Because this year, I don't intend to be in a frenzy in November (yeah, right!). I adore Christmas - the anticipation, the food, the carols, the sense of celebration. There's nothing else quite like it.
One of the most memorable, was the first year after we got married. Hubs and I were living in Japan, where Christmas is not a public holiday. It is sort of recognised, but in a singularly commercial way, with unforgettable slogans like 'Have a Santastic Christmas' and a character called 'Captain Santa'. But nothing was standing in the way of our festivities.
We bought a tree - a fake one - in early December. It didn't seem very big in the shop, but when we got it back to our tiny apartment we realized that we would have to sleep underneath it, if we wanted the luxury of a futon and a Christmas tree.
I baked the tiniest ham you've ever seen and hacked a turkey into bits to fit it into the oven-in-a-microwave. And we celebrated, in pixie hats and reindeer antlers, with a slightly homesick Englishman and a barking mad German (who brought stollen).
Thirteen years on, and we still have our Japanese tree, and although we have a real one at Christmas now, I like to put up the plastic-fantastic version too and remember our very strange, but strangely wonderful first Christmas.
20 comments:
Awww...now you have me in a Christmasy mood. I love Christmas, too! What a sweet stroy.
And good for you for getting started so early.
Those robins are gorgeous! And good on you for thinking ahead. Last Christmas was a nightmare for me, I had decided to make gifts for everyone at the last minute, we hosted both our families for Christmas lunch and I was 7 months pregnant. Hardly joyous or merry!
And your little story...so lovely. Memories can be so sweet!
Those robbins are beautiful. Are they your own design? I think it's a great idea to start planning for Christmas now. I have grand plans to do a handmade holiday this year, but we'll see.
Wow, now I'm feeling all Christmas-y and very much in need of wooly robin ornaments.
I have fond memories of Christmas in Japan too--thanks for sharing yours!
The robins are fab but you are scaring me! Every year i tell myself "this year it will be different" but i still end up rushing round like a headless chook. However, having both children's birthdays in the week before Christmas means this is not likely to change until they've outgrown themed birthday parties!!!
my husband said that once in Japan he saw a display window of a store with a crucified santa. we really do a good job of sharing the meaning of the season, yes? :)
love the robins! glad i'm not the only one thinking that far ahead!
Oh you're so organised! I fully expect to be panicking on Christmas Eve and trying to pack four months worth of sewing and knitting into a frenzied twelve hours. You'd think I'd know better by now ...
Very cute robins!
No no no no no it's summer. You're not allowed to mention the C word until after Halloween at the very earliest.
(I like your robins though)
I love the idea of this meme and already it has brought out lots of different thoughts and ways of approaching it from different people. But you are wicked for even thinking about Chritmas before we have had a proper summer here in the UK. On the other hand I do admire forward planning.
Those are the cutest birds! So sweet~
You've inspired me to get cracking on holiday stuff.
Your story is just the sweetest ever.
I alsomhave those holiday aspirations, but every year I am frantic on Christmas Eve. Those robins are so lovely. What are they used for? Great ABC's. I almost started off with anxiety, but chickened out and took a safer route. I could have rambled on endlessly.
Doubtless you've already ordered the Christmas turkey and prepared your Amazon wish-list?
i really like your japanese christmas story.
i'm thinking of organizing a handmade christmas ornament swap...i'll make sure to invite you:)
I hate to say it on a gorgeous sunny morning - but now you've got me thinking of Christmas too! Those robins are lovely. I never get gooing on christmas things till the Autumn half term is over and I always wish I'd started earlier .... First christmas together memories are very special.
Kim
I've been thinking the same thing about being ready for christmas this year...obviously haven't done anything about it though!
I love those robins. Have you bought and wrapped all your gifts too?!!!
I've just come back from my summer hols and haven't even tackled the washing sorting yet but couldn't resist popping in! Love the robins and I'm pleased to see that someone else is getting organised well in advance - I knitted 2 bunny christmas jumpers while I was away!! It definitely pays to get organised early.
Oh my god, thanks for that NOT! Christmas is lovely - but I'm still waiting for summer!
Oooh I make some robins just like that! But at the moment it is Christmas stockings for a photoshoot.
Christmas does get earlier every year!
J
x
C is for Crikey, that ain't far away! Said in my best Aussie slang voice I could muster!
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