Starting the week by writing the Happy List is something I’ve been doing for the last few years. It’s my chance to sit down and reflect on the things that made me happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of the adventures we have as a family.

Five Happy Things {Week 530}

Last week our new sofa arrived. We ordered it a few weeks ago so it was lovely to finally have it delivered. It’s a lovely dark blue colour. Unfortunately we haven’t been able to get rid of our old sofa so the living room is feeling very cramped.

On Friday evening we visited our local Christmas Market. There was carol singing and delicious hot chocolate and cinnamon doughnuts. It made us feel very Christmassy and we were able to pick up some last minute Christmas presents too.

We had a lovely weekend, watching Horrible Christmas at Alexandra Palace theatre. We used to live in that part of London so were able to catch up with some friends before Christmas. The show was very funny and was a great Christmas treat for everyone.

Last week I listened to my first audio book (I know, so late to the party!). The Wood at Midwinter is a captivating Christmas short story written and read by Susanna Clarke, internationally bestselling author of Piranesi and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell.

Nineteen-year-old Merowdis Scott is an unusual girl. She can talk to animals and trees – and she is only ever happy when she is walking in the woods. One snowy afternoon, out with her dogs and Apple the pig, Merowdis encounters a blackbird and a fox. As darkness falls, a strange figure enters in their midst – and the path of her life is changed forever.

I loved listening to the audio book and this was a magical story, perfect for the time of year. I liked the experience of listening to a story, and found it was an enjoyable way to spend my commute to the office. I don’t think it will be my last audio book.

I enjoyed my Pretty Fabrics and Trims Advent Box, and stitched one of the small projects. I have to admit I’ve still not started the bigger embroidery project. It’s a beautiful pre-printed panel to fill with Christmas embroideries but it’s just too big and overwhelming to start. So I put it back in the box and am making the smaller pieces.