"With Pomp, Power & Glory the world beckons vainly, In chase of such vanities why should I roam?While Peace & Content bless my little thatched cottage,And warm my own hearth with the Treasures of Home."*Beatrix Potter

Friday 19 December 2014

A Traditional Cottage Christmas

We have been busy preparing for the Christmas season here at our cottage.
The garden is very quiet this time of year & I have been out collecting Holly & Ivy for decorating the cottage. As I look out of the window it seems I was just in time as now the berries are mostly gone, we will have some very full little robins with big bellies.
The squirrels are still busy burying their nuts & giving great amusement to George who watches them from the window.

All the gifts are now wrapped & cards & presents delivered so all we have to do is to stay at home & enjoy the season together.
The children have some Christmas crafts to do & I have much to bake. It is nice to be at home & not be out in the modern rush of Christmas.
Times gone by are so much more appealing to us especially at Christmas time.
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The front of our cottage, under the tiles we have a lovely thatched roof.
The tall black box next to the middle window is a Georgian water pump.
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Making Gingerbread for Christmas Eve tea.
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We always make this recipe for Christmas, it is a family favourite & it freezes so well.
The recipe comes from an old 1930's Bero flour booklet.

The twins practising their handwriting while I bake.
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Once it defrosts I drizzle icing on top & cut it in to Squares.
We will have this for Christmas Eve tea with all the family.
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The girls made some Christmas hats for Christmas Day lunch.
I couldn't find hats to go inside the crackers this year so they decided to make their own.
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Cawthorpe Christmas Tree Farm.
We love to go to the farm & get a fresh tree, the smell is wonderful.
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On Tuesday evening we had a carol service at our little church.
The girls made holly baskets to decorate the font, it was so nice to see all the childrens decorations.
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The girls decorating the church tree ready for the carol service.
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Brownies for the carol service.
We had a beautiful service, it is wonderful to get together to celebrate Christmas with the other villagers.
Everyone brings a plate of treats to enjoy after the service.
The children did a little play, it was so lovely to see them all telling the Christmas story.
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I got a beautiful surprise in the post last week.
My dear friend Maggie who lives in Ireland sent me a lovely Father Christmas she made for me for Christmas.
She is so very talented, I will treasure him.
Doesn't he look wonderful standing there on the little green stool.
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Simple Christmas decorations.
Holly & Ivy from the garden.
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The parlour.
This year I put some Holly & Ivy in some of my Georgian tea cups using oasis, they turned out just the right size for the mantle.
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Antique pewter on the kitchen dresser.
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Andy's Great Grandfather's piano has a special place.
Above the piano are portraits of my Great Great Grandparent's on my Grandmother's side.
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Our Christmas tree from the farm.
The parlour just smells of Christmas now the tree is up.
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Our Antique glass baubles & Victorian tree candle holders.
Each year I find another bauble for our collection.
The children find such joy in taking the tissue paper off each bauble & remembering them, the father Christmas & little bird are among their favourites.
I mix these with orange slices, popcorn & cranberry garlands.
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Cranberry muffins for Christmas Day breakfast.
The cranberries always look so pretty this time of year.
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All ready for the freezer.
They will be a nice & easy treat for Christmas morning.
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I made a Holly & Ivy ball this year & hung it from the main beam in the hall.
I saw it on the BBC Cranford production & thought I would try to make one especially as we have an abundance of evergreens.
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Grandad's dresser.
We are so lucky to have the original brick floors throughout most of the cottage.
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The Christmas cake all done just waiting for it's red ribbon to go around it.
I always use royal icing to go over the marzipan.
We like to eat ours with a slice of strong chedder cheese, this is a Yorkshire tradition. My Dad & his family were all from Yorkshire.
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To my dear readers I wish you a Merry Christmas & a happy & healthy New Year.
May you all have a special time with friends & family celebrating the birth of Jesus.
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Seasons Greetings.
Fondly Michelle

25 comments:

  1. Hello Dearest Michelle!!
    This is such a beautiful peaceful and stunning post!!!
    The pictures and rooms are worthy of a magazine feature spread!!
    I love how you and your dear family are spending CHRISTmas! :-)
    May all be JOY and BLESSED!!
    Warmth and hugs, Linnie

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    1. Thank you Linnie for your lovely comment, we have been in a few magazines before & they are asking to take photos of the cottage, maybe in a couple of years.
      Have a wonderful Christmas.
      Fondly Michelle

