Preparing for Christmas.

As from today we are in Tier 3 for restrictions.
I walked up to our local shops early on this morning to buy some Christmas cards from two local charities.
It was so quiet.
Loads of spaces in the big car park which serves JSSainsbury’s, and also the local M&S food store.
Having bought the cards I went round to the latter and could walk straight in, as there wasn’t a queue.
Had a chat to the lady who monitors people entering and leaving and the view was everyone had gone into town. By that she meant Birmingham, not Sutton Coldfield two miles down the road.
A bus passed me as I was on my way.
It was rammed with people in masks. For weeks they have been running almost empty.
So obviously the big draw of retailers opening once again today had begun.
Apparently long queues outside Primark in Brum amongst others.
Plus the “fire sale” at Debenhams.
Since then the last of the presents for the grandchildren has arrived here. They are already to wrap and pack.
Yesterday was such a beautiful day we went for a long walk. It ended up being 4 miles in glorious sharp sunshine and overarching blue sky.
We were on the field paths.
Only meeting one or two people along the way. Absolute bliss!
Once back home this morning I sat down to read the Advent piece for today, from a book that we have purchased this year.
It contains pieces from lots of different authors and poets.
The title being “Watch for the Light”.
Now the afternoon light is beginning to fade so I’ll switch the outside lights on soon.
There’s a whole blaze of lights up the road in the evening. One set like a flashing waterfall. They won’t quite blow the National Grid thankfully!
We have already received several Christmas cards. Everyone evidently thinking it’s best to post even earlier.
The heating has just come on once more and I’m off to make a cuppa before looking at the Christmas card list.