The Country Mice

We departed our cosy snow-dusted island Sunday afternoon for a few hours of steaming hot apple cider, comfortably idle conversation with old friends and cheery neighbourhood carolling in a dressed-for-the season North Vancouver neighbourhood.

Oh here we come a-wassailing

Among the leaves so green…

Surprised neighbours were touched to see the young ones so eagerly taking the Silent out of the Night.

And why not? Every home which opened its doors also opened its Christmas pantry. Ferrero Rocher, gingerbread boys, chocolate caramels, shortbread, fruitcake — kind of a wintry Hallowe’en, what with walking from house to house with bulging cheeks stuffed full with goodies, as Homeboy noted.

Alas, no wassail for the chilly parental units who were thus simply forced to sample the seasonal baking. All that singing used up beaucoup d’energie!

Love and joy come to you

And to you your wassail too

Nothing warmer than a couple of good baritones to heat up the tones of a choir-in-training.

And finally back to the warmth of the indoors and to the cocoa, apple cider and all things tasty and Christmas!