WELL, AT LEAST WE KNOW.....

….. that the Christmas tree light work!! Those who know me, will understand that I am just a little (or even a "lottle") mad - and as 6 months today is Christmas Day, I thought I should try out the lights!

We went down to Boscombe soon after Christmas last year, and as we were intending to stay a while, I decided that all the Christmas decorations, including the tree had to come down - Mr. HCB wasn't bothered either way!

We have had an artificial tree for many years - and this one wasn't cheap - so I suggested to Mr. HCB that as the longest job was taking the tree apart and then removing two sets of lights, winding them up etc, it might be easier just to put them in the corner of my "quiet" room with the lights still "in situ". He looked at me in that rather quizzical way he has - but I think after 45 years, he realised that if I wanted to do something, it would be done - unless of course, he wanted to start the New Year with a black eye (only joking!) The tree is a bit of a pain to put back together too, so another job sorted!

So for your delectation and delight here is our Christmas tree, not quite in all its glory - because we did take off the baubles and tinsel - but at least with 6 months to go, we know the lights are working and how many Christmases have been ruined because the lights failed?

A friend popped in unexpectedly yesterday, with her little girl, and as I was showing her my décopatching, which I also do in my quiet room, I think she was not only slightly bemused but rather horrified that we had left the tree up. She told me that decorating the tree was one of their favourite things to do just before Christmas so I did point out we had removed the baubles and tinsel, but I don't think she was convinced.

It was a bit difficult carrying the tree + lights up our "bendy" stairs, and I just hope that Mr. HCB doesn't trip bring it back down on the 1st December otherwise he could end up at the bottom of the stairs wearing the Christmas tree lights himself - now there's an idea for "something completely different" and the grandchildren would love it!

I found this lovely poem - so perhaps I'm not that mad after all!

“Let Every Day Be Christmas”

Christmas is forever,
not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving,
are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel,
in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others
is good you do yourself.

Peace on Earth, good will to men,
kind thoughts and words of cheer,
are things we should use often
and not just once a year.

Remember too the Christ-child
grew up to be a man;
to hide him in a cradle
is not our dear Lord’s plan.
So keep the Christmas spirit,
share it with others far and near,
from week to week
and month to month,
throughout the entire year!

Norman Wesley Brooks

Now you must excuse me while I go and find some of my Christmas CDs and play them - and then of course, in the middle of summer, with the windows open, the neighbours will think we are quite mad!!