Today is the first Sunday in Advent, and this evening, I will light the first Advent candle in our wreath. We time this as a family, so that wherever we are in the world, we all light ours at the same time. To me, this is the start of the Christmas season.
In the UK, people do not generally put up their trees or decorate their homes until about a week or two into December, but then we all keep our decorations up till 12th night, so our Christmas season goes on longer. However, I have seen some homes around the village with their lights up, though not on yet. I think by tomorrow, some homes will be lit - at least on the outside!
It has been fairly quiet around here - I have been sewing, and will show you some of the things I have made before I wrap everything. Some of the recipients do read this blog, though, so I will be showing you everything nearer Christmas! They will be too busy to read by then. I do love being creative, and there are so many wonderful things out there in the blogosphere to give new inspiration! And my sewing room clearly demonstrates the fact that I am inspired. I will need to mow the carpet one of these days. We will not mention the state of the kitchen.
Yesterday, I went to Costco with friends who have never been before. And although I expected chaos, it was really quite civilised. And everyone was so polite - both shoppers and staff. The mistake I made was taking a trolley (shopping cart). One then feels the need to fill it up. I have enough toilet rolls to survive a decade or 2.
And then I saw the perfect body pillow - you know, those long bolster like things which should have been invented back in the dark ages, when I was pregnant. I have looked at them in other shops, but they were very expensive, and came without a slip cover, so I resisted temptation. But the one I saw yesterday was perfect. AND it came with a zipped cover. This is just what I need to try to sleep better with the WK (Wretched Knee).
So I slapped that thing in the trolley. And every time I wanted to put things in there, it was like a divine sign. Stop! It unfolded itself and shot up to full height. 5ft. I squished it down and suddenly it would fly up and wave its head about again. It was like wrestling an anaconda. Not to mention the fact that by the time we got to the car with 2 trolleys, we had a slight logistical problem. The car was small and there were 3 of us. So I wound the anaconda over my legs and stayed warm and snug all the way home. And slept very well for the first time in months too.
Right - sorry I have not been commenting much - I am reading when I can and I will be making time to comment in the next few days! One is striking while the "iron" is hot. The muse may depart.
Happy tree-putting-up-and-decorating!
24 comments:
I still sleep most nights with the help of a bigger pillow with my knee.....this even after the surgery that was SUPPOSE to correct it. The pillow does help.
Susan
Do you know that I still sleep with a pillow between my legs? And I'm not pregnant LOL They are just so comfortable, I'm glad you were able to find a big body pillow, hopefully it helps you get some much needed sleep :)
And now I'm dying to know what you're making for Christmas LOL
My mum bought me a body pillow just before she was taken ill - she said to rest my hands and my knees (one underneath one on top) - she said it would be perfect and she was right - I still use it in bed but also when I am resting on a chair - it provides amazing support... enjoy!
Kate
p.s I got my spare covers from Dunelm
Glad that you're managing to keep busy!
Before I rush off to buy MY OWN body pillow - would you be so kind as to put up a photo of yours onto your blog - please. I need to be sure I get the right thing - sounds like the perfect bed partner. I tend to tuck spare pillows all a round me - they go walkies though in the middle of the night.
That's what I'm doing...reading, but not commenting much. You've made me laugh with your anaconda story. I am delighted that it provided you with a good night's rest. You must have good sleep to heal well.
Wish that we could see your creations sooner. That way, I might glean an idea. I am nearly finished in sis's former bedroom so have big plans for beginning my sewing projects this week.
It's just the same for me - Christmas begins with Advent!! We had one candle lit today at church and I really want to have a wreath in our home too so I shall figure that out this afternoon. By now all of your family has lit them - I love the connectedness that goes with that tradition. Looking forward to seeing your creative treasures :)) Sleep well, my friend!
You paint a humorous picture of that pillow springing up!
I always wondered if those pillows were as good as they said. I'm glad it helped you to sleep.
I just lit my first candle too. Last year was my first year of having the advent wreath and even living by myself I love it. I love the daily activities they suggest to do each day. Tomorrow my 12 year old grandson will be eating dinner with me and he will have the honor of lighting the candle. The activity is to perform an act of kindness for someone you don't know. I can hardly wait to hear his ideas.
Hoping you'll have sweet dreams while using that new pillow.
Luanne
I love how you do the Advent candle with your family in other places. That's so beautiful. We began with the candles at church today.
My husband and I were at Costco yesterday and I saw those body pillows. They're huge, but they look quite comfy.
What a very sweet tradition of lighting your candles! Glad you are taking advantage of your creative spree!
Oh, and just the fact that you have a shortened name for WK I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry.
Many hugs,
Heidi
Oh, and I've always wanted one of those body pillows...glad you had a good nights sleep.
h
The mental picture of the pillow preventing you from buying too much stuff gave me an outloud chuckle!
I think it's so neat that you all light the advent candles together, no matter the time zone. We had our Hanging of the Greens at church tonight, with the first candle lighting. It was wonderful.
Got one tree up yesterday - lots of "help" from the girlies! Lots to do, but not much inspiration to get out and join the crowds. We have two birthdays next Monday - Kristen and Sema. What're the odds??
Kriten has a new post up, if you have a minute. I wish she had more time to get out and visit!
We have many such pillows at my house. Necessities, I tell you. I am slower this year putting up the holiday decorations and am okay with that.
Blessed Advent!
Julie
I love it that you call a shopping cart a trolly. Next time I have the Grandkids at a store I will ask them if they want to ride in Grammys trolly (o:
My parents in South Carolina call them "Buggies" In Connecticut we call them "Carts", in New York they are called, "Wagons".
I can't wait to see your creations.
I sleep with fewer pillows now than I have for the past several years. However I truly love to have a pillow between my knees - really does seem to help.
Thanks for your encouraging comments - they do help a lot!
Have a great day.
Loved the descriptive detail of the "Anaconda." Thought of you today - I took my dad to Engelberg and we got as far as the Stand station (didn't go all the way to the top as it was really socked in). It was -5C and snowing but he had never been up a mountain via the gondola/seilbahn form of transportation and we enjoyed a nice lunch at the skihutte.
Looking forward to the pictures of presents - we are keeping it simple this year but I am hoping to make an American Doll outfit or two if I can squeeze enough time in before school lets out!
I know what you mean about feeling like you have to fill up that cart (trolley)! If I'm at a store that has little shopping baskets, I usually try to use one of those so I know there's only so much I can put in! But at Costco, that would be pretty much impossible!
The story about the body pillow is just a hoot!!! I can see the thing rearing up in the shopping cart and you trying to subdue it! Made me smile, thanks!!!! Glad you are sleeping better too.
So glad your pillow thingy works! I think I could ue one, but the G0M thinks otherwise...
We will work around that problem...
Sleeping with a pillow between your legs will help your back too -keeps your spine nice and straight.
So glad you are getting relief having that pillow to help with your knee!
Not easy to go toCostco and come out with an empty trolley is it.
Fortunately for me i am not a member so only get to go very ocasionally with someone else. Yes I know I can join, but..........
I agree about the carts at Costco. They are made larger so we can put more in!! It's a conspiracy I tell you! Lucky you to have the 5 ft mind of it's own pillow in there to keep you from buying too much! Take care!
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