There comes a turning point in every year when the balance tips from 'it's far too early to be thinking about that' to full on pre-Christmas planning mode. And I think yesterday took me from one side of the divide to another.
I was lucky enough to have, as a present, a trip to a Sarah Raven workshop (complete with babysitting thrown in - how great is that? Thank you parents!).
So clutching my copy of her latest book, off I went with my sister-in-law and some of her chums, through the winding lanes of Kent to the conservatory of a beautiful old house. I had to restrain myself from taking pictures, because that probably would have been a bit rude. And I didn't want to risk being ejected.
Sarah Raven began the talk with "Let's face it, none of us are likely to be receiving a life changing Christmas present this year". There was much slightly guilty laughter. From people who I suspect, still harbour a childhood fantasy or two about the perfection of what might be lurking under the wrapping paper.
But I do buy into the whole fantasy Christmas thing. I love the fact that the house looks magical and the food is indulgent and we have time to enjoy the things in a way that day to day life doesn't afford us. And as Sarah weaved her magic with amaryllis and birch twigs, ilex berries and fairy lights I felt the twinkly feeling creeping up on me.
And what she gave to me, was so much more than the 'how to's of bulb forcing or tree decorating or flower arranging. But the reassurance that it is okay to celebrate the fantasy of Christmas. The belief that for this brief period, everything can be different from usual. And wonderful.
And I am very grateful for my present, which needs no dusting and will last a long, long time - such is the gift of Christmas spirit.
I reckon having children makes Christmas magical all over again!
Posted by: speckled egg | 19 November 2008 at 23:31
I am an unashamed Christmas addict. I love the whole crackling fire, mulled wine, flickering candles, wrapped up walks, banisters swathed in foliage bit. I LOVE it. And it's odd because it bears no relation to the (very happy) Christmases I remember from my childhood. I wonder what my children will do for their children?
D'you think I need help?!
Posted by: dottycookie | 20 November 2008 at 00:11
I'm getting that Christmasy excitement too!!
Posted by: Mary Smith | 20 November 2008 at 02:54
That is nice. To be honest, I do have some inner child that is hoping for some amazing Christmas gift to appear for me. It's a bit silly really. I like your new take on things. I might have to start changing my expectations a bit.
Posted by: Allison | 20 November 2008 at 03:34
I love the way you wrote this Ali, and the idea that we are allowed to embrace Christmas as something to enjoy. x
Posted by: driftwood | 20 November 2008 at 07:29
I like the magic of Christmas too. Having kids around makes it so easy to indulge in the special-ness of the season. So glad you had a lovely time. x
Posted by: Kitty | 20 November 2008 at 08:16
I adore Christmas - every year I wonder if I will be over it and every year I feel the same anticipation building ...
Posted by: bluemountainsmary | 20 November 2008 at 08:47
I haven't quite crossed that divide yet... but when I do I know I'll love the whole spirit of Christmas thing. It's good to still believe in the magic.
Posted by: Gina | 20 November 2008 at 09:59
I absolutely adore Christmas and all the little traditions.The smells and sights.the texture and colours.There is absolutely no better start to the day than coming down the stairs to the smell of a pine tree and twinkling Christmas lights.Perfect not matter what the day ahead hold.Magical.
I am usually a leave it til December person but this year I just can't help myself.I have planned and re-planned all the decorations in my head.I am hoping this year is the best yet.
Posted by: Kristy | 20 November 2008 at 10:29
well if it's allowed to be wonderful, we'd better get cracking then. Bring it on.
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 20 November 2008 at 10:43
what a lovely present, and I suspect one that will come in useful for years to come..
Posted by: Anna | 20 November 2008 at 13:10
I am beginning to panic now. I haven't started my shopping yet or even know what to buy! Thanks for reminding us of the gift of Christmas spirit.
Posted by: simone | 20 November 2008 at 14:56
Oh, what a lovey gift! Can't say I'm feeling that magic yet, but soon...hopefully, soon!
Posted by: Deb | 20 November 2008 at 15:08
What a perfect and thoughtful present. I love Christmas, the planning and list making, baking and eating, decorations and carols - all wonderful!
Posted by: French Knots | 20 November 2008 at 17:36
Yay! You have the Christmas spirit. What a NICE, happy post!!!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 20 November 2008 at 18:14
Oooh. I really wanted to do this workshop, too, but G wasn't so keen! Sounds like it was fabulous! K x
Posted by: kristina | 20 November 2008 at 18:25
what a lovely pressie! Sounds like a perfect way to spend a day and thanks for getting the christmas spirit going - I love the build up and the excitement (I think I get just as excited as Amy!)
Posted by: julie | 20 November 2008 at 19:14
Well said Speckled Egg.
What a great present
Posted by: Thimbleina | 20 November 2008 at 19:32
Ooh you lucky thing - what a gorgeous treat. I expect she made some very beautiful things. What did you make???
I think Christmas can be even more magic when there's a little more necessity to hand-make things.
Posted by: Emma | 20 November 2008 at 19:42
You mean it's just pretend? Damn.
Posted by: Megan | 20 November 2008 at 22:25
That is SO true. I think that tipping point comes for my late Thanksgiving night.
Posted by: Rachel | 21 November 2008 at 00:11
I have loved Christmas so much more. As an adult seeing the dream through the eyes of your children becomes addictive. I wish we could do it once a month! Expense and all! Jen
Posted by: jenny | 21 November 2008 at 10:34
Lovely words and sentiments, beautifully written Ali. I love Sarah Ravens approach to pretty much anything, I find her honest, direct, enthusiastic and dynamic, in short very inspiring. I'd love to do what you did, the day sounds fabulous, epsecially the way it has stayed with you.
I am not over the divide yet btw, its still a long way off for me. I am SO last minute it's untrue. I am the perfect headless chicken woman.
xx
Posted by: Lucy@Attic24 | 21 November 2008 at 17:17
I didn't even know I needed a "let's face it" talk about Christmas, but I did. I guess there won't be yards of thick, industrial felt under the tree this year.
Posted by: meg | 21 November 2008 at 19:33
What a lovely Christmas present! Maybe this year I will be able to do more "christmassy stuff" for the family as I have decided not to do any craft fairs - which is quite an achievement!
Lucy x
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | 21 November 2008 at 19:56
That's such a lovely present and such lovely sentiments.
Now that Monster's birthday is out of the way I can start to get into the Christmas spirit and I love it!!
Panto in two weeks time. Tree and decorations in early December. Christmas baking to plan. Can't wait :)
xxx
Posted by: Lesley | 25 November 2008 at 18:42
Hi Ali
I smiled when I saw you'd been given Sarah Raven's book as last week I received it too for my birthday. It's really lovely photos and clever ways to make flower arrangements inspired me most but the recipes look good too. I really enjoyed a visit to Perch Hill last year but have never been on a course! Lucky you! Enjoy the run up to Christmas. They turned on the Christmas lights in our town today!x
Posted by: Doolallysally | 30 November 2008 at 19:37
Cool! That must have been lovely to meet Sarah Raven. She seems to have such a flair for these things.
Posted by: Doda | 10 December 2008 at 09:19