"The frost has begun to settle on the ground. It makes walking with horse fun!  His hooves crunch the frosty grass beneath him.  I hope he doesn't feel the cold too much. I certainly do.  My hands are near enough frozen but I do love warming my hands upon a mug of hot chocolate.  I read somewhere that in the 16th century, it was common for chilies to be added. I much prefer a spoonful of sugar."

Visit A Girl For All Time's Youtube channel where you can see how to keep Lydia's hands warm this winter with a craft tutorial.  

I did not realize that Christmas used to be illegal here in Boston! How very strange it is to hear such things, but until 1681 you could be fined as much as five shillings for showing one’s holiday spirit. Even now it isn’t even a holiday here and people seem intent on continuing their work – although my parents will no longer be fined if they wish to mark the day in some way, thank goodness!

We do at least have a new Christmas hymn to sing at Church called Hymn on the Nativity, which has been written by a fellow Englishman, and will remind me of the carols we used to sing in Bristol..