Sparkling Distraction

I watched the news tonight and ended up turning it off. Riots in Greece, total despair in Zimbabwe, sticks and carrots with Iran and no roast pork for the Irish. Two blokes who almost froze to death in the arctic, some idiot who received $177,000 for tripping over in someone's driveway, gazillions pledged for the Soccer World Cup and the talking heads saying that consumer confidence is rising (well of course it is, it's almost Christmas you wallys). Then the plethora of stock market ups and downs and the usual sensational gloom and doom re the world recession. Jane MGrath Day announced for the New Years Day Test where apparently the baggy green will give way to the baggy pink for breast cancer awareness.

I retreated into La la land and watched a couple of episodes of Flight of the Conchords and half a James Bond Movie before looking at my Christmas tree. Shallow as it seems, this little symbol of family, light warmth, cheer and memories warms my soul. Each little bauble and bead (we've decided that tinsel is a bit kitch) has a place in space and time. I'm not one for the fabulously coordinated shop front tree, although this year ours looks a little less shabby for some reason . . it's full of bits from all over the world, the tops of chocolate boxes and home made goodies I love it. Here's a glimpse because it is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas despite the shit going on around us:



This little charmer came from a two-chocolate box from David Jones. It sat atop the box as a 'table gift' many years ago when my mother cooked Christmas Dinner.



My latest acquisition and a gift from Clare from Rothenberg



Home grown, home picked and sprayed with care from Clare many years ago

The Teacher made this about 15 years ago and gave them to her closest for Christmas. I think of her every time I hang it on the tree . . .

Little Japanese Bunny brought back from Japan by Clare after an exchange trip in year 1o. I have about 8 of them.

Another recent aquisition from a blogger I've never met but email frequently. Thank you Bimbimbie, your Yulewing looks right at home. . .

Another Chocolate box topper, obviously from 1988, looking a little worse for wear but we love him


We have a 'table' Kris Kringle, Secret Santa or whatever you want to call it each year and since Bec's Maracas don't fit on the tree, I am reminded of it ever year when I put Babysis' effort on a branch. Yep, now you know my nickname.

Cheap and cheerful bauble bought with a bunch of gold and red to match our theme a couple of years ago . . and these are but a few . . and they make a sparkling distraction to the awfulness of human beings. Besides it's fun . .I may post more. I haven't forgotten the Wonder Wall, just a little crazy at work but hopefully I'll have your donations up by the end of the week.

Now . . to go make a batch of English Mum's Limoncello so that it steeps in time for Christmas.