Backwards In High Heels

My Favourite Christmas Song courtesy of Nat King Cole

Joy To The World is by far my favourite Christmas song, and Nat King Cole's version is beautiful. It's a song which sounds even better sung by a Gospel Choir - talk about raising the roof!

It's a good song to brush aside any self pity moments to, and remember what you do have to be joyful for and think of those in far worse situations than we can even imagine.

Take it away Nat...

My Advent Calendar > Tiger Woods

After my search for a traditional Advent calender (blogged here), I can say it was worth the hassle. This is officially my favourite advent calendar of all time.

Behind each door is a section of a painting with an advent theme. I'd love to be very knowledgeable and tell you exactly which artists I've uncovered so far but I'm an art ignoramus. There is a list on the back though, so after the 24th I will let you know and we can all pretend I am super bright.

But, someone is trying to steal my thunder. At the moment, the media seem to be unveiling a new woman in the Tiger Woods scandal each day. It's like a tabloid, wet dream take on the advent calendar. Plus as we go on the girls are getting more, how to be polite, Picasso-esque.

I prefer my arty advent calendar.

Oh Christmas Tree

I ran away from my desk today to the local church's Christmas tree festival. These seem to be becoming quite fashionable in recent years - churches opening up and being filled with themed Christmas trees from local people, charities and businesses.

It makes for a beautiful spectacle. If I were to be a Scrooge'religious I may scoff at it being used as another form of advertising for many businesses but as I am basically shallow, the pretty shiny things win me over.

There were some very inventive trees. The Doctor's surgery covered one in plastic fruit and veg as a reminder to get your five a day! There were also some memorial tress which were very moving. The local schools and nurseries made some very colourful displays, I admit - I was jealous as I bet making those decorations was unbelievable fun! The town twinning association, we are twinned with a town in France, did a great tricolor tree red lights and baubles at the top, then white and blue, very effective.

It was a lovely atmosphere. If anything the over-riding feeling was one of hope, it really felt like a true community effort.

The great thing is another village nearby have their Christmas Tree Festival  next weekend (in stakes of such festival, they are the region's leaders) so  I will be running away again for more pretty shiny things! Perhaps I was a magpie in the last life.