ALL OF THE LIGHTS.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE!

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned" 

Isaiah 9v2

Here are a few (definitely not all, sorry) of the lights around Leeds this year. I love the magic of this time of year and the lights make it all the more special. The most special thing is what Christmas really represents - God sending Jesus into the world to save us and that is what I am most thankful for. I am also so thankful to be surrounded by amazing family, especially as last year I worked for part of Christmas.

I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow!

xxx

TODAY.

Today involved a lot of good food, getting festive, embracing the cold outside...followed by warming up inside and a whole lot of good people. Not picture... Christmas shopping (unsuccessful), baking (successful) and little Christmas party

x

 A FROSTY START TO THE MORNING.

 PANCAKES ARE ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA.

 THE WONDERFUL BELGRAVE WITH A CHRISTMAS EDITION OF THEIR MONTHLY STREET FEAST!

 THE HUGEST PORTION OF CHIPS I HAVE EVEN SEEN, THANKFULLY I HAD SOME HELP POLISHING THESE OFF!

 BUNTING AND LIGHTS ON THE ROOF TERRACE.

 OVERLOOKING THE CITY.

MY CHRISTMAS TREE!

THANKFUL THURSDAY/ DECEMBER.

one my bed. I've been working nights this week and it is the BEST getting to snuggle up after a long shift

two making it to the cinema more regularly, I love it!

three Christmas lights, cooking, traditions, songs, buying gifts. Getting into the full swing of things well and truly 

four a week off work last week meaning  friends could visit that I haven't seen in a too long 

five a new coat with the warmest hood I've been wearing even when it's not raining or snowing
six finally getting the last pieces of furniture for the house, yes to no boxes on the floor
seven this advent series and the encouragement of a friend following it alongside me
eight living close enough for impromptue visits from friends
nine a housemate who walks half and hour with me each way to buy a real Christmas tree and hangs out my washing!

CHRISTKINDLEMARKT.

Every year a Christmas market comes to one of the squares in Leeds city centre just like many other cities all over England. 

It's become part of the build up to Christmas to spend an afternoon or evening there ever since I stater university. In all honesty it's pretty tiny and all you can do is buy small gifts and ornaments, expensive food and drink or go on a few funfair rides. The atmosphere is so happy and full of anticipation that this doesn't matter and the music, lights and Christmassy smells make up for it! 

This year after appreciating the magic (and the food) we headed home quite early to mull our own wine and watch Sleepless in Seattle which was fine by me.