Spreading out things Christmassy

For friends and family who know me well, they will understand that I normally distance myself as I am somewhat overwhelmed by the overt materialism displayed in shops,on  television, and extravagant consumption egged on by fear of missing out, keeping up with the outside world etc.

For a number of years I have gradually reduced by Christmas Card sending, and this year I did not send a single one.  I was sorely tempted during the early part of the  month to get out the old fountain pen and the cards I have left over in my stationary drawer, but I held firm.  I simply asked my family what they wanted, and was relieved to be given exact wishes, and they all had exactly as asked for.  All I wanted in return simply as a little gesture was one box of quality sugared almonds and that is what I got. Mr S and I just enjoy a quiet day with nice food.

Several months ago we decided to opt for a one night break taking in Blenheim Palace and Oxford.

At Blenheim, we were somewhat disappointed that almost all of the accessible part of the house was completely decked out as if a theme park with a variety of tableaux depicting The Wizard of Oz.

Later we followed the light trail and I was greatly impressed by the efforts to create a wizardry of moving lights and music.  It was more that I have ever experienced and I don't think there would be many in the crowds who had flocked to see these who would not have been thoroughly impressed. However I feel that this is not quite our scene.  We did go one evening to the Bishop's Palace in Wells when Somerset Flutes were playing and had a walk around the grounds where there were some nice lighting. Walking to and from the Palace on a cool winter's night was really lovely, far better than driving miles!

We did enjoy the  exhibition about Winston Churchill at Blenheim Palace, which on our return home gave us the impetus to start to listen to 'Walking with Destiny' by Andrew Thorne.  The narrator Stephen Thorne has an excellent way of portraying with voice the character of Winston Churchill.

We had a fair chunk of the following day in Oxford, which we know fairly well.  However we had never visited The Weston Library.  It was not until we asked about visiting the hall of the Divinity School and were directed to buy the tickets at the Weston Library on Broad Street that we saw there was a special exhibition situated in the library.  Treasured was absolutely fascinating. 

Inside the Hall of Divinity the late gothic stonework was impressive.

We had a little time to spare before the coach pick up time, and we enjoyed our lunch in the cafe in the basement of the Ashmolean Museum, followed viewing of a few of their cabinets.  This was one which I am continually drawn to: Bronze ritual vessels from the Shang dynasty 1200 to 1050 bc.