herbologist's journal

I love the holidays. Not only because we get a wee bit of extra time off to relax and spend with our families, but also because I don't have to feel guilty taking receiving presents from fans!

So far, my room is filled with chocolate, I've gotten a few fruit cakes (which are going to my Great Aunt who loves them. Ick.), and loads of cards.

However, some have sent some really cool things. One fan knitted me a scarf in Puddlemere colors, and another sent me gift certificates to a bunch of different muggle restaurants.

Oh, and a kitten. But I took him to a shelter because I started sneezing the moment I picked it up. Apparently I'm allergic to cats?

Sorry about the constant owl pecking, Penny. I don't know how they get my address. But the moment I get something dead in the mail, we're moving. Want some chocolate?

[Warded from the press to save his own arse]
And seriously, Ron Weasley couldn't hurt a fly if he tried. No offense, if you're reading this. I'm behind you mate.

WARDED TO HUFFLEPUFFS & THE DA

If any of you don't have anywhere to go for Christmas, you all are welcome to spend it with my family in Portsmouth. We're not going anything particularly elaborate, but we do have a nice dinner and sit around listening to the wireless in the sitting room for a while before going off to do whatever. It's all fairly low-key and everyone is welcome. I think Thomas and Andrew have a school friend coming as well.

It's only 11 days until Christmas and I think I have all of my gifts sorted out. I'm glad that I decided to decorate. It's really lovely to walk up to the house and see all of the lights and the tree through my front windows. It's quieter now that I'm not spending my holidays with the twins, and that's good and bad, but the decorations certainly help.

I've been playing the wireless station which only plays holiday music during December at all hours to remind myself to stay cheerful when the lights and tree and stockings just aren't cutting it.

I've decided to decorate the house after all. Mum owled me saying that she started putting up some of their decorations and then I realized how empty and lonely the house would look without fairy lights and a tree. I know it's a little silly, but it's a part of what makes Christmas...well, Christmas. Maybe a tree and some lights will help me feel less alone. Now THAT sounds silly.

It would also give me a place to put the presents I have for Mum, Dad, Andrew and Thomas. I've had their gifts for ages, but I'm so behind when it comes to everyone else. Wednesday is my day off. Maybe I should go out for decorations and gift shopping then.