I’ve been absent from the blogosphere for about a week.  Like most other people, I have had so much to do in preparation for Christmas that blogging has unfortunately fallen by the wayside.

My parents-in-law arrived from London last Friday.  They are visiting for 2 weeks which is great fun.  They are real bon-vivants.  They love to eat, drink good wine and most of all, laugh.  There’s never a dull moment here while they’re visiting.

Everything is ready for the holidays:  tree up and trimmed, house decorated, baking done, groceries done, wrapping done, yet I still feel slightly overwhelmed.  I love Christmas, but it’s also bittersweet with both my parents having died close to the holiday – Mum at the end of November 2 years ago and Dad in early December 21 years ago.  Hearing certain carols always makes me sad – I don’t think that’ll ever go away.

I wish you all a most joyous holiday season, and for those of you who celebrate it, a very happy Christmas.  May 2013 be a wonderful year full of health, joy and promise.

[  photo via Pinterest  ]