Saturday 24 December 2011

'Twas the night before Christmas....

and all through the house,
not a creature was stirring not even a ..

Isn't he cute? My dear Hb bought me this last Christmas. We went for a weekend to York and we found a delightful shop which sold Maileg products. They are the sweetest toys and I fell in love with this match box mouse. Little did I know that when we got home he phoned the shop and got one sent to him. I opened this last Christmas and fell in love.



If you slide open the box and take off his knitted blankie this dear little mouse is sleeping inside. I will be honest this mouse has stayed around all year as I cannot resist him.

















Well here were are at last. Everything is ready, the presents bought and wrapped, the fridge stacked with food, house spick and span. I even picked the turkey up from the butcher's on my way home from work yesterday. I am now off work until Wednesday 4 January which will be such a great break.

My son and his girlfriend and my Mum and Dad will be joining us for Christmas Day. Milly and Tom are at his parents this year and are coming to join us on Boxing Day. The mince pies are made and the house is looking so festive.






Billy is up and about and looks as though he is already looking out for Father Christmas.....(There is a little present in store for Billy as he has been such a good boy this year ;0)














My last window of my Advent Calendar has been opened and in one more sleep the Big Day will arrive. As you all know I just love everything about Christmas and I have so enjoyed sharing another Countdown to Christmas with you all. I have even managed to make it snow on my blog!  I have really enjoyed reading all your comments and thank you for taking the time to write them.




You know how I love all things whimsical so I just had to share one last thing with you all in my last Christmas Countdown post this year.

  I have a copy of a dear children's book about  Pookie (has anyone else heard of him?) which I have owned and treasured since 1965. It still has the old price of 5 shillings written inside in pencil. I read it year after year and it was also read to my own children when they were small. The illustrations are glorious in their detail.

Pookie is a little rabbit with wings who lives with Belinda the woodcutter's daughter.













There were several Pookie books and this adventure tells of Pookie being the only creature in the wood who still believes in Father Christmas.











The illustrations are glorious in their detail. This is his best friend even shunning him for being silly enough to believe in the idea of Father Christmas.












Of course Pookie decides to prove everyone wrong and goes to look for FC . He meets FC who invites Pookie to bring all his friends to a feast so that he can prove his existence.













What a wonderful picture this is with that "vivid" colours from 1960s print!



















and just as all good fairy tales should end everyone believes again and Christmas Day is saved!









Thanks for indulging me......only one more sleep and if I've been a very good girl maybe my stocking will have something inside too ;0)

I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, may your stockings be filled with sweet gifts, your house be filled with laughter and your hearts be full of love at this very special time of the year.

Back soon,

With love,

Jane x

22 comments:

  1. Love, love, love your Christmas-post, Jane!

    Have a fabulous time, dear friend! Kisses to Billy and warm wishes to all your family!

    With love from Winter Wonderland,
    Mia

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  2. Merry Chirstmas my dear Mia.... we are here at last :0) Sending love to you and yours in your Winter Wonderland.
    Have a fabulous time!
    Jane x

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  3. Oh now I'm in love with that little rabbit! How sweet that it's got little wings ~ a fairy rabbit!!! :)
    Good for Billy keeping an eye out for Santa, so pleased the lovely little man has a pressie for being a good boy, I hope he has his share of the turkey too!
    All that is left is for me to wish you my dear friend a very Happy Christmas, enjoy every second with your loved ones!
    Lots of love,
    Vivienne x

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  4. Dear Vivienne, I was sure that you would have met Pookie....these are out of print but such wonderful books and I treasure them.
    I am completely ready for Christmas in fact I am about to sit down and relax with a cup of tea! Merry Christmas to you too dear friend and speak soon,
    Love Jane x

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  5. A sweet post today, Jane. I love the little matchbox mouse very much, and also seeing those illustrations of Pookie...so cute aren't they? Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
    Helen x

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  6. They are so cute aren't they Helen. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family too.
    Love Jane x

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  7. Jane,

    You have made a special day even better. Give Billy and kiss from me and I love your "Pookie" book.

    I'll have to try and find a Pookie story here.

    with love and best wishes for your Christmastime and New Year....
    Anne
    PlumCreek22

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  8. It's lovely to see you here Anne. It is night time now so we really are almost there. Merry Christmas!
    Jane x

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  9. What a lovely, lovely post, Jane. It's been such a joy getting to visit you and discover your beautiful world. I LOVE this little mouse and to know your dear hubby specially purchased it for you is so fabulous! I had not heard of Pookie before..oh my, I am just overjoyed looking at these amazing illustrations (you know me..a sucker for bunnies! Yet alone flying bunnies!)..my goodness..what a treat. I wish you and your family a fabulous Christmas..I know Billy will be enjoying all of the sights/smells/sounds of joy at your house. Big hugs to you!

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  10. Jane, you're one of the treasures of my year that I will count as a blessing. I'm so glad we're blog friends. Have a great day and we'll "see" you soon!

    ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉
    *M*E*R*R*Y* *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*
    ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉

    ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  11. Dear Jane, Merry Christmas to you and your family!
    I'm sure Billy sae the Santa because he has so sweet smile on his face!
    I just love your tiny mouse! Thank you for the link - they have so wonderful things!
    Your old book is a real treasure! What a beautiful thing to keep and read every Christmas!
    xxx Teje

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  12. Know you know why I love your work so much Shirley. Have a wonderful Christmas dear and see you soon.
    Jane x

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  13. Bless you Teresa it's been such a lovely year hasn't it. Merry Christmas dear friend .
    Jane x

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  14. Santa has been Teje and Billy has opened his stocking . Merry Christmas my friend enjoy your sunshine.
    Jane x

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  15. It's been fun to watch your countdown to Christmas, maybe especially since I didn't do any decorating for the holiday, and looking at your blog made me feel more festive. I hope you had an absolutely wonderful holiday! Does the new countdown start today? :)

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  16. I hope your Christmas day was wonderful! As a teacher, I'm off til the 3rd of January, and am looking forward to some extra time to work on projects, organize my studio space, and to get ready for the new year ahead. We haven't had much snow since a crazy Halloween day storm, but know that a long winter looms ahead here in New England.
    Your matchbox mouse is adorable---I can see why you like to keep him out all year!
    Best wishes,
    Jane T

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  17. Hi Linda I'm glad my countdown gave you a festive feel. There are a few more days of celebrating to do and then it's the time to start looking forward to a brand new year.Hope your day was fun.
    Jane x

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  18. Hi Jane it's good to get some time off isn't it. We are enjoying the break very much and getting in.some good walks too. Enjoy the holiday .
    Jane x

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  19. Thanks Helen hope your Christmas was fun. I hope to post again later today .
    Jane x

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  20. Though I'm late again, I enjoyed this! I would've loved Pookie's story as a child, but can still appreciate those gorgeous illustrations now. Still keeping the holiday spirit and celebrations alive as the season is closing- <3 :0)

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  21. I'm glad you saw this post Michele . The illustrations are so delightful aren't they?
    Jane x

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Jane x