Christmas is always an olfactory experience at chez Black. I googled that big word. Apparently it has something to do with noses and smelling. Fionnuala and the girls have been burning Christmas candles, putting cinnamon smelling things on top of the radiators and generally doing everything within their power to eradicate ‘man smells’ from theContinue reading “The 12 Blogs Of Christmas #4”
Tag Archives: festive
The 12 Blogs of Christmas #2
For a good part of yesterday, I had the dulcet tones of ‘Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer’ on a permanent loop in my head. The more it played, the more I felt what little festive spirit I retained within me slowly ebbing away down the plughole as the joint spirits of the GrinchContinue reading “The 12 Blogs of Christmas #2”
The 12 Blogs Of Christmas #1
Last year I took my team out for breakfast during our final week in the office to thank them for all their efforts throughout the year. Because I’m a thoughtful, caring boss. Plus they would have most likely lynched me if I hadn’t. The majority of us plumped for a traditional Ulster fry and IContinue reading “The 12 Blogs Of Christmas #1”
Will Christmas Ever End?
Took this photo today while walking through Castle Court Shopping Centre in Belfast city centre. Our political parties get fined if they don’t take down election posters within two weeks of the event. Should the same apply for Christmas decorations that stay up beyond the traditional date of 6th January? And if so, what? FinancialContinue reading “Will Christmas Ever End?”
Belfast Christmas Market
We travelled up to Belfast this afternoon to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the Christmas Market. It was a little crowded for us but the girls got to sample some French-Canadian cuisine while I made my annual trek to the gigantic muffin stall. Fionnuala and Adam settled for a drive thru McDonalds onContinue reading “Belfast Christmas Market”
Kill Loneliness At Christmas
Fionnuala has asked me to write, updating you on the Christmas card initiative which she posted about several weeks ago. If you are taking part she will e-mail you next week with details of who you are writing to. You can still take part if you would like to send a Christmas card to someoneContinue reading “Kill Loneliness At Christmas”
The Curious Case Of People Who Read Christmas Blogs In March
As the first quarter of the year draws to a close, I’m somewhat surprised that people are still viewing a series of blogs I posted at Christmas – imaginatively entitled ‘The 12 Blogging Questions of Christmas’. Are people accidentally stumbling across these posts or are there folk out there who just can’t abide parting withContinue reading “The Curious Case Of People Who Read Christmas Blogs In March”
The 12 Blogging Questions Of Christmas – Day 11 – Is It Over Yet?
I know Christmas isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Some people dislike the increasing commercialism of the festive period, while for others it brings back painful memories. There are empty seats around the dinner table. Some are going through despair and tragedy. Christmas is an unwanted distraction, something they could do without. Many cannot wait untilContinue reading “The 12 Blogging Questions Of Christmas – Day 11 – Is It Over Yet?”
The 12 Blogging Questions Of Christmas – Day 9 – What Last Minute Shopping Are You Doing?
Fionnuala is super organised when it comes to Christmas. When it comes to most matters, really. But it’s inevitable there are always a few last minute purchases to be made on Christmas Eve. Today was no exception. I was dispatched to source Christmas crackers. There was no joy in our village shop, which resembled theContinue reading “The 12 Blogging Questions Of Christmas – Day 9 – What Last Minute Shopping Are You Doing?”
The 12 Blogging Questions Of Christmas – Day 8 – Do You Like Or Loathe Chris Rea?
You know that Chris Rea song, ‘Driving Home for Christmas’? Well I hate it. Whenever it comes on the radio, I reach for the tuner and change channel pronto. I think it’s his gravelly, dour voice. He turns the most positive message into a depressing dirge. I can think of nothing more depressing than beingContinue reading “The 12 Blogging Questions Of Christmas – Day 8 – Do You Like Or Loathe Chris Rea?”
Homemade Christmas with Love
It is no secret that Christmas is hands down my favourite time of year. I could watch Christmas films from 1st January to 31st December. I love the smells that fill the house – cinnamon, ginger, fresh pine and the turkey and stuffing cooking in the oven. I love the cold weather bonus if itContinue reading “Homemade Christmas with Love”
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