The Twelve Months
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| From the Illuminated Book of Days by Eugene Grasset |
Just-stay-in-January came about because I used to dread the month - often getting depressed - it seems to start right after Christmas and goes on forever, only gets lighter by a few minutes and can be the coldest month of winter.....as the day lengthens so the cold strengthens
It isn't to be taken completely literally as there's the weekly Keep Moving Group and a January Jumble Sale so I'll be there for that and I'll need shopping for fresh stuff - but not much else - hopefully. I thought about a trip out to one of the bigger towns for charity shops but not sure I'll bother if the weather is going to be icy cold.
I've got several things to fill the 'dark days'....................
[Taking tree, cards and decorations down was top of the list - but it's already done and dusted!]
Letters/cards to write to penfriends in Essex and Scotland
The folder full of 2025 paperwork to sort and keep/recycle or shred.
A jigsaw puzzle to get started
The new diary to fill in dates
A box of books to process and send off to World of Books
Library books still to read - with more due next week. I heard that 2026 is The National Year of Reading here in the UK - that's an easy one to join in with!
New books to enjoy
Dishcloths to knit
And I'd really like to do some cross stitch this year after not doing any for a while, so ought to get started.
And blog posts to write - Hope I can think of things to say!
Back Tomorrow...........

Sounds like you had a lovely time with family.
ReplyDeleteI used to try and tackle the January glums by arranging lots of meet ups with friends, trips out etc. It took me a while to realise that staying at home and enjoying cosy hobbies/ tasks etc was better, with the caveat that I get outside early each day for daylight/ take a walk.
Here's to January!
Penny
Getting out for a quick walk in daylight and sunshine should have been on my list too - 2 days so far OK, only 29 to go
DeleteWell we have plenty of vegetables due to my daughter bringing home all the free stuff from Aldi. I will be eating sprouts and parsnips for ever. January is cold, apparently it 'feels like' -13 deg. this morning. So staying home is the only option for all of us I think. But cheer up, February is a short month.
ReplyDeleteBecause of being out I didn't get many of the 5p veg, Tesco were the only place open yesterday - much more expensive
DeleteIt's my brothers birthday today, so a happy day for us.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a good day
DeleteI like your January list. Our decorations came down yesterday amd I’m going to be knitting and crocheting through January.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
Should be plenty to keep me busy and I forgot about going to see EGD' s dance group in a panto too
DeleteI love George Ellis's poem! Clever! It's hard to get excited about January. It's mostly a month to be endured, I think.
ReplyDeleteMuch easier to get through now I have it sorted
DeleteWhat a nice start to the new year. I took the tree down yesterday. Will probably take down the garlands, and pack up the rest of the Christmas decorations today. You have a nice list of things to keep you busy in January. Have a good day! Cali
ReplyDeleteAll packed away here, still haven't dusted!
DeleteThe 'Twelve Months' sound like a very strange variation on the Seven Dwarfs. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI have taken down and packed away all the decorations, just one small wicker hamper on top of the wardrobe now and the tree in it's little box. All the excess were either donated to the charity shop as I put things up at the start of the month, or have been relegated to the bin as they were broken or in a terrible state. I like the idea of The National Year of Reading ... will it inspire me to do better, I hope so!
I'd not come across that 12 month rhyme before -it works well.
DeleteI wonder what events are being planned for the Year of Reading
We made dinner for our daughter and son in law yesterday and sent them home with cheeses and trifle and meringues and cream so that we wouldn’t keep eating them! Round two tomorrow when 3 older friends come for a home made meal also involving trifle. I just realised I need cream so will take myself round to the small Sainsbury’s to buy some. Catriona
ReplyDeleteI've still one small cheese pack in the fridge left from Christmas - hope I don't need to buy too many other things during the month although I don't like running out of something in case the weather turns nasty
DeleteI like the GE poem. Clear, true to fact and concise.
ReplyDeleteToday is 20-degree F and bright sunshine. Even with the sun, dressing in layers is key. It's very cold and the snow cover is icy.
Your second festive dinner with family sounds outstanding.
Not as cold as you have - but we still think it's too cold for England
DeleteDozed through most of Traitors, due to medication not boredom. Apparently, there is an intriguing twist this series. Won't mention in case I spoil it. Filled my second day of the year sorting out my email inbox!
ReplyDeleteI know what the twist is, but was watching on catch up and got fed up before the end so went to bed. Not sure how much I'll be bothered with it this time.
DeleteI've considered doing a bit more of cross stitch too. Where do you get your kits, Sue?
ReplyDeleteAs long as we do not get a blizzard I will go out for a few minutes or to get groceries. Other than that, considering this is usually one of our coldest months I will stick close to home, safe and warm.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
It's weather to look at through the window this morning! Love the poem.
ReplyDeleteWe started watching Traitors too but so far I'm not rooting for anyone and there are a couple of people I really can't take to. Might or might not continue to watch.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a National Reading Year. We need to gets kids more motivated to reading and less motivated to be glued to social media!
Angie