My friend Della from the village, came with me to the carol service in Llanasa tonight. Llanasa is a picture post village located a mile and a half Northeast of Trelawnyd and its Norman church remains open, unlike our own . Della and I both miss the Trelawnyd service, with Church Warden Christine Davis proudly carrying on the peanut sized baby Jesus.as Gaynor the mad Organist looked on with pouting lips and a wry look, and so we went tonight which was sweet.
One of the most moving readings came from Betty Smith’s A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. It tells of the time poor siblings Francie and Neeley Nolan take part in a local tradition where Christmas Trees were given away to the poor, but only after they were caught after being thrown by a fierce tree seller.
The Christmas Tree is a metaphor for hope and I was rather pleasantly surprised to see it quoted tonight.
Earlier today my friend Colin dropped in unexpectedly bearing gifts of scotch eggs and a Christmas card, which was lovely and the treats continued as the Cameron’s ( one of my favourite of village families) dropped off a family made wreath at the kitchen wall……
It’s feeling rather festive today all told , and the garland of Christmas cards just under the living room ceiling is almost complete.
Yep that's the true spirit of Christmas at work. Relax and enjoy. Wallow, even. We are all joining you in spirit!
ReplyDeleteIt was built in the 1400s
DeleteHappy Christmas to you and yours John. Thanks for the gift of a new name - brilliant idea!
ReplyDeleteMy dearest Nell , merry Christmas x
DeleteMerry Christmas and Happy Winter Solstice to you, John!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear there is a Norman church close-by that remains open and you and Della could enjoy the service there. It must indeed be a "thin space" since so many, many people have worshiped there over countless centuries.
Lovely to have unexpected company and unexpected gifts brought to you just to remind you that you are loved.
Love from me, too, and
Hugs!
It was a nice day x
DeleteYou're really into the season now. I'm glad you're being given appreciative presents.
ReplyDelete🎁🎁🎁🎁
DeleteHappy Christmas, John.
ReplyDeleteYou too my dear man
DeleteAlthough I'm a non-believer, I do like old churches. I don't think I've ever been in one as old as that Norman one, though. Such history in those walls! xx
ReplyDeleteBuilt over 500 years ago
DeleteHappy Christmas Squire! Peaceful picture. This is my favorite week...just to relax, enjoy friends and family, and take homemade baked goodies and greens around to friends and neighbors.
ReplyDeleteKeep your friends and neighbor close. Without them, it can be a form of poverty.
Hi, John, it's Lynney from Illinois just dropping by to say again, I love following your blog for many years and I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a New Year full of love, friends, and joy! I am turning around the sun one more time for my 82nd year the week after New Years and I'm well ready looking forward to my future again.
ReplyDeleteIt is the season to enjoy all the festivities and share the joy of the holidays.
ReplyDeleteYou've had a lovely day today and more to come!
I've seen the movie (pictured.) I really should read the book.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love your village! I also loved A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, but do you know, I have never seen the movie! I need to rectify that!
ReplyDeleteWe had our Carol Service last night. My wife, family, and friends all went, but I stayed at home. I really didn't want to pass my cold around. Next year maybe!
ReplyDeleteI went to a village carol service last night, I no longer consider myself any particular religion but I like the feeling that I am on ground that ancestors for hundreds of years have stood on and spent time connecting with nature, spirit and other people. Wishing you and your pets (who I love to read about) a Merry Christmas and lots of good things in 2026. Betty
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