Welcome to another Monday moment of pause.   3 more sleeps until Christmas and one more day of work for me tomorrow.  If you're juggling work and family life over the holidays, thank you.  People who care for people at the expense of their own family time are more appreciated than they know or feel.  If you're juggling because Christmas obligations feel a lot, I wish for precious moments of peace for you in amongst the whirl. 

Cheerio, Nic x

Winter Solstice - the returning of the light 

Yesterday was the winter solstice, the darkest day of the year, so from today each day that passes on the journey to spring will be a that little bit lighter.  Winter is a hard time for a lot of people and the busyness of Christmas is counter to the example nature gives us at this time of year.  The season of winter is a time of quiet reflection, withdrawal and quietly gathering energy.  

If you need a little support to take a pause this week this beautiful solstice meditation from Jen at WildFireWalks is perfectly timed (use passcode 8C+yJsgv to access the recording).  Christmas for all it's delights can also be a time of loneliness, grief and overwhelm.  Be sure to gift yourself some down time to just be x

Family time - forming new traditions

(Pic from last year).  This Christmas will be a bit different for us as my Dad has gone over to Germany to stay with my older brother Garry and we are joining them for New Year.  It will be the first time we've visited Germany since 2017 so we're excited (the boys were 1 and 5 last time and haven't been on a plane since then so it will really feel like an adventure).  We're looking forward to making new memories even if it does mean waving farewell to our annual iceskating tradition at Gloucester Quays and my early night on 31st January! (I love starting the new year feeling fresh and zingy!)

Do you have a special tradition for seeing out the current year and  welcoming in the new one?  

Recycle your christmas tree and support local charities

I always liked the thought of a real Christmas tree growing up but like most families I knew we had a plastic one that came down from the loft.  When Euan was 3 years old we decided to choose a real tree from Over Farm market because you could then take it back in January to be replanted.  We never did make it back the following year to reclaim our little tree - I sometimes wonder which other family got to enjoy it. 

If you love a real Christmas tree and would like to recycle yours after Christmas you can do so by logging on to the Just Helping website to find which local charity would like to collect it and help their cause.  In Gloucestershire the Cheltenham area is covered by Sue Ryder volunteers and Gloucester and Stroud by Longfields.

Curling up with a book - Jamie Oliver's Easy Airfryer

We love the simplicity of Jamie Oliver's recipes and first came across this cheese scone recipe when we watched Jamie's seasonal "what to eat this week'' show on 4oD.  I picked up his Air Fryer cook book the day after our air fryer broke and I was weighing up what to replace it with.  I've yet to try any new recipes from it but have high hopes for some simple mid week meals to try next year.  I really like this cheese scone recipe for days when the fridge is a bit bear and you need something more hearty than toast.  There are always soup options if you have an onion, veg and pulses and who doesn't have an assortment of cheese to use up after Christmas? 

Jamie's cheese scone recipe is here and all you need is self raising flour, baking powder, butter, cheddar, chives (we've never had those available!), milk and mustard powder. 

Questions: you to me - when are you back to work Christmas?

If you have massage vouchers to use or simply want to plan in some relaxation time for yourself my treatment room re-opens on Monday 12th January.  I am contactable by phone or email from Wed 7th January.  

My weleda webshop is available 24/7 for orders sent directly to you at home.  The Weleda fairies in the warehouse are on holiday too and won't start despatching orders until Monday 5th January.  Any orders placed over the Christmas break will still have 15% off Christmas gifts and a free Inspire shower wash when baskets are over £50.  Postage is free for orders over £40.

This week's heart smile moment was our family night out to see Kate Rusby's 'Christmas is Merry' concert.  We've loved seeing some live music this year and sharing that experience with the boys makes it all the more special.  If you're looking for some festive toons to brighten your hosting there are no shortage of albums from this wonderful song bird. 

I'll be taking a break from writing over the holiday so back with you on Monday 5th January.

Much love, Nic