A Tree for Christmas

This year I have a very special tree for Christmas. It is huge, so huge. Its branches are covered in crystal-clear white snow. The ground underneath is bright green, too warm to hold snow. From the windows I have a good view on 'Christmas Tree'. Seeing the snowflakes swirling down, turning the world into a magical white, I settle down with a cup of hot tea and my back to the fire.

Every year for the past decade I've been so proud of my magical Christmas tree. It took me days to decorate it and bring the fairytale alive. Such joy I found in turning my house into a Christmas Castle.
This year I made a new choice and left it all behind. No Christmas decorations inside, no candles, no tree.

The fields stretch endlessly in front of me. The skies are grey, filled with snow. It crackles under my feet. My walk disturbs the sheep's peace and hurriedly they run to another part of the field. I smile; their pasture is so large that they can go everywhere to find a new 'safe' place. I love to see them having all this space to live in.
A thin layer of snow covers the branches of the trees. Even the last leaves of autumn are covered in a beautiful white layer. No breeze is stirring the leaves, there is a stillness in the air. My breath makes tiny clouds. Despite the chill, I feel comfortably warm.

My feet carry on, taking me through more fields covered in snow. The views are breathtaking. The whiteness makes it look bleak while at the same time the landscape is so detailed. Every branch and twig stand out in its white surroundings. It has the stillness of a landscape in a Christmas card, right out of the '50s.

The walk brings me back to the cottage. Time to gather wood and make a fire! The flames quickly flare and radiate their warmth. Having taken no time for breakfast, I decide on baking me an early, hot lunch. Soon the porridge oats together with apple, cinnamon and honey are roasting on the stove … does that not sound christmassy?