Getting there...

The Christmas tree is up and decorated.  I've been a bit understated with the decorations on it this year.  Little Bird's Angel sits atop, another toddler art group make, made from a polystyrene cup, silver foil, felt, tissue paper, etc.  It's very sweet but is deteriorating as the years go by.  I don't know how many more Christmases she'll manage to do the job, she may need to go into early retirement to preserve her good looks.  She has a little friend who normally shares the load, but she got mauled by the dog this year, unfortunately.  The first of many of her Christmas casualties I suspect.

 

 

There is no tinsel and no glass baubles, as I have visions of the dog pulling it over.  It's got a bit of an animal and reindeer theme going on though and the remainder of Little Bird's Advent Crackers have been added to it's branches.

The artificial Christmas wreath is now securely tied to the front door.  I love this wreath and have had it for quite a few years now.  It's pretty simple, just a few fir cones and foliage, but I like the greyish tones.  Doggy is guarding it carefully and looking suitably gruff.  I've told her she's got to earn her keep around here.

 

 

My Christmas mug and plate are out of storage.  They don't match of course, but then nothing really does in our house.  Perfect for tea and mince pies.  The ones I made yesterday have already disappeared. 

I almost feel ready for Christmas now, although there is still lots to do.  Cleaning mainly. 

I've sent off for a few last minute stocking fillers for the dog today.  A new leather collar, some LED lights for the dark nights and some paw balm for her little cracked pads.  She will of course be getting a few edible treats and a toy as well.  They were all things she needed anyway, so I don't feel too extravagant.

We ventured out into the madness that is the shops this afternoon, only to a local retail park, but were pleasantly surprised that it wasn't as mobbed with Christmas shoppers as we expected.  We even managed to do a bit of Christmas shopping.  Fancy that! 

OH is finally dragging me into the modern era by insisting on buying me a Smart phone for Christmas, so we went to check them out.  I saw one I liked which was very reasonably priced.  I'm not into 'the latest thing', but I  must admit that although I've resisted thus far, I am secretly looking forward to being able to go online whilst out and about and take photos with my phone.  It might take a little while for me to get to grips with it though, as I'm a terrible technophobe.

Anyway, I hope your weekend has been a good one!