Never Too Soon.... A Holiday List

Never Too Soon…. a Holiday List

For the past week or so, I have noticed heralds of the festive season materializing all around me like shiny gifts from fairies unseen.  I don’t mean any sort of those commercial fripperies of red and green that went up months ago in the merchant’s effort to snare as many early shoppers as possible. No, I speak of the beribboned wreath on the ordinary door.  The bejeweled fir tree in the cottage window.  Overnight, it seems, Christmas has drifted down through the frosted air, more premature than punctual, but no less welcome to my soul.  These early adornments have only served to validate a personal theory;  one possessing neither scientific merit nor scholarly sanction, but one that I’ve fervently believed in for ages:  The harder the year, the earlier the Christmas decorations.

The news of 2014 has often been hard to bear.  So much violence, so much sickness, so much despair.  In years such as this, it seems an almost unconscious yearning for the hope and goodwill of Christmas permeates our hearts.  We long for the beauty of twinkling lights and crackling fires, gaily wrapped presents and happy faces.  We want to hear carols and taste chocolate.  We want to give gifts to those we love.  Whether the reds and greens of Christmas or the blues and silvers of Hanukkah, we want colour, lots of colour, to challenge the grey of the news.  

One of the most magnificent things about the holiday season is its consistency.  No matter what happens - no matter how we feel, or what we think - it always arrives this time of year with all the warmth and delight of our childhood.  It is up to us to welcome it in.  And this year, like so many of those around me it seems, I am throwing open my doors early.  Benjamin Britten is playing, fires are crackling in the old stone fireplace.  I’ve begun my Christmas cards and, in anticipation for a Thanksgiving night party, The Songwriter is on the tall ladder stringing lights on the giant fir tree that stands guard by the front porch.  Even the weather seems ready; it’s colder than ever this year.

So… to help get you started on the holidays… here’s a wee list of wonderful things.  Oh, there will be more lists as the season unfurls, but these are a few early ideas that I couldn’t resist.  Have fun!  and Happy Holidays!

xoxo,

p

1.  Owl

There are birds, collected over many years, 

that roost in the branches of my sitting room Christmas tree.

  Pheasants and Cardinals, Lovebirds and Owls.

Lots of Owls.

This one is amazing.

Find him HERE.

2.  Slippers

I've just ordered a pair of these for myself.

For fireside sitting.

Edward will, no doubt, use one for a pillow.

Find them HERE.

3.  Pajamas

These are my favorite winter pajamas.

Perfect for addressing cards, wrapping presents,
dashing outside for another log for the fire, 

stirring fudge, napping,
curling up to watch Miracle on 34th Street (the old black and white version, naturally),
  and yes, sleeping.

Love them!

Find them HERE

4.  Set of Boxes

For love letters, postcards, 

photos, feathers...

or that secret stash of chocolate.

Love these.

Find them HERE.

5.  Embossing Rolling Pin

Isn't this a fabulous idea?

Imagine your holiday cookies embossed with festive patterns.

There's even a houndstooth design.

Find them HERE.

6.  Polar Bear Puppet

He looks so much like Edward, 

it was all I could do not to order him for myself!

Find him, and many more,  HERE.

7.  Tartan Shawl

What can I say?

This makes me swoon.

Santa?

Find it HERE

8.  Dog Tags

Lots of parties, lots of opening doors.
Lots of opportunities for gregarious dogs to run outside to places unknown.

These are a brilliant idea.

Find them HERE.

9. Santa Mugs

For the Party!!

Love these.

Find them HERE.

10.  Little Reading Mouse

I'm utterly besotted with these.

Cutest things ever.

Perhaps a collection?
Created by artist Johana Molina, you can

Find them HERE.