we wanted them then emptied into it three of the sand bags that we keep at the end of the garden in case of flooding. 

We got the strings of lights and the decorations down from the loft and draped our branches. So here it is - our pagan homage to the tree spirits, our celebration of life in mid-winter and our hope for the greenery to come when the light returns.

This little household is very lucky. We are gathered in and have made merry together. My thoughts today have been very much with all those who are missing someone at this most painful of times to bear loss.