These are a few of my favourite things #14

 

Lifestyle:

Christmas Flower Arrangement

We bought some winter flowers to go in the conservatory

for over Christmas and they’ve been a lovely focal point.

Knitted Santa Grotto

We went on a winter walk, and admired someone’s 

amazing effort to make a knitted Santa grotto.

Christmas Jigsaw

I’ve been working on this jigsaw for a long time 

now. I’m hoping to complete it for New Year.

Films:

The Christmas Setup

'Hugo heads to Milwaukee with his best friend, Madelyn, to 

spend the holidays with his brother Aiden and his mum,

 who is in charge of the local Christmas celebrations.'

This was a really fun film with a great cast. 

A perfect holiday romantic comedy for the season.

Christmas Everlasting

'After her sister’s death, Lucy returns to her hometown 

to discover that she must spend 30 days there 

in order to claim her inheritance.'

This film was surprisingly poignant, I thought the 

lead actress did a great job. Lovely film.

The Christmas Contest

'Sparks fly between a former couple as they 

compete in a Christmas contest to win money 

for a charity of their choosing.'

This was a new release to television. It’s 

perfect escapism, and I enjoyed the humour.

Books:

The Christmas Eve Tree by Delia Huddy

A homeless boy discovers the magic of Christmas when he excepts an unloved 

little fir tree from a shopkeeper. People of all backgrounds gather outside as the 

boy lights the tree with candles on Christmas Eve. I loved the meaning behind 

this story, and the unexpected but beautiful conclusion. The illustrations are stunning.

Winter Sleep by Sean Taylor

This is a story about a boy, and his beloved grandmother who teaches him about animals, and 

nature. He finds as winter comes that the animals hibernate. This is a wonderful picture 

book, showing children about how animals survive in winter. The art work leaps of the page.

A Christmas to Remember by Anton Du Beke

Set in London, 1938 in the Buckingham hotel we get to know the staff, and guests as well as the ballroom dancers who are there to entertain. Nancy Nettleton, a chambermaid falls for one of the dancers Raymond de Guise and we follow their preparations and buzz about the upcoming wedding.

I thoroughly enjoyed following all the characters at Buckingham hotel, and experiencing that time period. It’s a whopper of a book at nearly five hundred pages, but it’s paced well and kept me interested throughout. There were some beautiful, endearing moments between the characters as well as some exciting plot twists.

My Friend Sleep by Laura Baker

This is the most stunning picture book about the magic of dreamland as 

you sleep. Perfect to read just before bed with a child, or even as an 

adult. The illustrations and narrative are so calming.

Wild About Books by Judy Sierra

This is a picture book story of a mobile library librarian who accidently drives into 

a zoo. The animals are very curious and can’t wait to learn about reading. I love 

books about books, and this struck me as one that could be a classic.

Stardust by Jeanne Willis

This is a story about a girl who wonders about her place in the world. Her Grandad teaches 

her wisdom about how everyone is made of stardust and the wonder of the universe. Ultimately, 

the meaning lies in the girl’s friendship with her Grandad. A great read set in winter time.

Clarice Bean: Think Like An Elf by Lauren Child

This is a book about a Clarice, her family, and the traditions they have over Christmas. Clarice 

really wants to keep the Christmas spirit so she tries to do as many good deeds as she can.

I’m only half way through this but I’m really enjoying it. It’s a lovely children’s book aimed at 

I would say 7-13 years old’s, written in a cheerful way, including plenty of gorgeous illustrations.

Let me know in the comments some of your festive highlights. 

Wishing you all a Happy New Year! :-) Xx