We all have our little obsessions, don't we? Interests that, well, interest us and pique our desires to learn more. Well this time of year is what makes the rest of the year fade into oblivion. This is definitely my 'golden quarter', between Halloween and New Year, there are so many things to see and do. The nights are darker and colder and everything changes. I go from light fish dishes, quiches and the salads that mark summer, to hearty soups, lasagnes and stews which mean utter comfort and security. My thoughts are instantly catapulted to glittery lights, christmas music and the writing of christmas cards. Instantly, almost over night, I too change. On the first of December my only thoughts are of family, togetherness and how ecstatic I'll be when we finally have our tree.

The run up to the big day itself is the best bit, when I was a child it was always christmas day that I loved the most. But now I find myself looking at bright, twinkly lights, seasonal music from Elton John to Frank Sinatra to Slade, the smells of cinnamon, orange and pine with my favourite thing, the smell of tinsel. In my advancing years (!) this hasn't diminished in the slightest, it has, if anything intensified. But now it is the whole of December that holds the promise of a new year, new light and new things to be discovered. It also brings with it the passing of age and the changes and responsibilities. In less than a month, I will be what is generally deemed "fully adult". Exciting? Yes. Scary? Oh yeah!

And today was the first proper day that I felt christmas all around me. Going to the xmas-tree shop, finding my ecologically-friendly* Nordmann fir that has become our tradition, and smelling the smells of all the pines around and finally becoming excited. The thought of having to wait a day longer than necessary - too much to bare! So tomorrow afternoon, in the rain and gales that are promised to this way blow, a christmas tree will be arriving just for us, and I just can't wait! The decorations are in their boxes, still beautifully wrapped, hand-blown cut-glass baubles and the lights... the lights!

I was going to start this post explaining (if that's possible) my fascination with christmas lights. My mother-in-law would tut and roll her eyes at me, thinking this was a superficial addiction to all-things-sparkly which she is sure I have (I really dont!). But my love of christmas lights stems from early childhood memories of our christmas tree. From opening the box (kept up in the loft) and unwinding them from their newspaper-roll, to seeing them glitter and glow pleasingly on the tree. It does not stop there - and it appears I'm not the only one! There are websites and museums online chronicling the life of the humble christmas light. How fascinating to see the difference in bulbs and lights through the years from 1900 to now! Some of them still work to this day - and how could you resist some of these and these on your tree? For now I'm going to indulge myself, just for tonight, by plugging the strings of lights, and tripping the light fantastic!

Currently Listening: Sarah McLachlan - River

*Ecologically friendly because we buy from a reputable retailer who plants two new trees for every one felled. This should be a pre-requisite for any tree you buy - and make sure it comes from reputable source!