The End of December

And so another Christmas, another year has come and gone.

Let's welcome 2020 and hopefully experience 365 new days.

Merry Christmas!

This may be my last post before Christmas. I hope you have the merriest of Christmases!

Decorating, shopping, school Christmas program, Christmas band concert,
and errands have kept us on the go.

But there's the real meaning of Christmas that gives us hope.

Shiny Brites are so special when you think about how old they are and the past individuals who once displayed them in their homes.

A Hobby Lobby plate that went so well with our placemats. It will be for cookie treats because I only bought one. This snowy wreath also came from HL.  A cutout from a Christmas card is in the middle.

  I gave this teapot to my mother one Christmas. 

 Each Christmas this dough bowl holds large silver ornaments.

Sentimental ornaments with each child's name on the back and the year 1990 

Have a merry and blessed Christmas.

Christmas Joys

It's beginning to look a LOT like Christmas around here. Corkey reminds me it will all have to come down and be put away. That's okay because for days and days it brings me joy, and hopefully others who come for the holidays will find the decorations festive and joyful.

In my fantasy dreams I own an antique shop in a quaint New England town.

Love this Made in China Christmas 1993 ceramic piece.

 This year I've used my old scoops to hold ornaments.

 old bells and ornaments in a small wooden bowl

My first year to try silver, cream, and pink together. I like it!

 Crocks are great at Christmastime because it's so easy to plop a tree in them.

plain little white houses with trees and books

glowing houses 

Shopping Memories

It is great to shop with a close friend who also likes to search for great finds and bargains. We had a memorable day last Wednesday. I'm still reliving the fun time we had.

Love the name of this store.

 We saw all sorts of  decorative items. 

This little wren came home with me.

The first green bottle on the left was a freebie from this second antique shop. Because it had no price tag the owner didn't charge for it. That's the best kind of bargain!

 I liked this barn painting.

Two small purchases at this third store - the white wreath and Merry Christmas sign ornament.

This display with the painted suitcase was at another delightful gift shop.

Our final stop was at a Goodwill store. This jar with the deer lid was too pretty to leave behind. Only five dollars!  

I wanted to do this post to save our wonderful day.

Thanks, Mary, for a splendid day!

Holiday Decorating

Usually before Christmas arrives I will have moved some decorations around several times. Here are a few in place.

To be continued. 

The Big Tree

This year after the Thanksgiving meal there were excellent helpers to bring down the tree from the attic,  to assemble, and to attach lights and some of the movable Hallmark ornaments.

By the way, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Since I forgot to blog around Thanksgiving time,
here is a brief recap.

Two grandkids, Telsey and Garrett, were missed, but we talked to them by phone.

Hopefully Ryan and Lauren will be here Christmas.

 Now back to December and the tree. Hanging the many ornaments is always bittersweet. So many precious memories are connected to them. And yet it is also joyful.

For now a few toys rest under the tree. Christmas packages will come later.

We must remember to cherish each and every day of this wonderful life.

More to come. Stay tuned.