A laden sleigh on this Christmas EveRiding high over rooftop and streamIs magical to those who believe –Children and lovers and sleepers in dream * Let’s dress the trees with tinsel and bowsLet them clothe us with black forest smellsSnowflakes and moonbeams will fill the windowsAnd all will ring with baubles and bells. * On... Continue Reading →
It's Christmas now and time to have some funit is the season so they say of joyit could be me, that I’m the only onewho wonders if it’s just a crazy ploy With master cards unsheathed we make our wayinto the labyrinths of shops and storesthe presents bought will surely make our daythe gifts we... Continue Reading →
I mutter ‘bah-humbug’ beneath my breaththroughout this season of enforced good cheerwhen we must never speak of loss, nor deathalthough the loss is all to great to bear: Lost loved ones I remember, candlelightrecalls your living flame snuffed out too soon;gaudy illuminations shine not half as brightas you did when your love-light filled the room.... Continue Reading →
I am honoured to announce the publication of my poem 'Star of Wonder' as part of Spillwords Christmas. Please head over to Spillwords to read the poem. You may notice this is a different version to the one posted on this blog earlier in the week. I'd love to know your thoughts about which version... Continue Reading →
I took these photos in Carlisle a few weeks back, but wanted to share them with you now, and wish you all a very Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays/Sweet Solstice, depending on what you celebrate. I hope you find something to warm your heart at this festive time of year! The featured image shows Carlisle Castle, almost... Continue Reading →
Five gold ringsthe choir of children sing:it’s Christmas time again. Please put a penny in the old man’s hatthe goose is getting fatbut not yet cooked, it seems. I’m dreaming of a white Christmasbut the snow no longer falls hereonly the rain in floods and devastation streams...Day 9: Five gold rings — Sarah writes poems... Continue Reading →
The results are in! It was a delight to read all of your magical childhood Christmas entries. Judge Nick Reeves, aided by his panel of snow sculptures (pictured above) had a hard job arriving at his decision. But decide he did, and so I hand over to Nick to bring you the results of the... Continue Reading →
Though my family and I now live in Slovenia, we spent three Christmases in Catalunya, and have picked up some peculiar Christmas traditions during our time there. I'm not sure how well-known these are outside of Catalunya, so I thought I'd share them here. If you're ever in or around Barcelona at Christmas, you might... Continue Reading →
Whether it's Christmas, Hanukkah or the Winter solstice, chances are the coming weeks are a season of celebration for you, at least under normal circumstances. One thing I love about the WordPress community is how it connects readers and writers from all over the world, different time zones, seasons and traditions, and allows us to... Continue Reading →
This is an authentic Slovenian cake recipe which dates back to the Middle Ages. It is traditionally served at weddings, at Easter and of course at Christmas, which makes it the perfect festive recipe to share with you today. It can be made with a variety of fillings, the most popular and traditional being walnuts... Continue Reading →