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  2. What a dear and wonderful post, Michelle.. I love it all. The idea of holly ivy growing in your garden is so lovely as is your whole cottage with the brick floors and antiques.. Wish I could drop by for a cup of tea and one of your delicious sweets... Merry Christmas, dear heart.. xo

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    1. You are welcome any time Faye for a cup of tea & cake.
      I wish you a wonderful Christmas.
      Fondly Michelle

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  3. Dear Michelle, I See that already you have quite prepared to give to his family in the day of Christmas. One sees that it does everything with very much fondness, and it is what is going to deliver to his family, all his love. I have liked very much the crowns of the girls. Certainly it is a very good idea to put the hojitas of holly in the cups, they remain precious. His house meets calm and cozy, it is what transmits in his photos. I wish you them and to all his family that they spend a Very happy Christmas, and that are still accompanying all across his wonderful blog. A very strong embrace. M ª Carmen.

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    1. Thank you for your lovely comment, I will ell the girls you liked their crowns.
      Have a wonderful Christmas.
      Fondly Michelle

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  4. Beautiful, Michelle. Thanks for sharing the lovely photos. :)

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    1. So glad you enjoyed the photo's.
      Merry Christmas Lisa.
      Fondly Michelle

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  5. So glad you enjoyed your visit.
    Merry Christmas Teri.
    Fondly Michelle

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  6. Thank you for sharing your home and family traditions! everything looks wonderful and hand picked holly and ivy is perfect for simple old time Christmas touches!
    God bless this season
    Christine

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    1. Thank you Christine for your lovely comment.
      Have a wonderful Christmas time.
      Fondly Michelle

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  7. Wishing you and all of your family a wonderful Christmas and a happy and peaceful new year Michelle.
    I have so enjoyed reading your blog since you started writing it and I look forward very much to your future posts.

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    1. Merry Christmas to you to Debbie & your family.
      I am so glad you enjoy the blog, I enjoy writing it.
      Fondly Michelle

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  8. What a beautiful post, Michelle. You're home looks so warm and inviting for Christmas. The holly and ivy really add a lot to your lovely cottage. Your girls are precious, and it made me smile to see them decorating the church tree. I am intrigued by the Yorkshire tradition of serving cheese with the Christmas cake. :-)
    We have been busy getting ready for Christmas, and it sounds so nice that you are all done with your preparations, and can now relax and enjoy your family. I wish you and your family a most wonderful and happy Christmas! Happy Birthday, Jesus!

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    1. Oh strong cheese & rich fruit cake are wonderful, I hope you try it.
      Have a wonderful Christmas with your family.
      Fondly Michelle

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  9. Thank you for sharing your Christmas preparations with us! And I loved seeing the exterior of your cottage. I'm hanging orange and apple slices on my tree this year. Was trying to decide whether to do a popcorn and cranberry string also. Do you put your outside for the squirrels afterwards.

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    1. Hello Cathy,
      Normally we give the garlands to the hens but this year the birds & squirrels will get them as we have a bird bath near the sitting room window where George sits.
      Have a wonderful Christmas.
      Fondly Michelle

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  10. Greetings Michelle,
    Your cottage looks ready for Christmastide-all the homey touches makes one want to pop in for a cup of tea and visit by your lovely tree. I wish you and your family a lovely and blessed Christmas.
    Take Peace,
    Suzanne

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    1. Pop in any time Suzanne.
      I wish you to a wonderful Christmas with your family.
      Seasons Greetings Michelle

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  11. I love the picture of your cottage all aglow for the holidays. Looks so cozy and inviting. It's a beautiful home. Blessings to you and yours this Christmas Season and prayers for a wonderful New Year.

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    1. Thank you Sandy,
      Merry Christmas to you & your family too.
      Fondly Michelle

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  12. Dear Michelle, your home is always beautiful and now it is even more. I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas of peace and serenity. Many kisses from Italy .
    Mirtilla

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    1. Merry Christmas to you Mirtilla & all your family.
      Have a wonderful Christmas & New Year in italy.
      Fondly Michelle

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  13. My dear Michelle, your home looks so beautiful and inviting for the Christmas season and your girls are simply precious! And may I just say your tasty treats look amazing :)

    May you have a very Merry Christmas with your loved ones! Hugs and blessings!

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    1. Thank you Stephanie for your lovely comment.
      May you to have a very Merry Christmas.
      Seasons Greetings Michelle

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