I can’t avoid it now.
But as I’ve done the majority of my Christmas shopping I feel quite smug this year, I’m not usually this organised. I haven’t even thought about cards though, oh well, I can’t get everything right.
One of my favourite things about Christmas is going to see the lights in town. Exeter’s are rather modest compared to the big cities, but they’re still magical to me.
I went to town for an after work browse at the shops, this is the High Street.
Then it was time for supper, we wandered around trying to decide where to eat. There’s a whole new bunch of chain restaurants recently opened in the Guildhall, much needed, there were so few choices before – she says with tongue firmly fixed in cheek! We checked the menus of half a dozen, before returning to a favourite, Bill’s. It’s always tasty and the atmosphere is lively but early in the evening, it isn’t too manic. Walking back through town afterwards, a last look at the pretties.
To see some really stunning Christmas lights, you really should pop over to visit Rommel, he’s in Japan.
Lucid Gypsy 
These are so pretty. I especially love that lighted part that goes all the way across the street. As for cards, several years ago, I decided to stop sending cards to the people I will see during the Christmas holidays. I wish them Merry Christmas in person, and I figure that’s better than a card. it cut down on my work for the holidays. Of course, I’m a firm believer that we should do only those things that make our celebration of the season truly joyful and enjoyable. Making ourselves do stuff just because it’s a habit started years ago — or its something other people ‘expect’ — seems to me to defeat the whole theme of the season.
I have a friend who can’t stand to think of Christmas before she’s into December because she makes soooooo much work for herself that she is pressured and stressed and unhappy. The work involves huge meals and, I guess, huge decorating projects. I’ve tried to encourage her to let her family know that she’s going to change gears and be more laid back so she can have some fun during that time. But she just won’t. (Frankly, I think she has some kind of martyr spirit or something.) Anyway, I refuse to stress about Christmas and I concentrate on making it relaxing and fun for myself — and I’ve found that automatically makes it more fun for my friends and family.
Well, you didn’t ask for an essay on my attitude toward Christmas, but I guess I got carried away.
Let me be the first to wish you Happy Christmas, Gilly.
I’ve yet to visit my town and hoping it will be as nice as this.. There is apparently a flying Santa.. cant wait.. I love the lights and all that goes with it…..Nice one Gilly
Lovely lights, Gilly….and apropos Bill’s, I love it, there’s one near me
The nice thing about the Christmas lights is how they cheer us up in the winter months, but they are not very eco-friendly. Less wasteful than fireworks though. I popped over to see Rommel’s lights – WOW! They are an extravaganza! As for cards I don’t bother any more, we donate the money we would have spent on cards and stamps Crisis at Christmas for a meal for a homeless person.
That’s a nice idea, Jude. I still need to write an army out for the Polish family 🙂
Having just spent £11 on postage to OZ I am going to suggest I buy them a donation to wildlife or woodland trust in the future. Unless we meet in person.
Scrooge! It’ll cost me more than that for Poland 🙂 It’s my today task but I haven’t started yet. 😦
I just hate paying that sort of money when it could go to the actual gift. Do you send your Poland family a parcel then? We stopped adult gifts, only do the grandkids now.
No parcel, Jude. Just lots of cards at a pound or so a go 🙂
I’ve never seen such displays of Christmas lights. Wowza. ❤
😀
I love these Christmas lights, wonderful light displays!
I love this!
Yay to Bill’s! Happy memories, Gilly 🙂 I love Christmas lights and pretty decorated windows, though I’m not fussed on shopping. Off to Newcastle on Thursday to meet my Geordie friend for coffee and admire Peter Rabbit in Fenwick’s windows.
Oh that’ll be fun, I can imagine your lovely northern accents chirping away x:-)x
Such beautiful Christmas lights, Gilly. Your evening sounds delightful. Congrats on doing your Christmas shopping already. 🙂
Love looking at lights and though a small town it is beautiful just the same. Thank you for sharing.
The lights in your small town are stunning. Thanks for sharing!
What more can one say when it’s been said?
I agree … beautiful.
Issy 😎
Guess who hasn’t done any shopping at all! 😃 wonderful lights Gilly