The Better Half and I don’t exchange Christmas gifts, and some people think we are a bit Scroogish. That’s so not the case. I love this time of year and I try to soak in as much holiday cheer as possible. For me, this time of year is about spending time with my loved ones.
Last week we made a whirlwind trip to Brussels to visit their Christmas market. We went with two friends and we didn’t have a lot of time there, less than five hours. But I tried to pack in as much as possible, including beer, sausage, a waffle with chocolate sauce, and wandering through the market. This was my first foray into Belgium and I really hope it’s not my last.
And of course we’ve been to the Christmas market in London. Each year, Hyde Park hosts Winter Wonderland and so far we’ve been lucky enough to visit twice. Another visit may be on the horizon very soon.
I’m not the only one who loves this time of year. Here are some holiday scenes around London. Two of the photos were taken on Oxford Street, one of the main shopping areas in the city. I snapped a photo in St. Bart’s before the Nine Lessons and Carols. And one night, I pub I was in was invaded by Santas. At first I thought I had too many beers. Turns out the Santa race has just finished.
Even the pubs are feeling festive. We spotted this skinny pub, I think it’s called the Coach and Horses, on the way home the other night and I had to pop in. It was packed inside, but it wasn’t my first beer of the night and I had that warm feeling and braved a half pint outside.
I would like to wish all of you happy holidays! And before I go, here’s a photo of Miles. Even he loves this time of year!
See ya in 2015 folks!
50 Year Project 
Thank you dear TBM, have a nice and enjoyable time. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Kisses for Miles 🙂 Love, nia
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas. Your post was great! Sending hugs from Spain.
seasons greetings to you and TBH, I hope you have a fabulous time
Wow! You are really fitting in a lot. Thank you for sharing such beautiful photos. “The spirit made me do it” rather than “the devil” is certainly better this time of year.
You should never apologize for too much Christmas cheer. There is no such thing :). I really enjoyed this post, and I wish I had been with you to visit the Christmas markets. They look amazing! And I loveeeeeee Miles’ Santa outfit. He looks adorable.
Nothing wrong with no presents. It is spending time PLUS more money for travel 🙂 Love the Miles photo!
Love the Christmas market pics. We don’t really have anything comparable in our area of the States and that’s sad, because I like the idea of walking around outdoors on a chill winter day shopping at vendors.
Christmas cheer is a wonderful thing, embrace it proudly!!! 🙂
Wonderful Christmas cheers from across the pond … and gotta love a festive Miles! Bestivus of holiday wishes to you and the better half. … and if you get a chance, holiday gift bags are still available. 😉 https://afrankangle.wordpress.com/2014/12/13/on-the-2014-gift-basket-party/
I think I’d be happy with a trip to a foreign holiday market in lieu of a wrapped package under a tree. lol I love these photos! And with Santa Miles? Looks like y’all are having a fine holiday! 🙂
Merry Christmas TBM!
I love the pic of the santas with the giant banana and the pink flamingo! And seeing Miles is always a treat. Happy Holidays!
so glad someone has lots of Christmas Spirit–and her little dog too.–wishing you a very Merry Christmas TBM and thanks for the cheering up–I will have a beer and toast you over the holidays!
Thanks for the tour of Xmas across the pond. It looks festive but not as insane as over here where some people plaster their homes with so many lights, they can be seen glowing from space. Miles looks adorable in his Santa suit! I guess Att hissed, “No way,” to donning elf apparel.
Happy holidays to you and TBH!
Goodness you must be all marketed up! Have a lovely Christmas 🙂
Winter Christmas markets look so much more festive than any down here in the southern hemisphere. It’s 23 degrees here and I’m about to go out to the market and buy cherries and stone fruit! Just not the same is it! Have a great Christmas 🙂
Aw, Miles 😉
Belgium has great food. Almost makes me want to move there…
You do not need to exchange gifts with your partner when you show love to one another the whole year. And what a gift it is to enjoy special moments with one another especially at Christmas. Looks like you are all having a fun time – including Miles 🙂
Duuuuuuuude I’m loving the Christmas spirit you here. Those pics are very cool, especially Miles. And any time a pub gets in the spirit is always good. Thanks for posting the pics.
Personally, I think there is no such thing as TOO much Christmas cheer! And I especially love that Winter Wonderland – that looks like so much fun. Loved going on a little holiday tour with all your pics! Keep smiling Miles! 🙂 Merry Christmas to you.
I’d love to visit Belgium (especially Bruges), so your photos really got me thinking!
It’s funny that you mentioned the Coach and Horses because that was the name of the pub in the book I recently finished, Last Orders by Graham Swift. The name is a running joke in the novel and is the location for some important plot events. Wonder if the author frequented the real-life pub.
Santa Miles looks very dapper. I tried to put reindeer ears on Reggie once, but it was a no-go. 🙂
Ha, Miles looks great! The only time I dressed up Rocky was when I put him in a Santa suit. 🙂
Hope the holidays are wonderful for you both. xx
You have been having fun ! Splendid pictures and certainly full of festive cheer 🙂
Happy Christmas to you and yours TBM . Doesn’t Miles look a picture !
It all looks wonderful! We’re off to WInter Wonderland with some of Big Man’s family later this month, looking forward to it. Wishing you, TBH and Miles and Atticus a very Happy Christmas!
It all looks so very festive. I hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas. Tell Miles I think he looks especially handsome in that Santa suit.
This time of year is never about exchanging gifts (all the retailers are scandalized) but about enjoying the company of loved ones. Happy holidays, Feliz Navidad, and a very Merry Merry to you and yours TB!
Miles looks quite happy and ready to go out and play.
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Miles should be Santa’s replacement! Yes. Oh yes!
Looks like you are having a fantastic holiday season! 🙂
I always like looking at the pictures on your blog. They make me wish I was there, too.
Christmas is about spending time with loved ones (and eating good food); everything else is just a bonus. 🙂
I hope you have a great time this year, wherever your travels take you.
Kisses to Miles (although he looks a bit scary in this photo). Maybe a quick pat on the head?
Hope you had a great Christmas and Happy 2015!
Merry Christmas and Happy new year T.B 🙂
Miles looks so happy there.