On The Fifth Day of Christmas

Not five gold rings but three little golden gingerbread houses with glassy windows, made out of Fox's Glacier Mints.

H and I made these together in the run up to Christmas to eat at home and to give away. Next time, I will remember to make chimneys, as the absence of same meant that my happy idea of lighting little candles inside, so that light shines from the windows, only lasted for about five seconds before the candles went out so apologies for the rather poor pic quality but it had to be a speedy snap or nothing!

They are a sweet-tasting reminder of all that's lovely about being at home together, partly and importantly because of the companionable process of making them and partly because the end products are these endearing, if rustic, little houses.

Who would not want to live in one of these where, instead of mangy moss on the roof tiles, there are tiny Smarties; thick royal icing acts as mortar instead of concrete; the window panes never need cleaning because they are made out of boiled sweets and if you're hungry you could nibble on one of the gingerbread walls?! Fairy tale stuff indeed. Our homes are not always straight out of fairy tales - mine certainly isn't, but wherever they are and whatever their characteristics, they are important - places to belong and feel secure and we all need that both literally and figuratively.

May you be blessed with happiness in your home; may it be to you and yours, a place of safety, comfort and rest. May you never feel lost in the world or at sea in the changing horizons of life but know that you belong and your life has purpose and meaning.