Wednesday 2 January 2013

Festive Finale


Can it be over already? I miss it! The trimmings, presents and food were all wonderful but hanging out with my family back home was the best part - lazing around shooting the breeze, battling the onset of a food coma together and wincing at the shocking climax of the Downton Abbey Christmas special - on Christmas Day!? Really?! It was a jam-packed trip home fitting in as many of my Lincolnshire based nearest and dearest as physically possible, catching up on furry snuggles with the four-leggers in the family and getting amongst it helping Mum in the kitchen. As the boy and I set off to drive back to Derbyshire on Friday afternoon I felt so emotional and suddenly didn't want to leave, it's a funny feeling being homesick for a place before you're even out of the county borders but it does make going back all the more special. 

Resolutions aren't really my bag, so I've made a few promises to myself that I intend to keep this year - one of which is to see more of my family. We almost lost my Nannie in 2012 and though she beat cancer for the second time it has really hammered home how important it is to cherish everyone you hold dear. 2013 has arrived and I'm excited about what it may bring with it! I wish I could bottle the warm, glowy positivity oozing out of my pores at this very moment and store it for a gloomier day but since that wouldn't work I am savouring it instead. Along with the glass mug of mulled wine I'm sipping from - well, who says you can't get your mull on after New Year's Day?!

I really hope you all had a lovely time over Christmas. Happy New Year!


29 comments :

  1. Happy new year. It's great to spend time with family isn't it?

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  2. Lovely to hear that you has such an awesome Christmas!! know just what you mean about going home for Christmas and then having to come back. it can be realy tearful!! But Happy New Year and keep that positivity as long as you can!! x

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  3. PS Know I always say it but your photos are beautiful and so is your dog!!!!!

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  4. Those mince pies look delicious! Happy new year!

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  5. Lovely post Jem. Glad your Nan is on the road to recovery. I lost my Mum at Christmas 2011 so I know how very important it is to hold on to those we love dear and enjoy them as much as we can. Happy New Year!

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  6. I need those mince pies in my belly! Glad to hear about your nan m'dear. I lost mine this year and it shows how previous they really are
    Sophie
    X

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  7. This is lovely.
    Why does Christmas go so very quickly? 2013 is going to be a good year, I can feel it in my bones.
    Though your idea of bottling this positivity up for rainy days- sounds perfect!
    2012, wasn't great for me, but I feel so selfish reading this... I am so sorry, and very happy for you that your Nannie pulled through. Gosh I really feel for you here. Big Love.

    Wishing a super wonderful 2013 for you! I will write soon with lovelies
    xxx

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  8. Sounds like you had a lovely festive time! All the best for 2013; may it bring you sunshine, health and happiness!

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  9. I'll be getting my mull on all the way to February! Glad to hear you enjoyed your time back home. Happy 2013! xx

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  10. So glad you had a lovely Christmas, your Nan sounds like a very strong lady! I spent part of Christmas in Derbyshire and was very sad to return home to London. Hope your 2013 is all that you wish for! xxx

    ps. Hello very cute doggy!

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  11. Happy New Year! I have a festive jumper that I want to continue wearing but I think it's time to put it away in the drawer, sob!

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  12. I know I miss it too, but here's to an amazing and exciting new year. Happy 2013. I love your dog so cute!

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  13. Gorgeous pictures. Sounds like you've had a lovely Christmas :)
    Happy New Year!
    Kaz x

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  14. Love this post. I'm totally going to get my mull on right now! Cheers! xx

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  15. Happy New Year lovely, glad to see the candle burning brightly - it looks great in your inevitably gorgeous photos.

    Any resolutions to come to London this year? Would be great to meet up.

    xx

    New Year's Resolutions of the Stars!

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  16. I am so with you Jem. I can't wait for next Christman. I got really excited when I saw the eggnog photo. I thought you had found it in the UK so I googled it. Disappointed - it's shampoo!
    Di
    X

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  17. Wasn't Downtown a shock - I just don't know why after the Sybil death they had to mirror it with Matthews, not to mention the poor man had already been through war, being unable to walk, his first wife dying etc! Was really disappointed.

    Victoria x

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  18. Glad to see you back Jem. Christmas is such a magical affair and I love seeing it arrive every year, but always feel a little sad packing it away for the next. 2013 will be a good year - I am feeling far more positive too, lets hope we can bottle it one day xxx

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  19. mmmm love mulled wine any time of year! the picture of your dog is so lovely!

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  20. Beautiful pictures! Love the little house candle holders and your pooch - too cute! I am so sad Christmas is over and definately have the post Christmas blues just now! Need to plan lots of fun things to look forward to to snap me out of it. Oh and mulled wine is for life, bot just for Christmas :p
    Lianne x
    rubyrubyslippers.blogspot.com

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  21. Wow your photos are beautiful
    I know why does Christmas always have to go so fast! Sounds like yours was wonderful
    Merry Christmas

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  22. I hope you had a lovely New Year, Jem! I always love coming here and looking through your photographs, you have such a wonderful ability of capturing emotions within your images, which is a real gift! <3

    Jennie xo | sailorjennie.com

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  23. All these pictures are simple perfect. Looks like a fantastic christmas (minus the Downton Abbey part- do not even get me started on that rant!!!)

    xxxx

    P.S. I think mulled wine is allowed all year round.

    lovelettersandsnippets

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  24. Happy New Year to you, too :) I love the candle with a teapot, looks like you had a lovely Christmas :)

    Une Dandizette

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  25. Happy New Year Jem!glad you have such a good Christmas and New Year with your family.Know exactly what you mean about feeling all glowy and positive entering 2013 and beautiful photos:)you dog is lovely too,Cassandra xx

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  26. happy new year. How shocking is it that christmas is already over. and what christmas is truly a christmas without mince pies. these pics are lovely. x

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  27. Great photographs and happy new year :)


    www.ofbeautyandnothingness.blogspot.co.uk

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  28. looks like it was a wonderful time with friends and family :) bring on the new year! i hope one of your goals gets accomplished so your fortune comes true!

    andrea brionne
    @thedailyeverythings.blogspot.com

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