Green(ish) Christmas

I went to a party on Christmas eve. I wore a pair of skinny velvet trousers which I have had for years, a new long sleeved, scoop neck top, a waistcoat I made years ago (and the lining was calico that came wrapped around something I'd bought by post!), a necklace I have had for years, and earrings I have had since my teens. A friend said I scrub up nicely (she is used to seeing me in kayaking gear!).

There are the Christmas cards. Although some greens moan about the waste, I like them, they are a cheerful splash of colour for a few weeks in the dank, damp days of winter.

There's a wreath on the door, which I've had for 4 years. I nearly replaced it as I saw one in the Lakeland catalogue I liked, but I knew it would do another year. As there were no loose bits in the box it has perhaps shed all the bits it is going to and will last for years yet.

I will have one string of lights in the dining room this New Year as I have a friend staying. No Christmas tree (plastic, decades old) and decorations (also old) and lights. Not because I didn't like to have it up but because I think the cats would immediately have it down. My first two cats (which I had one at a time) were fine with the tree. When the lights were on the first would pose under it. The last two and these two clamber on everything. I have never had the lights on a lot, only evenings when I was in, and most of Christmas day. I have noticed that there are far fewer Christmas tree lights kept on 24 hours a day round here - there are advantages to a recession!

I also have a paper chain in the bay window, which I'd got at the William Morris Exhibition at 2 Temple Place. Making the chain reminded me of my childhood when my brothers and I would make them together, though this one is far prettier.

I was very full after my Christmas dinner (large helping of nut roast!) but, except for the staff Christmas lunch at work, haven't over eaten so my attempt to reduce my tummy won't have had a set back.

But the best bit of Christmas is all the time off work as I am one of the lucky ones whose place of work closes down between Christmas and New Year.