When I entered the shop, I just saw it - the moment, the hour, the day, the place where time would stop, when the world would be quite, and they would just stand there by the Christmas tree and decorate it. Somewhere Band Aid would be singing "Do they know it’s Christmas time again?" followed by Wham’s "Last Christmas" and “Jingle Bells” by Diana Krall. It would be the moment that I cherish so, so much. There would be something baked, Christmas lights would sparkle and shine, and the girls would laugh and goof around, while I try to calm them down. Most probably, I would have a glass of champagne or maybe mulled wine or in the worst case scenario, just hot chocolate (ha ha) and nibble on something sweet. It would be, once again, that day and that time of the year when I am just a bit happier than usual.

"But what should I make?" popped into my mind. Maybe mince pies, maybe gingerbread, maybe pain d'epis or some trifle? Or should I make speculoos cookies and some vanilla moons? I had so many ideas but none of them suited this day and time. And then it just came to me: beef and stilton pie to take care of lunch time starvation pangs, orange and almond cake to go with coffee (if there were some), and some cardamom and tonka bean palmiers for something different. I was happy. I was sure that all of these great things would match the lace on my sweater, the dress that Paula was dying to wear, and my slippers – all cosy and warm. So I did – I made everything. I sat down (for a moment), and then I took the camera – I had to capture this moment and every moment, because there is no greater joy than to relive the moment once again some time later.

And they just did their thing – they laughed, they played, they decorated and they talked quietly about the magic of the moment and planning Christmas Day. And although we lived this moment for a short time, mostly to inspire you with these pictures, we enjoyed every minute. From start to end (that was after I turned off the camera and they sat by the fireplace to finish the pies and cake saying: “That was the best lunch ever, because everything you make, mommy, just tastes so good.”

Inspired by Lindex Kids Christmas collection
Location: Fon Stricka Villa, Riga (a place where magic happens)
Christmas tree delivery by www.eglupiegade.lv
Style, idea and recipes: Signe Meirane
Camera: Sony Alpha 7s