Boxing day road trip to see the church of St Peter and St Paul in Lavenham, all decked out for the season. It was a rare sunny winter day and the light poured in through the stained glass. The church has been there in some way, shape or form for centuries which meant the headstones in the cemetary were fascinating. 

One thing I most love about England is their preference for natural seasonal greenery.  The wreaths on the doors and tables are usually local holly, evergreens, and real candles. It takes time and much care and can't be kept over to the next year so the net result is a few high quality decorations.  

Another favorite thing?  The needlepoint cushions common here. Needlepoint has fallen out of favor a bit in the crafting world but I still love the texture and color. Those cushions represent hours and hours of stitching. 

The effect is natural, simple, and timeless.   This is exactly what I pictured all the years I dreamed of English Christmas and inspires me for the future.