A glorious Indian Summer has set us up for the colder season that no doubt awaits. We have lately been able to walk under blue skies, kicking crunchy leaves in a countryside dressed in splendid hues from a full autumnal palette. It is now time to turn the attention more towards life indoors, lighting candles and spending quality time with the family in front of a roaring fire, playing games or curling up with a good book - just a few of my favourite things...
This is what we in Denmark call ‘hygge’ which, as Edward Kubacki mentions on page 30, roughly translates into the sense of cosiness you experience when you are with friends or family enjoying a happy time in relaxing surroundings. Edward has spent time in Denmark and knows the phenomenon first hand, but I must admit that I was rather intrigued to read in a recent article that the subject of ‘hygge’ is now being taught at college in parts of the UK.
There will be plenty of opportunities over the coming months to give you that sense of cosiness or get you into the spirit of the season. In November, many of our villages have bonfire and firework displays for us to enjoy, and Boughton House has a magnificent show of lights and fireworks in the Gunpowder Plot, with a special discount code for Village Connect readers on page 22. You can start your Christmas shopping at the numerous late night shopping events in our market towns - it really is important to support the plethora of amazing, independent businesses we are fortunate to have right on our doorstep, so please shop locally!
Craft fairs, concerts, carol services and Christmas tree festivals will inspire us for the big day, and if you would like to make your own wreath for your front door you can attend workshops at Foxtail Lilly, see page 26, or at Lyveden, see page 76. In line with the true spirit of Christmas, you could support charities as best you can, from buying gifts at a fair, donating a raffle prize or helping as a volunteer. The Carers Trust is looking for befrienders, see page 70, and Foster Care Associates are looking for foster families to change someone’s life - and possibly yours, on pages 58-59. Whatever you can do, look deep in your heart and support our community as best you can.
With my warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas
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Hillcrest House
Church Hill
Geddington
Northants
NN14 1AH
Tel: 01536 744700
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