Merry Christmas

Almost Christmas! The weeks have flown by. Although it can be hectic it’s a nice distraction as Winter sets in and now I’m older I have the time to enjoy the process.

With all the preparations it’s nice to walk around the garden for a few peaceful moments. There are still things to see if I pay attention. Lovely leaves here and there and beautiful hellebores just beginning to flower. My cream-petalled oriental hellebore is always the first to flower. This isn’t Helleborus niger. It’s Helleborus orientalis but I can’t remember the variety name. A pale green one with spikier leaves is not far behind. Of course, the evergreens retain their fresh green appeal throughout the year.

On sunny days there are lovely reflections in the pond.

The leaf bin is full and the frost, wind and rain will break down the leaves for next year’s leafmould. So useful as mulch and for making seed and potting compost. I tried storing the leaves in bags years ago but I didn’t find it worked very well. This simple open bin made of wire netting is very effective and it’s easy to fill.

I’m hoping I’ll have enough carrots left for Christmas. I will have to use them sparingly until then. The sprouts and parsnips have sweetened with the frost and will be very tasty. I’ll prepare them on Christmas Eve during the afternoon, to save work on the big day.

We feed the birds regularly and it attracts hungry squirrels. Allan moved the feeders from the pear tree to the hanging-basket stand thinking it would deter them. They scamper up the metal pole effortlessly so he needn’t have bothered except that it does give us a daily show. Their antics are really entertaining as they try to reach the feeders. Although they can’t bite through them they do manage to shake some sunflower seeds and peanuts out. I took these photos through the kitchen window.

Plenty going on in the kitchen! Mince pies are made and in the freezer. We’re already enjoying them. A few seconds in the microwave from frozen and a dusting of icing sugar gives a delicious warm Christmas treat. I always make plenty because we love them so much.

I love to make my own cranberry sauce. Can’t have too much of it, it’s so full of flavour. Just tip fresh or frozen cranberries into a pan with a small amount of water and allow them to stew until the fruit is broken down. Then stir in sugar to taste. It might need a lot because cranberries are not at all sweet. Cook for a few more minutes and allow to cool. It will set a little to a jam-like texture and glow like a bowl of rubies. It freezes perfectly so you can make it ahead and thaw as needed. Fabulous taste with turkey, chicken or vegetarian alternatives.

Talking of vegetarian alternatives, I usually bake my Festive Flan for Christmas dinner. It contains traditional seasonal vegetables and ground cashew nuts to make a creamy sauce. So enjoyable with roast potatoes and parsnips and cranberry sauce. I’ve decided not to do it this year but if you want a truly delicious alternative Christmas dinner you will find the recipe in my Earthy Homemaker’s Cookbook.

I always make a wreath to hang on the garage door for passers-by to enjoy. Sadly, last year it was wrecked by a storm. Fingers crossed that this year it will stay intact and look its best. I used rosemary, euonymus and skimmia berries from the garden. The frame is just a wire coathanger bent into a circle and the greenery tied on with florist’s wire. I hope I tied it firmly.

The tree is up and decorated. The cards are in the post. A few days of rest before the family get together.

I hope you will all have a very Merry and Happy Christmas. With you again in a couple of weeks Bye for now