Eager as a child on Christmas morning I am up early today, without the help of my alarm clock.
I make myself a cup of tea, lit my newadvent light, and sit down in the dark, quiet house. This is my morning. This is my solitary time. Advent is here, and I can feel it right into my bones that this is a time for rest and peace.
Last night my advent basket found it's place in front of the hearth, and now I unpack it's contents. Here is the log cabin quilt I have been working on for years - I am doing the handquilting part now, may be I will finish it this year. Here is another log cabin which will be used as a table cloth, sewn by my American cousin Elisabeth, handquilted by me. Here is a handmade angel made by my dear friend Solveig, a Christmas book filled to the brim with old Norwegian traditions, a snowglobe, and angel, a Christmas cd.......Every dear item has a place to be put, the basket is soon emptied and ready to be filled for tomorrow morning.
It is still dark outside, but the house will soon be filled with life. Terje is already in the bathroom shaving, it is time to wake up the girls - it will be easy today as their advent basket is waiting, 24 small gifts for each of them, one for every day untill Christmas Eve. Torgeir worked late last night so he will probably sleep a little longer. Or may be he also wants to come up this first advent morning to find his little gift. Øystein has bought his own flat since last year, so I miss one of the birds in my nest. But he doesn't live far away, and can't resist meals from The Blue Cafe, so it is not far between his travels. I say some more prayers of thanks. My day has begun.
For Christmas inspiration today I can recommend Carol's Garden at The Boxwood Cottage. Enjoy!
