CHRIS-ti-MAS PAR-TAY!

  Chris-ti-Mas Par-tay............Students playing Christmas carols,  lights all around, candles low, food prepared for  friends.      I can't imagine something  else better for the first weekend in Advent.        

 Bo helping with the twizzly ties............can't imagine  any present  being wrapped without her supervision.

 Chairs placed  by the music stand and light, ready for playing. This year we did lots of duets, and medleys.Something different. When you're an adult taking lessons it's good to play for others who are doing exactly the same thing.

 Cranberry/Cherry/Apple/Gooseberry Sauce: A combination of a bag of cranberries , two or three apples, a jar of homemade gooseberry jam, and some fresh cherries frozen from the summer. Add a cup of sugar, and a cup of wine. Cook till bubbly. Wonderful tart-sweet powerhouse of fruit for turkey dinner.

               The fireplace lit by the glow of all the candles, and Bo, waiting to fall asleep by the flames.

 Front room decked out in vintage style. A lot of these things I had from my parents, and kept over the years. The bear is special. My dad gave him to me, when I was first brought home. That Bear always has a gold bow on for the holidays.  He knows how to par-tay!

 Trays of sweetmeats ready to dive into. Mincemeat Tarts, White Fruit cake, Tiger butter, and shortbread.

 And the food.................Turkey dinner for some wonderful people.

  My mum's Royal Crown Derby tea set. It has seen many Christmas parties. I bring it out all the time. Shame it should live in the sideboard months at a time. 

 "Advent of Hope: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light............"

             "Those who  lived in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shined...."

 "For a child has been born for us, a son given to us: he is named Wonder Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace..."

"Christmas is forever, not just for one day, for loving, sharing, giving, are not to be put away like bells and lights........The good you do for others is definitely good you do yourself." ( Norman Wesley Brooks)