Charming, London

OMGYOUGUYS. I don't know if you know this, but London goes bonkers at Christmas time. And unlike in the U.S. of A., they don't have Thanksgiving as a buffer so they can pretty much start setting the mood immediately after Guy Fawkes. A lot of it may be practical - the twinkly lights strung over the streets certainly help you see your way when the sun starts to set in the middle of the afternoon - but I'm convinced a good amount is just sheer love of celebration and things that make you feel warm as the darkness sets earlier and earlier.

After all, this photo was taken at 1:15 this afternoon:

Who needs the sun when you have neon?

Or tinfoil stars?

Or Europeans ignoring GIANT DISCO BALLS?

This street wasn't even trying to be creative about it. I can hear the installation guy now: 'Giant light bulbs? Like Christmas tree baubles? Or glass balloons?' 'No. Just giant light bulbs.' 

I got to cover this gorgeous turf with a simpatica girlfriend who has the same job I do, and we spent a significant portion of our time gazing into the illuminated windows of perfumeries and woolly-clothing-shops as the rain drenched us thoroughly.

 I can't imagine why I've had the same head cold for three straight weeks.

And then I get home, three short, ram-packed rush hour trains later, and there's this waiting for me, sent all the way from Buenos Aires from one of my favourite people on this earth:

OH THE ANTICIPATION OF A WRAPPED PACKAGE.

YOUGUYS LOOK WHAT WAS INSIDE. Vik DESIGNED this. She ILLUSTRATED it. She CREATED it. This beautiful, beautiful diary that I cannot wait to use:

Honestly, she's so gifted I don't even know why we're friends.

I should go now - I've got leek and potato soup coming up for dinner and it's not going to puree itself - but lots of holiday affection to you, and see you tomorrow!

Big hugs and lots of love,
Essss