Autumn and Advent Thoughts

Late autumn already! It amazes me how the seasons change so quickly. Temperatures are finally getting cooler here in England after a rather 'mild' autumn. I'm glad about that - I was beginning to worry that we would have another ultra-mild winter. I like the seasons to embrace all their unique qualities so therefore winter needs to be cold and late autumn should be hinting in that direction :) 

The garden is looking rather unkempt at the moment, and inevitable thing for this time of year I think. Leaves keep falling and the beds are all bare compared to their summer glory. But with the leaves on the trees thinning I am able to see the birds allot more. I have hung up all manner of fat-balls and cakes for them to eat and they reward me with their winged loveliness throughout the day.

The hedge is now in it's full autumn glory. It's russets and yellows are so pretty, but soon it will be cloaked in it's brown winter coat. I'm glad that this hedge keeps it's brown leaves on in the winter, it keeps our garden a little more private than if it dropped all it's leaves.

My mind is beginning to turn to Advent-y things, it's not long now until the start of Advent, just over a week to go! The candles for my advent wreath have arrived and are safely tucked away, I have the girls Advent calendars already and I am collecting bits and pieces to make my own little family Advent calendar which I will fill with little treats and activities to do together over the season.

My plans are all sort of floating about my head at the moment, what I need to do is to sit down and put pen to paper and make sure I have all the things I want to do in order to make the celebration of Advent and Christmas special and meaningful. {I do so love putting plans on paper :)} We have quite a few wonderful activities to participate in within our church so our Advent season is looking exciting - I'll be sure to share our plans soon.

In the more immediate future, this Sunday is Stir Up Sunday! Already! I've been debating over whether or not to make our own Christmas pudding this year. DH and I LOVE Christmas pudding, but we are alone in that love in our home. So I'm thinking that although I love the thought of marking this day with this traditional family activity, I might just buy a small pudding for our Christmas dinner. Seems like allot of work to go to making one if only two of us are going to eat it!

Do you make your Christmas pudding on Stir Up Sunday? Do you have a favourite recipe that you use? I would love to hear some of your traditions if you have time to share :)

Have a lovely Thursday all...