Daughter of Claus: Day XXVIII

Walking in a cold, blowy, and wet wonderland

On the jukebox: Winter Wonderland by Louis Armstrong, Gordon Jenkins and His Orchestra

There is something particularly refreshing about taking a walk during the festive season. I think much relates to how time stretches out during this time, so you can really enjoy the hours spent strolling in what is seldom actually a winter wonderland, but is still delightful nonetheless. I love taking walks, and do so most days (having a dog is excellent for prioritising that amidst general daughter madness and family administration, not to mention the full-time job); but it is especially wonderful having the time to really enjoy a walk at leisure.

I know many people like to enjoy a communal outdoor swim at this time of year, an activity which has grown significantly in popularity in recent times. I’ll leave that to Euan for now, as he has plenty of experience in the swimming bracket - I’ll stick with walking.

Some days are crisp and bright, even without snow, but many are cold, blowy, and wet. On Saturday, we went for a walk at Lowther Castle. Though we dodged the driving rain that descended later, the wind certainly made fingers and noses glow. Of course, these sorts of walks are always made more joyful by the fact that we can also share in Scapa’s sheer delight in running around with us all like a mad thing. She always enjoys walks best when she has her whole pack with her.

Afterwards, we settled down for hot chocolate and sausage butties. There was a woodfire burning in the courtyard, and the smell as we passed mingled with the fresh cut greenery dotted around the marquee (Auri insisted on us drinking in the marquee, as she finds it so much more exciting than inside the restaurant). It seemed like there was a parade worth of spaniels out on their various walks that morning. Elfi, who will demand any food that anyone else is eating, tucked into the bread, and Auri fed her some of her hot chocolate and cream on a spoon. There are some (many!) moments with little children that do not play out as you imagine they will. But there are also these other moments - these many other moments - that you couldn’t have planned, that are just magical, and that you know will remain with you forever.

I would love to hear about your own Christmas folklore and memories. Do any seasonal walks or swims feature in your festive calendar?