In my life as a buyer of all things festive, it is Christmas every day of the year. My face is permanently dusted with glitter (it’s not makeup, honest) and my hands scratched; not by roses but by assembling umpteen artificial spruces, pines and firs every month. Despite these minor afflictions, it is very possibly the best job in the world. If one is tired of Christmas one is tired of life.
I am frequently asked if I still enjoy the big day when it arrives, and my answer is always a profound ‘yes’: buying Christmas products is one thing, celebrating the festive season is another. I honestly love both. The other issue I am quizzed about is whether tinsel is vulgar or not. All I can say is that there is room for anything that glitters at Christmas – if you like tinsel, you go for it! It’s cheap, cheerful and only up for a few weeks so who cares if it’s in vogue or not?
The period between October and early April is my busiest time for selling and buying, which for the most part complements my passion for gardening. October and November (peak bulb planting and buying months), are a challenge, as is March, but by then the end is in sight. So if I am occasionally a little quiet during these shorter days it’s not because I am tired of blogging, but a consequence of needing to ensure, when next December arrives, that my shop is stocked with the finest Christmas decorations money can buy.
(The photograph, top and below, of a splendid English Oak (Quercus robur), was taken at sunrise at Wasserburg Anholt, Germany, my home-from-home when I’m sourcing decorations in Europe. Observant readers will spy strange UFO-shaped manifestations which are a consequence of having taken this shot through a plate glass window.)
Categories: Musings, Photography, Travel, Uncategorized
Beautiful photos
Handsome tree with gorgeous pastel colors – nice photo reflection. You give us all kinds of ideas on how to ‘decorate’ our garden, I’m thinking maybe you need to tell us where we can find some of these purchases you make and some suggestions on decorating ideas. 🙂 When I was a youngster, we used tinsel. I remember every single strand I put on and then took off. That was enough for me. I do love looking at other people’s trees because they are so different. Maybe we need a decorated tree post from you? 🙂 Happy weekend.
That’s a very fine photo. Tinsel in moderation is my motto.
I would have tinsel if only I could find it. Your busy time is my quiet time, but lately it seems work never stops. I’ve edited garden photos for 13 hours today. I think it’s time for a glass of wine, don’t you? Nice digs, by the way.
Yes, not too shoddy is it? I am very lucky. The run up to Christmas is nothing short of manic for me, so I am more than ready to stop when Christmas Day finally arrives. Good luck with your photo editing – I have had to take my computer to Dr IT today as I’ve loaded up one too many pictures and it’s crashed rather alarmingly. More memory needed!!
I love tinsel, especially golden cultivars. Is your home-from-home a castle? That would be splendid! It is a very beautiful photo of that noble oak.
Yes, it’s a very fine, moated castle which belongs to the Princes of Salm-Salm. There is a hotel, an excellent museum and beautiful gardens. Well worth a visit and it’s very reasonably priced if you choose to stay. http://frustratedgardener.com/2012/06/21/other-peoples-gardens-no-1-wasserburg-anholt-germany/
Thank you for the gorgeous photos and for the little bit of insight into your glittery passion. We are hosting our first Christmas party of the season this evening. I have already arranged the flowers and will be getting the Christmas china out shortly.
How lovely Laurie. It’s so nice getting out all our special Christmas things that we only use a few times each year isn’t it? I have been dressing the tree at our seaside house this afternoon and tomorrow we’ll set to work on decorating London. I am hosting my office Christmas party on Tuesday which will be my first festive celebration. I hope you have a super evening 🙂
Merry Christmas. Lovely photo 🙂
Have a wonderful Christmas. Keep sparkling!
Oh I will! You too 😆🌲🍾🍸
Hello, I would love to contact you about a possible magazine feature. What’s the best way to get in touch? Best wishes Fiona Cumberpatch Bauer Media.
From: The Frustrated Gardener <comment-reply@wordpress.com> Reply-To: The Frustrated Gardener <comment+pg1g81ma2eu_djctxcqzy9v4@comment.wordpress.com> Date: Friday, 11 December 2015 19:59 To: System Administrator <fiona.cumberpatch@bauermedia.co.uk> Subject: [New post] Reflections
The Frustrated Gardener posted: “In my life as a buyer of all things festive, it is Christmas every day of the year. My face is permanently dusted with glitter (it’s not makeup, honest) and my hands scratched; not by roses but by assembling umpteen artificial spruces, pines and firs ever”
Hi Fiona. You can contact me at thefrustratedgardener@gmail.com. Dan