It’s Christmas Eve

There’s a tangible and palpable feeling of magic in the air "Chez Nous”. I think I can safely say that we are all but ready for the Big Day tomorrow. Our stockings are hung, our chestnuts are well and truly roasted and the taxi’s are booked as we are going to Tom’s and The Lovely Laura’s for our Christmas lunch with cosmopolitan cocktails assured!  Lucy has arrived and all is well in the world.

However, there is one last thing we have to do, something we have thought an awful lot about over the past few weeks.  Back in the old days of The Castle we used to light a candle in the large lantern in the garden as it got dark on Christmas Eve.  It was our time to remember all the special people who wouldn’t be with us to share Christmas, and sadly, there are a few more names this year. 

But, as we now find ourselves in new climes, we thought that perhaps it might be a good time to change that tradition. After a some debate (none heated), we decided that we would like to  a send a candle into the night on the river …….. not a real candle, as we were a bit frightened of setting fire to bulrushes or swans,  so we bought a battery operated one as a compromise.

We tested that the candle would stay afloat when placed on a lid and then Darrell came up with an ingenious idea on how to get the candle into the water safely.The river bank was deserted, there was just the three of us and our memories. When we were all ready, Darrell lowered the candle in its lid into  the water with our large kitchen spoon ………..

….. and then we watched it float slowly away.

We stayed for a while, until it was out of sight ……..

……..  taking a little of our hearts with it on its long, solitary journey into Christmas night.