Christmas in Bluebell Oaks

Christmas is just around the corner! Everyone in the village is getting ready for this special day and the village square is bustling with residents doing their Christmas shopping. The shops are at their absolute busiest. Here is a quick peek into the village square:

The Village Store (supermarket) and Toyshop are bustling with shoppers.

The owner of the Village Store is Cedric Walnut. He is a cheerful, kind sort who enjoys chatting with his customers and he likes to really get into the Christmas spirit.

"Good morning Scott!" Cedric greeted his friend. "Picking up some champagne for a Christmas toast?"
"Yes, my brother's coming round for Christmas dinner and I think it's always good to have a bottle of champagne on hand for celebrations." Scott said.
"Of course!" Cedric agreed, "Well enjoy yourself! Merry Christmas!"
"Thanks Cedric! You too!"

The next customer was Adelaide Springer and her baby son Joey. " Got any plans for Christmas, Adelaide?" Cedric asked as he checked out her items.
" Bruce and I have invited the Outbacks over for a barbecue. How about you?" she said with a slight Australian twang. Adelaide, her husband Bruce and her daughter Bindi had moved to Bluebell Oaks six years ago before baby Joey was born, but they still carried a bit of an Australian accent.
Cedric shrugged. " Just relaxing round home with the family."

He pulled a candy cane out from a shelf in the desk and held it out to Joey, who took it shyly. "Say 'thank you Mr Walnut'. " Adelaide was trying to teach her baby good manners from a young age.

Cedric's wife Yardley also assists him in the store. She is helpful to customers and restocks shelves.

She tried to keep out of the way of villagers doing their shopping as she stocked the vegetable shelves.

Mr Bramble had somehow let himself be persuaded by his children Abigail and Spike to buy a tub of ice cream. " Aaahh, alright! Just as a treat because it's Christmas!"
"Thanks Dad!"

"You know Mossy, you really are getting too old to ride in the trolley!" Meadow Buckley told her son.

In the Toyshop, Nancy, Wade and Misty Waters were doing some secret shopping for Bucky. "How about this boat?" Misty said, remembering how much her little brother loved any water related thing. "Perfect!" her parents agreed.

"Would you like it wrapped?" Florence Robinson, owner of the Toyshop asked. Nancy nodded.
" Thanks Florence! Bucky will love it!"

At the Village Gift Shop, Grandma Tailbury was browsing over the selection. " I'm looking for something special for my grandchildren, Tinker and Bouncer."
"How about these books?" Flopsy Bobtail offered.

"I'll take them!" Mrs Tailbury was glad to find a present that would be beneficial for their education.

Over at the Sweets Store, Melinda Cakebread's sweet creations seem to be attracting a lot of attention. Melinda has only recently opened her shop and is fairly new to the village. As an eighteen year old, she is currently boarding with the Mayor and his family, and she has real talent in baking and decorating.

Jenny Brightfield seems to have her eye on those cream waffles.

"Come along Jenny." Her mother said quickly. Mrs Brightfield knows that Jenny has a bit of a food craze and can't always be trusted. "Let's look at Miss Cakebread's cake counter instead."

The Popcorn Cart is also very popular. "I'll take a choc-banana please." said Ralph Walnut.

Friends Amber Robinson and Saffron Walnut were already enjoying some popcorn together.

At Savannah Trunk's shoe shop, Lily and Rose Whiskers were shopping for a gift for their mother. "I think those white sandals would be nice." Rose pointed out.
"Yes, we'll take the white sandals." Lily actually agreed with her twin sister for once.

Across the square, Mayor Charcoal Whiskers was in discussion with Mrs Cottontail, who runs the flower stall with her husband.
"I'm looking for some pretty flowers for Freesia." The mayor said.
"What about this bouquet of tulips." Sorrel offered. "They were picked this morning."
Mr Whiskers was delighted. "Splendid! Tulips are her favourite flower!"

Speaking of flowers, Hugo Trunk looks like he is on a mission. No doubt that pink rose is for his wife Savannah.

Tabitha Catwood and Eleanor Bramble have stopped for a chat.

Laurel Hawthorn spotted her best friend Nellie Trunk heading across the square. "Nell, over here!"

Many of the villagers have come to admire the new village Christmas tree. It even lights up!

A seesaw keeps the babies entertained while their parents shop. Poppy Fenton and Cheddar Buttercup are best friends.

Poppy and Cheddar would have to be a couple of the cutest babies I have. Aren't they just adorable?

In the midst of the business, Betty Blackberry was there handing out smoothies and juices to the thirsty villagers. "Phew!" Beatrix Spotter said to Betty, "Summer is kicking in! It's really starting to get hot here!" (I live in the Southern Hemisphere, in case you're wondering)

Next to Betty's stall was her husband Bob's fruit stall.

Unfortunately, while Bob's back was turned serving his customers, his cart horse Blacksocks had taken a swipe at Sorrel Cottontail's flowers and had come away with a mouthful of pansy!

"Don't worry." Sorrel assured Bob when he apologised,"They won't be poisonous to him."
"Really Blacksocks!" Bob scolded his horse, "I thought you knew better! That was very rude!"
He led Blacksocks round to the other side of the cart, away from the temptations of the flower stall.

Everyone is very busy, but busiest of all is Billy Brightfield, the village postman. He is flat out delivering parcels, letters and Christmas cards.

"Now let's see...who's next...

Merry Christmas!