Merry sparkle!

Sheepish Angel I hope you are lucky enough to have those you love close by, and all the frivolity or serenity you crave throughout this joyful festive season, however you choose to spend it.

And yes, in case you wondered, that is a 1960s tinsel tree, given to us by my mum – re-use and re-home is a far more eco-option than recycle! The tree is topped by a sheep who wished more than anything to play an angel in the school nativity play. Now, there’s a bonus Christmas writing prompt!

Here’s to a green and hopeful 2023.

Festive wishes

Tinsel tree 2018. Photo by Judy DarleyMerry Christmas Eve! As feared, our small Christmas tree didn’t make it through 2018 and when we moved to our new home in March, he didn’t come with us. I’m hoping his branches helped to nourish some other growing trees.

However, when I mentioned we might not have a tree this year, my mum immediately offered to loan us her 1960s tinsel tree. This slender silver beauty has pride of place in our cosy living room. We’re just taking care not to place any candles too close!

And yes, in case you were wondering, that is a fairy sheep on top, and a peeping snowman to the right. And no, I can’t (won’t) explain those two little festive oddities.

This year has been tumultuous in many ways, but speckled through with serene pockets of creativity and spangled with small but shining literary successes.

Wishing you a peaceful, joyful Christmas, however you choose to spend it.

Seasonal cheer

Christmas Tree Year 5 cr Judy DarleyWhat an immensely complex year it’s been. So much change. My life has taken such twists and turns that this Christmas period I’m most excited about the hiatus from from every day life. I need to catch my breath, absorb everything that’s happened and take a moment to both appreciate all that, and look forward to the new year preparing to break its first wave on my shore.

Little Christmas tree_yr 4_2016 cr Judy Darley

Our little tree in Christmas 2016, apparently relishing a new, roomier pot…

Our little tree has had its own challenges to face. Early on in 2017, our wee spruce began to drop needles at an alarming rate, and no amount of TLC would revive him. So we sorrowfully planned to chop him up and bid farewell.

But the thing is, we’re both really busy. After dragging the tree and his pot closer to the house, we left him alone for a week or two.

In which time he began to sprout fresh green needles at the end of each bough. And while the boughs and stem remain skeletal and bare, each one boasts a green flourish – a hell yeah, I’m still here, suckers! to the world.

Zombie tree?

I’m concerned this year’s bedecking could mark the end for our fine, if confused, tree, but we’re counting it as a final hurrah for this feisty fir. Whatever comes this January, we’ll know he’s done us proud.

Our little Christmas tree 2015 by Judy Darley

Our little Christmas tree 2015 – year 3.

LittleChristmasTree yr1 and 2

So Merry Christmas, however you choose to spend your day. And as always, remember, however dire things get, don’t give up. You never know what a burst of determination can achieve!!

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

Little Christmas tree_yr 4_2016 cr Judy DarleyIt’s been a challenging year for everyone, and a particularly difficult December for my family, but now only one week remains and I fully intend to spend it in a blur of good company, good food and, well, good will!

Our little Christmas tree 2015 by Judy Darley

Our little Christmas tree 2015 – year 3

Our little tree continues to thrive, I’m happy to say, despite being cared for by two non-gardeners and kept in a shady backyard! This year we realised it had stopped putting out new shoots, so moved it to a new, roomier pot, and as you can see it seems to have appreciated the gesture.

I hope your day is magical and full of love and warmth, however you choose to spend it. And as always, remember, from tiny saplings grow mighty trees – or at least ones you can watch with pride as they reach for the stars!

LittleChristmasTree yr1 and 2

Merry Christmas!

Little Christmas Tree2 by JDarleyI hope your day is filled with laughter, contentment and warmth.

And if you wanted to know how our little tree is getting on, it survived the year and is thriving!

Here’s how it looked last year…

Little Christmas tree cr Judy DarleyAnd at the top of the post is how it looks now! Last year I called it “a reminder that from small beginnings, great things can grow…”

This year I think I’ve learnt that patience, love and plenty of sunshine is needed too.