What a wonderful festive season it's been. On Sunday 19th Dec my family and I went to my grandparents graves - they are buried in a natural burial ground on the North Downs Way in Surrey. The only grave markers are small trees or bird boxes and the graves are on a secluded woodland - it is the most beautiful place. And we lit candles and put them in the snow where they cast long shadows across the ground. We laid homemade garlands of winter greenery on the graves. We gathered round for warmth (a depleted party of 5 from our usual 11 because of the snow/car problems/illness) and sang as many carols as we could before our toes froze. It was magical; the stillness of the night, owls in the trees, our breath combining in a smoky fog above us and the heartfelt intention to share this Christmas with our beloved grandparents/parents/in-laws as we had done in years past.

On Solstice, we shelved our plans to go to the brilliant and dramatic 'Burning of the Clocks' (www.burningtheclocks.co.uk) and just stayed in (it WAS raining!), snuggled by the woodburner and reflecting on the year.

We had a rowdy, fun and joyful celebration of family at my aunt and uncle's on Christmas day and then at my sister's on Boxing Day. We've been given many lovely, thoughtful gifts (mainly books which have been the source of much fireside pleasure over the last two days!) but the emphasis as always was on time spent with loved ones, laughter, good food, silly games and yes, the usual ridiculous dancing/drum beating/singing madness that seems to descend Boxing Day evening!

I feel so blessed to have family who love me, to retreat into that safe haven and recharge, renew, refresh. I was overcome this year thinking of those who spend Christmas alone or on the streets - I know that I probably won't give my time over Christmas to help run shelters as I value my family time too much so I gave the next best thing - a bit of cash. It seemed to me a kind of madness that we were all running around like rats in the shops pre-Christmas buying landfill-destined, sweatshop-made stuff when the money could buy someone a warm bed/a belly warm with food/company and laughter at Christmas. So we went for locally-made gifts for our nearest and dearest- there is, after all, nothing quite like giving someone something special you've chosen just for them!

One of my favourite pressies is a beautiful ceramic mosaic my creative little neice made for R and I with 'Uncle' and 'Aunt' in coloured tiles - I cried when I opened it. My neices were at their most adorable and delectable at Christmas and their TV-free, home-educated, wild, free, outdoor selves shine through in their desire to give their homemade presents first, before carefully opening their own. They are so interested and satisfied with the most wonderfully innocent presents - in J's case (she's 10) a little patchwork dog she could make herself; essentially a bag of cloth pieces! I've overwhelmed with love for them and their enjoyment of the moment - they are so perfectly, wondrously present in all that they do and being with them it feels like I learn more than being with some Zen master!...

R and I have been cosied up at home the last few days enjoying the delicious decadence of lie-ins, too much chocolate and reading by the fire all day. Love it, love it, love it!
I hope everyone is enjoying their holidays; slowing down, savouring, nurturing, going into restful reflective quiet time...or partying the festive season away!!