Christina Hollis: Winter Draws on...

Compliments of the season!

The weather is cold and blustery here in Gloucestershire, but so far we've only had frost and rain—endless rain, for weeks—rather than snow. The days are short, but we've had some beautiful views of the full moon between the rainclouds.

We don't put up our decorations or tree until Christmas Eve, but this weekend I really must settle down to writing the Christmas cards. It's a lovely task, especially when I've got a cup of tea and mince pies to hand, and some carols on in the background. AntPDC put together a lovely presentation on YouTube a few years ago to accompany Victor Hely-Hutchinson's Carol Symphony. I never get tired of watching it at this time of year. Some of the photos are of the historic York. Now I've visited the city several times, I can recognise some of the places and it makes this film even more special.

If you're still looking for ideas for presents, Struggle and Suffrage in Bristol is full of stories and photographs of the brave, clever and resourceful women who helped make the city famous.  Read about Ada Vachell, who drove her parents mad by taking their servants out on day trips to the seaside, or Sarah Henley, who in 1885 survived falling over two hundred feet from the Clifton Suspension Bridge when her long Victorian skirts filled with air like a parachute!

You can buy Struggle and Suffrage in Bristol from Amazon, or direct from the publisher, Pen and Sword Books.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or Midwinter, I hope you have a happy, peaceful holiday season.

Getting Into The Holiday Spirit -- Michelle Monkou

Thanksgiving in the the U.S.is over. Black Friday mayhem is another memorable blip on our timeline. And now it's time to get into the swing of things with the holiday season.

For me, Christmas is about childhood memories and the ones that I hopefully created for my children. The smell of food cooking, especially baked goodies, would fill the kitchen and the rest of the house with delicious smells. Decorations would be pulled out for quick inspection and then adorn walls, shelves, and the corner for the Christmas tree. And Christmas songs playing on the stereo were the official signal that our house would be turned into a winter wonderland.

From the list of popular Christmas songs, I have a few that always touch me and bring me closer to the reason for the season.

I hope that whatever your faith or philosophy you also have wonderful memories and songs that bring you good cheer.

Here's to a delightful December:



Celtic Women - O Holy Night

Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song

How do you celebrate the season? Any favorite songs to share?

All the best,


Michelle Monkou
http://michellemonkou.com

Favourite Carols with Donna Alward

Seeing as it's December and everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit, I thought I'd share a few of my favourite carols on the blog today! I'll confess - I'm a bit of a traditional girl, and my faves kind of reflect that. You really won't find any BoneyM on my list. Promise.

When it comes to church services, I have a few sentimental favourites. If I happened to sub for the organist a day, I loved playing Hark The Herald Angels Sing. I had way too much fun with the bass line - it's very majestic. And there is nothing better than the congregation singing Silent Night by candlelight on Christmas Eve.

I adore White Christmas - but my favourite must be sung by Bing Crosby and the cast of the movie:


Then there's Nat King Cole and The Christmas Song:



And finally - this is the one that my kids and I ADORE because I become very silly when it comes on. The happiness is infectious.  And thank you to the Sirius XM holiday hits channel for playing it, because we have that station on from the end of November to New Years. Here's Dominick the Donkey:


And if Christmas isn't your think and you want something a little more sunny and warm, BREATHE (my winery story) is out in Print this month-it just released yesterday. You can check it out here.

What are some of your favourite carols?