…..he has settled down right next to the fireplace with a sackful of presents and I couldn’t be more pleased.

I had every intention of hiding him in the loft for a few weeks amongst the tidal wave of Christmas decorations that increases year on year (and which are threatening to grow into a tsunami), but I just couldn’t do it.

So here he stays.

Isn’t he fabulous?

There was a huge sign screaming “2ft Santa – Half Price!” at me.  I tried to ignore the voices in my head whispering “Buy me, buy me,” but resistance was futile and he insisted on coming home with me.

What a handsome chap he is though, just look at his charming little face;

I love the pine cone detail on his woolen boots which are tied up with string;

He carries a little hessian sack over one shoulder filled with miniature goodies….

….and clasps a teddy bear in a mittened hand on the other side.

He even carries a tiny lantern!

Yes, it’s fair to say that I am pleased with my purchase – in fact they had several different styles and I’m tempted to go back and emancipate another…..

Talking of emancipation – I re-homed some unloved charity shop items as well today.

These cute paper punches were a pound each, but the Christmas ones are in danger of going blunt with the amount of use I anticipate them getting.

This B-E-A-Utiful scarf was being virtually given away at £2.75; it’s a huge 2 1/2 yards long! I’m considering cutting it up to make a shorter scarf AND a pair of fingerless gloves.

The label has been removed, but it looks like something Laura Ashley or Monsoon would sell; each end is bound with a strip of lilac velvet and it’s very good quality.

I treated myself to some pretty socks from a shop just over the border in Dorset. I love the cotton lace top to them and couldn’t decide which colour I liked best so I bought one of each. Well, why not?

I haven’t got the hang of the circular needles yet, so am still yet to master the art of sock making. When I do finally conquer it, guess what everyone will be getting for that Christmas?!