My December has been all about...

Looking outside and seeing a climate and landscape that looks more like late October than nearly January. At least the holly seems to know what time of year it is...

Bringing some of that holiday greenery inside to make handmade decorations has made our home all the merrier. This handmade centrepiece was the finishing touch to our Christmas table decoration.

Lovingly decorating our tree and then having to pick up all the ornaments off the floor and move them higher and higher and out of the reach of pesky little kittens ;)

Buying and eating LOTS of chocolate. I also did attempt to make chocolate truffles but the mixture was far too runny. If anyone has a good recipe to share I'd really appreciate it.

Seeing my first Panto ever - which was great! I've lived in the UK for donkey's years but somehow never got around to going to one before. The best part of the show was seeing an allotment friend star as the evil vampire granny! We'll definitely be making a matinee show with the Peel Pantaloons a yearly Christmas tradition.

Sharing the fruits of the year's labour with friends :) This hamper was filled with Elderflower wine, handmade soaps, a dark-sugar and almond scrub, Oatmeal and currant biscuits (cookies), Spicy Green Tomato Chutney and some of my handmade elderflower and white grape jelly.

Enjoying the encroaching darkness with cheerful Christmas lights. It's now past the longest night of the year but it's still as black as midnight by 5pm. A bit of colour and cheerful holiday vibes help to brighten up these dark days.

Relaxing in front of warm crackling fires with my little family. There's nothing that says 'home' on a cold winter's evening than the comforting light and warmth that comes from an open fireplace.

Collecting and sending Christmas cards... With many of our loved ones living scattered across the world it's just wonderful to receive a physical reminder of their love and friendship. I also received a lovely present of some sweet pea seeds from The Weaver :)

Every cook has a signature dish for the holidays and mine has become a luscious Pecan pie. We've just finished the last two slices so it will be another year or so before we tuck into this special treat again. That's definitely something to look forward to :) Tip - if you're making it yourself, make sure to toast the pecans before you put them in the pie. I have no idea why so many recipes omit this step.

Catching up with friends over tasty food, holiday music, warming drinks and great laughs!

Seeing our little kittens enjoy their first Christmas. Of course they don't realise what all the fuss is about but they didn't mind getting their favourite toy from Santa: a loo roll. They gleefully ripped their way through it, leaving a layer of white shreds all over the living room carpet. I think we're the only ones on the Isle of Man who had a white Christmas ;)

Getting up to the allotment to pick Brussels Sprouts then taking them home and cooking them up with entire packets of bacon. How can I have ever not loved these fine veggies?

Making soap and small crafts and hosting my first market stall...what an absolute blast! I really look forward to expanding into more local events next year as well as putting more of my products up for sale online. I had such a great time sharing what I do and chatting with those who stopped by the stand. Just lovely :)


I sincerely hope you've also had a wonderful December so far and wish you the very best for a happy and joyous New Years celebration!