Magical Mistletoe
Mistletoe might be my favourite word. It rolls off the tongue with a musical lilt and has connotations of mystique. Steeped in legend, it first came to my attention as a child, when there was...
Elf Encounters
“Come and see Elfie,” my grandson greeted me on arrival at my daughter’s flat a few Decembers ago. I was immediately taken to their lounge, fragranced with pine from the Christmas tree, and shown a...
Going to See Santa Claus
Hearing my grandson’s excited account of visiting Father Christmas at our local garden centre, reminded me of my childhood experiences of meeting the legendary gift bearer. In the 1960s, we queued for ages outside snow-decorated...
Little Noel
It’s a splendid Christmas treat to see my short story, ‘Little Noel’, printed in The People’s Friend this week. It’s one I couldn’t resist writing and originated from a true family experience decades ago. I...
Counting the Days!
It’s like meeting old friends. After the boxes have been hauled from the loft and I start sifting through the ornaments, I exclaim with joy as favourites come to light. A few are handmade by...
Simple and Beautiful
Being a bit of a magpie, I’ve always adored the glitz and shine of Christmas baubles, but hadn’t thought about them too deeply until recently. So, on an evening stroll around Looe, Mr Word Loft...
Happy Travels
Our Christmas tree is a travelogue treasure trove. Several of the ornaments have been collected on journeys at home and abroad, and when we adorn the tree, it’s time to reflect. A Nordic felted bauble...
All Sorts of Cake
Having made Christmas cakes over the years since being at school, I thought it was time for a change from the fruity sort or Rocky Road Yule log. I still have fond memories of the...
The Wonder of Christmas Trees
Thanks to Queen Victoria marrying Albert Prince Consort in 1840, the Christmas tree has become a festive icon after he introduced it to the Royal family from his home country, Germany. Its success became widespread...
Four Candles
Always open to different ideas, I was thrilled to welcome a new festive tradition to our household. Especially as it originates from 16th century Germany, a country sonorous with Christmas splendour and customs. I looked...