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To say life is overwhelming is not only an understatement, but also a given at this time of year.

Thank you for reading this little blog, and all your comments and support throughout the last 12 months. Have a happy and safe Christmas, relaxing break and rad celebration to bring in the new year.

See you on the other side,
Rummey Bears. xxx

PS. Bah Humbug

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Thanks for all the comments about my cards, the feeling is not one hundred percent Christmassy yet, but a solid step closer to fifty, at least. I loved what Umi wrote, that in her family they remember that at this time a little boy was born with the intention of spreading peace and goodwill throughout the world – something they try to mirror in their own family. Whilst I'm not suggesting ours will be a present free celebration – I love presents – for me the act of giving at this time of year is diluted by the number of recipients. It made PB and I talk about doing rather than just buying for people. Coincidentally this suits us quite well at the moment as our pennies are meticulously counted. (Hello budget – hi fives PB!)

Last week I received an email from a lovely chap from the Australian Red Cross, about a campaign they are running for The Perfect Gift – a blood donation on someone's behalf. Would I spread the word on my blog? Yes I would. For all the emails asking me to promote products I have no interest in – every now and again something worthwile comes along. Like this:

Every donation can save three lives.

Every donation is valuable because 1 in 3 Australians will need blood, yet only 1 in 30 donates.

The need for blood is constant and all blood components have a limited shelf life, which is why donations are needed every day. Blood and blood treatments are delivered to hospitals around Australia 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – even on Christmas Day.

Australia needs over 26,000 blood donations every week to save lives and to meet the need of patients.

Donations made in December could help patients recover to be home for Christmas or the New Year. 

Visit here to find out more information and if you are eligible.

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Despite my Bah Humbug Christmas attitude I spent a long time last night making cards – until my 50-pack of googly eyes was empty. Perhaps card making could be the first tradition in our household. It'll be fun when BB is big enough to contribute.

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This evening I embark on making cards: an attempt to instill some Christmas cheer. I must have missed out on the festive gene, hatred is perhaps too strong a word but one that springs to mind when the so called Silly Season rolls around.

Christmas as a parent is different. Whilst BB is still to little to understand it has me thinking about the future, and how to turn this plastic-fantastic month of spending into one containing humble values and traditions.

I asked PB if we should get a tree but he said no, let's wait until she's older. We'll spend Christmas with my parents and bask in the glory of their tree for now – a superb coruscating mess, as it has always been. One year my dad adorned the tree with bulbs of grapes that were programmed to flash to different tinny carols. Perhaps this has cemented my belief that when decorating a Christmas tree the crapper the better. Clearly the same approach I am taking with my cards.

PS. I must admit have a strong appreciation for people that go all out. (Hi Alenka!) I actually think it's pretty rad, just not for me.

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A belated 9 month portrait of BB, with the newest addition to our household – Sad Joe. (Thanks Jill!)

I found this dress at an Op Shop for $2. It's from the 50's and appears unworn, or if so only for short photo sessions like this one. A laborious task was getting her into it and then keeping her still. In the end it was safer not to attempt the portrait in the rocker but beside it.

Standing, and thoroughly enjoying it.