I can't deny, and you probably have guessed it already, but I am highly sentimental! And Christmas sparks some of the biggest attachements to happy memories for me. Decorations often serve as a physical connection to Christmases gone by, so my favourites are often the ones I've had in my life the longest. My Mum used to decorate the house for Christmas overnight while me and my sister were asleep. It was the best thing! One day, you'd wake up and come out to a house filled with tinsel and the smell of the Christmas tree. Absolute magic. I know tinsel had a phase - maybe it still does?! - where it was a bit unloved, but it's always been a Christmas essential for me and it still makes me so happy.
I love that every decoration has a story and a memory and that's what makes them special to me. I always feel a pang of guilt to put them away in a box for a year, much like a stuffed toy, they seem to have a personality of their own. And so putting them away for another year, I drifted off to wondering what they get up to while they're in the loft which inspired this year's Christmas card illustration and a little story to go with it!
The loft hatch had opened
We were jolted awake
It was that time of year
There could be no mistake
We yawned and we twinkled
Sat up straight in the tray
All ready to brighten
A new Christmas Day
The box started moving
The hallway glowed bright
It dazzled our eyes
For so long spent at night
“The tree!” Said the Baubles!
Ooh look, it’s so big!
It’s perfect cried Tinsel
Who’d grown bare like a twig.
But alas they looked over
And with horror they saw
A new box of baubles
New tinsel - and more!
We’ll all go up surely!
Don’t worry, said Star.
With her three friends the Wise Men
They’d traveled so far.
But alas star glanced over
And what did she she?
A new blinkin fairy
To top off the tree.
They sat and they waited
But no one was picked
A hand rummaged round
As the clock gently ticked
Meanwhile shiny new baubles
Were going up fast
We were always picked first
But now we were last.
No matter said Tinsel
Still full of his cheer
Downstairs might not want us
But we’ll twinkle up here
So they jumped out of boxes
And wrapped around beams
They lit up the loft
And with magic it gleamed
The train started puffing
A record went on
And they danced and caused mischief
And sparkled and shone.
They soon forgot all
About boring downstairs
They were having such fun
So were caught unawares
When the loft hatch sprung open
And up popped a face
Shocked to see tree decs
All over the place
What makes the perfect Christmas decorations? Just love.
