22nd December

"Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas."
~ Peg Bracken

I have been so lucky this year, my team on UK Scrappers decided to do a Secret Santa and yesterday we all got together on line and opened them. I had a brilliant selection of PINK goodies. People are so kind and generous, not only with the presents we all exchanged but with the support I have had from them through out the year.

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“Anyone who believes that men are the equal of women has never seen a man trying to wrap a Christmas present”
~ Anon
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21stDecember
"The earth has grown old with its burden of care But at Christmas it always is young, The heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair And its soul full of music breaks the air, When the song of angels is sung."
~ Phillips Brooks (1835-93), American Episcopal bishop, wrote 'O Little Town of Bethlehem'.

I could not resist taking this photo of a shop window display that I saw whilst out this week! All these choristers were made by local children.
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“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!”
~ Elf
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20th December
"May peace be more than a season, may it be a way of life"
- Unknown

Not too peaceful at the moment with all the Christmas preparations. But it is always a good idea to take some time out in the run up to Christmas and relax.
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“May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!” ~Author Unknown
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19th December
"A Christmas candle is a lovely thing; It makes no noise at all, But softly gives itself away; While quite unselfish, it grows small."
~ Eva K Logue

Candle light really does mellow the mood of a room.
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Remembrance, like a candle...burns brightest at Christmas Time.
- Charles Dickens
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18th December
"There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child"
~ Erma Bombeck
Reflect on Christmas past:

I have had many happy Christmas memories, however, when I come to reflect on Christmas’s past I can not help but remember that my Mum died the on 21st December when I was 5 years old and my Dad died on 14th December last year.
This photo is one that I took on my many trips to London last Christmas whilst sorting out my Dad's affairs and funeral.
This Christmas is going to be so different.
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When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things - not the great occasions - give off the greatest glow of happiness." ~Bob Hope
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17th December
"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."
~ Norman Vincent Peale

The lights at Christmas are so pretty and following Anna’s lead today I have had fun with playing with my camera today to achieve some Bokeh effects with my Christmas tree lights.
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Christmas is not in tinsel and lights and outward show. The secret lies in an inner glow. It's lighting a fire inside the heart. Good will and joy a vital part. It's higher thought and a greater plan. It's glorious dream in the soul of man.
~ Wilfred A. Peterson, The Art of Living
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16th December
"There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions."
~ Bill McKibben
Do you have any Christmas traditions?

Abbie has started a tradition all of her own by making 2 special tree decorations every year.
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Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone. ~Charles Schulz
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