A Peep Through my Christmas Window.

OK friends, to end my Christmas series, I will give you a peep into my Christmas window this Christmas ;-)

How important is Christmas for me or can I take it or leave it?

I don't have children so I am sure I miss out on many things that parents experience at this time. Nonetheless, I love Christmas and all the preparations leading up to it. When I lived in the UK, my husband and I would volunteer for Shelter (an organization for the homeless) every Christmas Day (much to the annoyance and disdain of our families). It was an extremely emotional time for both of us, but made a lasting impact. I still think back to some of the people we met and wonder how they are all doing.

Nat King Cole, Michael Bublé, Handel's Messiah or Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite?

All of the above including, Harry Connick Jr.

Turkey or not?

When in the UK it's a goose. But this is our first Christmas in Spain despite living here 11 years. Consequently the main course will be "cochinillo"-suckling pig! I'm not sure how I am going to get through cooking this little cherub (it really looks so sweet), but promised Hubs I would try ;-)

Switzerland

If I could spend Christmas in any other place other than the UK or Spain where would I choose?

My first choice would be Switzerland where I have family, and where all Christmases were spent when I was a child. My second choice would Aspen, Colorado. As you can tell Christmas is not really Christmas for me without snow ;-)

What books am I hoping to receive this Christmas?

My Amazon wish list is about to combust. But if I can give just two choices (both non-fiction/autobiographical) it would be:

i)Life Without Limits-Nick Vujicic

ii) An Invisible Thread - Laura Schroff

What beauty product is my Christmas fail-safe?

It would have to be Clarins Beauty Flash Balm ( during the day) and Decleor Neroli oil (at night).

What do I buy the girlfriend that has everything?

It would have to be a Jo Malone Pine & Eucalyptus scented candle or Acqua di Parma Red Berries candle.

Anything else I would like to share?

* Christmas is not about perfection; so don't get so wrapped up in making everything perfect that you forget to stop and smell the roses

* savor every minute

*spend a few minutes just being grateful for all that we are fortunate to have

* forget calorie control for a few days. Life's too short :-)

*remember those less fortunate; there is always someone close by

*embrace the power of giving; it truly is the best feeling

Finally I would like to say a HUGE thank you to all the bloggers that did guest posts. We will have a few more between Christmas and New Year with the emphasis being on New Years celebrations instead, so keep your eyes peeled.

I would also like to thank all my wonderful followers and friends who have made my "baby steps" into blogging such a wonderful and joyous experience (despite not being a very keen writer).

Thank you ALL so much and I wish you all a wonderful holiday. Here's hoping Santa is kind to each and every one of you.

p.s Do stay tuned as we have two New Years Eve guest posts from very different parts of the world ;-)