Well, today starts our official countdown to Christmas.  We started the advent calendars - all four!  (one R made at school, a chocolate one each and a christian one - overdoing it, I don't think!).  I made a wreath (bought the round part at a florist 6 months ago and covered it with ribbon, tinsel and balls - oh and white poinsettia leaves/flowers) and set up the candles to light - one for each week.

Monday we might put the decorations up but the room is still too messy to do it.

However we have been very busy - mum and dad arrived back on oz on monday.  So we spent the weekend tidying up and finishing off their house, then a few days catching up over dinner etc...  They now live about three blocks from us which is lovely after having them overseas for the last nine years.  Though they will be travelling and doing some short term work so they won't always be there.

Then I have been preparing for a market/fair tomorrow where I have a Fair Trade stall.  First stall I have done in a while so I have spent a lot of time getting ready and desperately hope it doesn't rain.  On top of that I have been organising our playgroup end of year do and Christmas craft (after the stuff we ordered in October didn't arrive).

i think I have done most of the Christmas shopping, so it will be nice to spend some time at home tidying, cleaning and preparing.  We now have 20 people coming for Christmas lunch which is the biggest we have ever done and I am a bit freaked out!  However, one day and a time and see how the stall goes tomorrow first....