We’re very aware this year particularly, of how strange a time of the year this is – so joyous and with plenty for many, which makes it appear even harder, more lonely and more lacking for many others.
We know we are hugely fortunate to celebrate this week with family and loved ones. We’re also very lucky to have caught up with good neighbours in the boating community who will look after our boat whilst we are away for the immediate Christmas time. We wish everyone the security and joy good neighbours bring.
If your Christmastime is less joyful, if there is an empty place beside you which you long to fill, or if health and happiness seem impossible, then we hope you can remember good times. We send you our best wishes to cheer you and a view of the nativity party turning green in sight of our mini modern tree!
The thaw came in time to give us the festive gift of a chance to move in winter sun and beautiful new views. We really do have chestnuts to roast on the fire, swans and geese entertaining us along with duck visitors daily and are aware how much we have to be grateful for.
We’ve learned much this year. Our patience has been tested (Steve’s is well honed – mine less so!). We’ve had our belief in the beauty of the waterways reinforced by another year afloat.
Nature has been a constant, a consolation and a delight. The beauty to be found around us every day in every situation every season and every weather has been uplifting and we hope it can be a gift for you too, this Christmas.
If you’re searching for the best way of spending Christmas Eve then the Icelandic tradition of Jolabokaflod probably can’t be bettered in any circumstances. Everyone indulges in a book and chocolate – two joyful and readily available things we always insist on having in abundance on the boat. *As well as knitting or crochet on the go for me!
On that note Gleðileg Jól! We will be reading map books this Christmas trying to work our where to travel next year, along with the CRT winter closures to see when we can actually get to wherever we select!
We can only wonder what delights and disasters, mayhem and magical moments await? We definitely know there will be some of each and look forward to sharing them with you all!
P.S. Santa’s had to come a little early to rescue us from flooded bilges after we filled up the water tank! On the plus side…our home hasn’t sunk and we now have a new pump with lots of piping!
Pickingupducks 