Oh Christmas Tree, oh Christmas Tree

The festive season approacheth, nay is upon us. The reason I know this is that there is Christmas muzak laying in all the shops, and there are 3 for 2 offers in every corner of the shopping centre. Bromley Christmas Market is up and running, featuring a Waffle and Gluhwein stand directly outside Mothercare (which says a lot about the shopping in Mothercare). The reason I choose to take note is that my birthday is now, sadly, over. Falling at the end of November as it does, I defy anyone in the DG house to get remotely festive until they have worshipped at my feet, bestowed gifts and kissed the hands that are steadily getting older (in case anyone asks, I’m 29, OK?).

So now it’s Christmas season, and the DG house has been busy preparing. The Girl is settling in well, and has been helping get the decorations up since a) I can’t manage to walk unaided never mind string up lights and so on and b) if I waited for Mr DG or The Houseguest to help I’d be a lot older than my now-29 years (snigger.) The beautiful tree was chosen and purchased outside Bromley station by DH (who is an excellent listener and has been with me long enough to understand the importance of getting the tree when asked.) I’m delighted that it fit since, when he announced he’d got “an eight footer” I had visions of him having to get out his chainsaw just to get it through the front door, and of all of us being squashed on one sofa leaning sideways to get a clear view of the Strictly Come Dancing (go Chris!) Final through the branches of a tree that seemed to have attacked our sitting room, and panicked. It’s the horones, you understand. The biggest concession this year has been that my carefully collected hand-blown glass baubles are resting in the attic whilst their more robust replacements adorn the branches of the 8-footer, felt and plastic being much more Pocket-Dictator-friendly, particularly as she likes to watch her DD (DVD- new word. Bad parent? Moi?) whilst clutching one or two of her favourite ornaments. Next I’ll be garnishing the mantelpieces and banister. And, following the success of the Pumpkin Party, there will be a Christmas Affair for the under two’s next week (at this point I thank God I found The Girl when I did, not least because she arrived this morning bearing a cupcake recipe book and asked if she could make something for the party. Our survey says “D’uh!”, and “I love you….”)

Of course my tree is far from the biggest on the block. The one in the Glades has a grotto inside it. With Elves that dance around and cheerful festive music and a bauble cannon that PD thinks is hilarious. And a man inside the grotto in a red suit. Who rather freaked out PD. He’s not invited to next week’s party.

Oh, and don’t forget to check out the Christmas Carnival over at Violet Posy.