Advent walk 3: To the carol service

A bit of a cop-out, this one, but despite my best intentions, Christmas has crept up on me all of a sudden and all plans for a reflective advent went out of the window and in came cake and pudding making, present wrapping, card posting and general planning for the long trek south.  But Wednesday evening was our carol service and so I set out to walk to church.  It's a short but familiar stretch now made special by a row of houses who seem to be in competition as to who can fit the largest tree in the bay window.  Lights twinkle from said trees in all colours.  Lights and garlands adorn the doorframes.  Cards and ornaments (a colour changing Santa!) deck windowsills.  Everything is festive and bright.  And believe me, with all that is going on at work Christmas cheer is in very short supply - no reindeer antlers and flashing earrings this year, no secret santa.  Grateful to the householders who has taken all this trouble, I walked on to Westoe Fountain where the council have once again decorated the trees.  My friend was waiting for me and together we headed down Westoe Road to St Michaels church.  Inside it was subtly lit with candles and tealights and a Christmas tree.  In the calm surroundings we enjoyed singing the familiar carols, listening to the choir, and munching festive shortbread afterwards.  I made my way home again past the glittering lights and felt that maybe Christmas had begun.