It's the most wonderful time of the year...(PICTURE HEAVY)










This was mine and Mark's first Christmas living together and it was really lovely to spend some time with each other and our friends and family. We had a lot of food and drink and some really lovely presents and I feel very very lucky...

This crystal star ornament c/o The White Company has been making us feel very Christmassy and looks lovely on the top of the tree with the lights. I can't find it on the website but I imagine that you can still get it instore...
♥ Homemade cinnamon swirls (recipe here) were the perfect breakfast and they lasted for a few days which meant I could have them on all 3 days of Christmas ;)
♥ Eaten with a mug of strong coffee...
♥ ... and some freshly squeezed orange juice...
♥ Me looking very pleased with some of my presents from Mark, despite having no room left on my bookshelf, I will always love getting new books!
♥ Trashy DVDs will also always be welcome!
♥ Lovely presents from our friends...
♥ On Christmas Eve Mark and I cooked a roast beef dinner which was absolutely yummy!
♥ Yes I know, another blogger cliche! I love a good scented candle and this one c/o The White Company has been making the house smell gorgeous - it's a heady mix of cinnamon, clove and orange...

What has made Christmas special for you this year?

13 comments

Sarah said...

It looks like you had a lovely day!
x

Michelle / Daisybutter said...

Mm cinnamon swirls! What I wouldn't do for one of those right now...! It looks like you had a lovely Christmas Maria, it must have been all the more special to be the first with Mark too! (: I think spending time with my immediate and extended family has made Christmas 'special' for me this year. Also, I'm so sad I didn't get to chat with you at the SWBXmas, Maria! xx

daisychain said...

did you save me a cinnamon swirl?

Sherin said...

Sounds like you're having a great Christmas. I love getting books too! The Year of the Flood is fantastic! Enjoy reading it.

Althea said...

All looks sooo lovely! Wish you and Mark a Happy New Year and hope to see you soon on my blog! http://www.tiaswayxo.blogspot.com

Rachel, Cold Knees said...

ooh those cinnamon swirls look amazing! glad you had a lovely Christmas =) x

Gem said...

aaaw your first Christmas together looks lovely. Great selection of DVDs ;) xx

Eloise said...

Aw Maria your Christmas looked lovely. AND TEN THIN I HATE ABOUT YOU IS MY FAVE

xx

Unknown said...

Your Christmas looks wonderful! Those cinnamon swirls look amazing!

Leanne Cornelius said...

Your first Christmas together looks as though it was perfect x

Unknown said...

Aww Maria your first Christmas looks absolutely beautiful! :) I'm so pleased you spent it together, and I hope you're feeling much better now too. Lots of love for 2013 ♥ Claire @ Jazzpad

Shes Dressing Up said...

Your Christmas looks amazing! Lovely photos :)

Annabel Wyatt Art said...

You had some ace presents, i love you dress on the post above too! x x x