The Christmas Tree

My mother used to say that she didn't need any other decorations in the house for Christmas as long as she had her tree – with all the lights working of course! Her tree resided all year in the garden, where it sprouted new growth, was dug up in mid December – just before my birthday - to be placed on the 'Monk's Seat' in the cool of the hall. This temperature was guaranteed as we had no central heating at home, just a Rayburn stove in the kitchen, and a couple of unsatisfactory storage heaters! But when the tree was lit, decorated and in position, Mummy was content. It did look attractive with a few parcels either side and lights twinkling – a welcome sight through the glass panel as you walked up the garden path to the front door.
We've always had a Christmas tree in all our various houses and homes – ranging from quite modest ones to sit inside a window, to tall ones extending upwards 6 or 7 feet in the corner of a hall. Mostly 'real', although we did have an 'artificial' tree on our boat in Maldon at the Millennium (referred to in my book), and occasionally we've even had two trees with an element of competition involved in the decorating! We also have a rather attractive small fibreglass tree which makes it's annual appearance to sit on our windowsill – it's so simple to look effective, just a switch at the socket to get the candles glowing!
I think my Christmas preparations feel complete when we have a tree, a cake and mince pies – a happy trio!
I'll attach 2 photos of trees we have enjoyed – one from our house in France a few years ago, and one from our very first 'married' Christmas back in 1984! And I'll add this year's cake – so expertly decorated by my husband (as always), and wish you all A Very Happy New Year 2023.

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