Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly

Deck the hall with boughs of holly,

'Tis the season to be jolly,

Fill the meadcup, drain the barrel,

 Troul the ancient Christmas carol,

See the flowing bowl before us,

Strike the harp and join the chorus.

Follow me in merry measure,

While I sing of beauty's treasure,

Fast away the old year passes,

Hail the new, ye lads and lasses!

Laughing, quaffing all together,

Heedless of the wind and weather,

~Thomas Oliphant

It's that time to deck our halls with boughs of holly, ivy, mistletoe and this year I've added some old mans beard too because it's so pretty and is worthy of a place at Christmas time. My little dining room counts as the hall and it's again turned into a bit of a woodland winter grotto. A place to take my cup of tea in the morning when the low winter sun casts it's rainbows on the old walls and doors. My place to sit in the quiet and dream up ideas for the coming new year. 

Old tree beard suits the old mans beard I think.

We are almost ready here for the celebrations to begin. 

Gifts are wrapped.

And candles burn as the hours tick away towards the end of another year. 

I still have my Christmas cards to deliver and mince pies to bake, but that will wait until tomorrow now.  
After being in a busy supermarket earlier, it's quiet now. Outside the window, in the space of 10 minutes I have heard a tawny owl screech and a fox bark and it's reminded me of the importance of simplicity and regardless of all the madness us humans create for ourselves buying things that we don't need, the most beautiful gifts are often free.

Thank you to all that have bought from my little Etsy shop this year. You have been truly awesome and at times blown me away with the support that you have given my tiny place on the web. I am so truly grateful and honoured that people all over the world will be waking up on Christmas morning and maybe opening a small something from Moonlight And Hares. :-)

Wishing you a most peaceful Christmas and wonderful magical winter time!

Karen
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