MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS ..... FROM MY HOME TO YOURS ..........

Brought the Christmas tree stand in from the shed and put the tree up. Stayed up all night to watch the election and saw something scurry under a cupboard ..... we had brought a mouse in with the stand and obviously disturbed him when we filled the stand up with water !!! I sat up all night watching the election with a saucepan in my hand { I wasn't going to hit him with it .... I thought I might catch him with it .....  } 

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas.

XXXX

GETTING ALL CHRISTMASSY at BELTON HOUSE ..........

This is Belton House, built between 1685 and 1688 by Sir John Brownlow. 

It is surrounded by formal gardens and a series of avenues leading to follies within a larger wooded park.

At Christmas, it is transformed into a magical, after dark, illuminated trail and, as you walk through a towering Tunnel of Light festooned with over 100,000 pea lights, the mesmerising voices of the Singing Trees can be heard in the distance.

The formal gardens spring into life with topiary trees lavishly draped in twinkling lights that dance in time to much loved festive classics.

There are traditional fairground rides, a fire pit to toast marshmallows and walking under the stars with mulled wine or hot chocolate completes the overall experience. 

It was a delightful way to begin our Christmas celebrations. 

XXXX

all photographs via me