The Gingerbread Men Christmas

This year, I don't know why, Christmas had a very different feel.

Is it because I feel a bit more settled in my new country? Is it because I wasn't out of work for once ( since the last 3 years) at this time of the year? Is it because there were so many friends ( far and near) to share it with?

Let's start by lovely things that arrived by the post.

First, a delightful doll purchased on Etsy at Rafael's lovely store.

There were a few extra gifts in the bag and I was like a little girl in a candy shop!

Then, there was another treasure made by my friend Evelyn.

She had added some delightful caramels to the parcel ( which didn't last ve

ry long)

(yes, I am wearing red glitter on my nails for the holidays!)

Then MORE treasures arrived!

from Spain!

AND...my absolutely wonderful and very talented KIM sent her usual handmade Christmas

decoration which I was excited to put in my tree!

Each year, Kim takes time to make something and send it on this spe

cial occasion.

Kim and I have met through blogging and I am so proud to count her amongst my very loyal and true friends, even though we have never met in the flesh.

Not yet... I know we WILL meet one day.

As I hope I will also meet Evelyn, and why not YOU who is reading this post right now.

This year, Christmas was filled with friendship and precious moments shared with people who made it clearly exceptional.

It was just about being together and having fun!

Robert's son, Ben and his girlfriend Fanny ( who is French too!) came home to join us in a lovely quaint church to celebrate

Christmas carols by candlelight and spend Xmas day with us.

I was saying how disapointed I was not to have found the very traditional biscuits when Fanny gave me a huuuuuuuuuuge smile saying in her soft voice " there is no problem with this!

It happens that I have made plenty and I will need to finish them tomorrow if you don't mind me using your kitchen? They still need eyes and smiles".

So, after a magical Christmas eve, singing carols, then gathering in the lounge sipping sherry and watching The Muppets Christmas Carol, we all went to bed.

The next day, Christmas operated its magic before my very eyes.

Fanny started working on a whole army of gingerbread men!

Giving them little souls,

...and crimson smiles.

This was definitely one of the best touch ever to my Christmas table!

Handmade Gingerbread men!

I hope you've all had a wonderful Christmas !

I will see you again in 2012!

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All my love and hope all you wishes come true!