Too soon?

I was asked recently if it was too soon to start thinking about Christmas. The answer has to be a categorical “No!”. I’m one of those people who spot gifts and ideas throughout the year so that by early December most of the shopping is either done, or planned. Walking through our bustling little town this week I saw a beautiful display of Christmas things (can’t say what as the family will guess!) and was drawn into the shop. I couldn’t resist the velveteen chocolate log with feet and a face amongst other things… When the December issue of a favourite magazine dropped through the letterbox it made me realise that decorations this year will need to be cat-proof. No more dangling baubles from ethereal silver twigs perched precariously on the window sill. So I decided pine cones will be the answer – piled high in baskets and bowls, interspersed with orange pomanders. Oranges and cloves purchased I spent several hours prodding and pushing the things into tiny holes. very satisfying and smells wonderful resting in the airing cupboard. Orange slices needed the dehydrating machine I bought to make rose petal confetti for our daughter’s wedding, rather than having the oven occupied for 24 hours. So is it too early? Of course not. The mincemeat is made and some has been used already in a forthcoming video, I better make some more!