Festive postbox

Although I am not sure how or when this started, quite often now we see UK postboxes with knitted tops for certain occasions.

The photo shows the postbox near our co-op shop looking very festive.

Christmas comes early?

Retailers have had a hard time lately. 

Is it me or did Christmas come early this year? I am sure this was to make sure profits were maximised. 

To me, the Christmas season starts no earlier than December 1st. Some shops were having Christmas goods as early as September. It seems Christmas has morphed into a commercial business.

Sadly, I am glad these days when all the hype is over.

Museum at Christmas

This weekend, our local museum had a "Santa's Grotto" in the windmill. The children loved it and were told a story (in groups) and were each given a gift. To them it was magical.

In the main museum, there was face painting, mulled wine, minced pies  and much more. We helped with the raffle.

In all, it was a great. happy, occasion for all, especially the children.

Christmas cheer

 

Rather than 1 large Christmas tree we have 3 small ones. This one in the lounge we have had since 2019 and has fibre optic "leaves" and is always changing colour.

Christmas shadow - NOT amateur radio

The Christmas and New Year holidays are almost over. We pack the Christmas things away on Sunday. 

This time, time has seemed to fly by. I expect in what seems like 5 minutes it will seem like Christmas again!

Over the top? - NOT amateur radio

A house in a nearby town raises money for charity by putting Christmas lights up.  Quite a few!! 

I imagine you could find it by looking for the glow in the sky!

Just think of the neighbours and the electricity bill!

After Christmas - NOT amateur radio

My younger son and his kids have gone home and Christmas is almost over for another year. 

We have given the birds the leftovers.

Merry Christmas - NOT amateur radio

 May I wish everyone a very happy Christmas.  The basic lesson is to share kindness. People appreciate kindness, as do we. 

The most basic message, whatever your beliefs, is sharing kindness is the most powerful thing in humanity. 🎄🎂🧑‍🎄

Village Christmas Tree - Not amateur radio

Every year a Christmas tree 🌲 is erected outside our post office.

It must be near Christmas - NOT amateur radio

Today, we put up our Christmas tree and Christmas decorations. It must be the run-up. 

It seems 5 minutes since last Christmas.

Christmas spirit - NOT amateur radio

This was the entrance to our local museum last weekend. They had a very happy "Father Christmas" day that was very successful. 

All the kids (and adults!) had a really good time.

Singing reindeer - NOT amateur radio

The kids love this!  

The Grand Arcade in Cambridge is gearing up for the Christmas season. As we grow older, we become cynical, but to young ones it is magic. 

Whatever your religious views this is a time for love, peace and joy. 

I still do not understand why there is so much hate and greed in the world. We never seem to learn from history. Why can't we live at peace and just accept that we are all different and have basic human rights?

Nearly Christmas - NOT amateur radio

This was outside a village shop earlier today.  Not long now. 

I prefer when everything returns to normal and the evenings start to get lighter again. Ba humbug!

Remind me of the month? - NOT amateur radio

Both in John Lewis and Marks and Spencer they have Christmas stuff on display. 

Anything to increase profits. 

Personally I find this sick. I know retailers have it hard, but early October?  Really?  Give us a break.

Christmas nearly over - NOT amateur radio

This weekend it is time to take down the cards and decorations. It seems they have been up for a very short time. 

We will blink and it will be next Christmas!

Christmas food - NOT amateur radio

At this time of year we make lots of minced pies and savoury tarts. I am responsible for rolling the pastry (the secret is to roll it very thin!) and doing the savoury tarts. All these go very very quickly. The savoury tarts have mushrooms, tomatoes and onion plus a small amount of chutney topped with cheese. Some have ham too.

Christmas - NOT amateur radio

Last night, we went to the Carols by Candlelight service at our local church. 

The photo shows the installation outside.

Christmas cheer - NOT amateur radio

 

We have our main Christmas tree in the garden room at the back of the house. This is in our lounge.

Baa Humbug! - NOT amateur radio

 

These were some of the Christmas displays in a big store in Cambridge.

Christmas bookings - NOT amateur radio

It is only September, but I am inundated with emails urging me to book pubs meals for Christmas. 

To me the Christmas season does not start until December. This is pure commercialism. I have deleted these emails.

One of the major retailers in Cambridge often puts up Christmas decorations in October. I boycott them!!