We love our local shops and try to support them whenever we can. One of our seasonal traditions is to go to Rayleigh to pick up a Christmasy box of Essex apples to share over the holidays.

And while we were there, we also stopped in at Byford’s for a handmade pork and stuffing pie for Jeff:

It was Market Day today, so we wandered through, picking up gluten-free pigs-in- blankets from the Giggly Pig (that’s a first, yippee!)

and a locally made, perfect gingerbread man for me.

We shall feast well!