'Tis the season

There is something magical about Scotland during the festive season. The convergence of the winter solstice with its celtic pagan signficance, along with the Viking yule traditions and the much celebrated Hogmanay, create a truly special experience.

It still amazes me to think that Christmas was legally banned for almost four centuries in Scotland as part of the Scottish Reformation, due to its perceived connection to Catholicism. In 1640, Scottish parliament passed a law that made celebrating "yule vacations" illegal. It was not until 1958 that 25 December became a Scottish public holiday. Thinking about those dates, it means that my Scottish ancestors would not have experienced a Christmas celebration. No wonder they loved Hogmanay!

I managed to get a wee bit of time in Scotland prior to Christmas this year, before heading back to Australia to celebrate the holidays with my family. Although it was cold and somewhat icy, it was simply wonderful to soak up the festivities. There was certainly no residual sign of the Christmas ban from days gone by.

Bute was looking beautiful, and as I walked around Rothesay, I couldn't help but smile at the decorations and the Christmas trees in windows. I loved the light projections, especially those onto the historic castle.

I was lucky enough to spend some time in Edinburgh with my friend Walker, and I have to admit that the decorations there were next level. I dare anyone to spend December in Edinburgh and not get into the festive spirit!

Even though I could not celebrate Christmas Day in Scotland this year, I was thrilled to know that my wonderful friends David, Lewis and Lewis' Mum, Margaret, would be having a merry old time in my flat! David, Lewis and I managed to catch up for a pre-Christmas lunch in Glasgow, where much talk about the decorations for the flat ensued.

I wanted their Christmas on Bute to be perfect, so I happily decorated in preparation for their arrival. Keeping in mind that these two have exceptional taste when it comes to interior design, I knew that I had my work cut out for me! Still, I gave it my best shot, with a lovely garland for the fireplace, a little tree for the table and pride of place for my hand made knitted tree (a gift from my friend Aud), stocking and doggie santa (courtesy of David and Lewis). My beautiful brass unicorn and painting above the fireplace had never looked better with those lights!

But, my friends took it up a notch or two, bringing a stunning Christmas tree and further decorations. My flat looked absolutely gorgeous and I was so thrilled to see her in such a glorious state. From all accounts, I think they had a lovely time!

I loved seeing many of my favourite people during this trip to the UK and I feel enormously grateful to have such wonderful people in my life. I hope that in future, I will have an opportunity to spend the holidays there and enjoy all of the celebrations. I didn't capture all of my catch ups, but here I am with Sam, Angie, Walker and Leah.

As thoughts turn to Hogmanay (New Year's Eve for the uninitiated), I am embracing the Scottish tradition of "redding the house". This means cleaning up your home from top to bottom, and clearing out all of the rubbish that you do not want to take into the new year with you. I suspect that redding has both physical and psychological benefits and is a timely reminder of the power of starting anew.