For Unto Us

A gift that I made for my mother long ago has returned to me as a quiet reminder of the reason for our Christmas celebrations.

For unto us a child is born,

To us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Till next time...

Christmas peace,

Gail

Santa, Santa Everywhere

Over the years it seems that quite a number of Santa's have gathered at our house. Typically I have grouped them all together on a shelf over my kitchen sink, but this year they are somewhat scattered about.

 

This fella is the only one left there along with a tray I found at World Market this year (sorry for the shadow caused by the cupboard above). And right below hangs a Santa mitten that I found in Omaha at the railway station many years ago. I see he is  missing a few buttons on his beard. I had better do a little repair. I love anything that has buttons on it!

 

 

 

My Santa on the polar bear was a sample that was given out at a showroom when I used to go to Market for The Cottage, and the little egg shaped Santa was one I found at a craft fair along with...

 

 

several of these.  Tall Santa was a gift with purchase at JC Penney's one year, and the cute little fellow with his feet dangling over the edge came tied on a package.

 

 

 Who would ever think of making a wreath out of Santa? He's been with me quite a number of years, ever since I spotted him at Landscape Garden Center.

 

These stacking Santa's have been a favorite of many children throughout the years.

 

And Santa in the Mason jar is new to me this year. For many years he was a part of my mom's Christmas decorations. You can't see the base because I've tucked him in the jar, but it says 1919, which was the year Mom was born, so she thought he was pretty special.

 

 

And finally we come to the Santa mug. He seems to be taking his job very seriously.

 

To me, although he is a mythical character, Santa is a reminder of so many of the good things within us. He is a symbol of the generous, giving spirit that lives in each of us - especially at Christmas!

 

Till next time...

Blessings,

 

Gail

 

A Simple Little Christmas Tree

This year I wanted a simple little Christmas tree to sit in the blank space next to the TV. After looking at Hobby Lobby and Target, I decided on a 3-foot "real" tree from Lowe's. Our last "real" tree was probably back in the 80's. We had listened to needles fall on the packages every time we walked through the room Afraid the whole thing was going to burst into flames at any moment, we quickly carried it out and planted it in a snowbank on Christmas Day evening.

 

So I situated the tree and put a piece of fabric around the base to serve as a tree skirt. It looked good - maybe I should just leave it naked.

 

 

No, it needed just a few lights. That's my favorite thing about Christmas trees...

 

 

Lights by themselves are rather stark, how about red and white ribbon for a bow on top and small bows here and there...

 

 

Some of my Snowbabies ornaments would add a little whimsy...

 

 

Then there's that red bead garland that I bought for another project and didn't use...

 

 

There, now I'm done. I think. My simple little Christmas tree!

 

Till next time...

Christmas Blessings,

 

Gail

 

 

 

 

 



Something Old & Something New

I pulled the storage tote out from under the bed, took it out and gave it a shake. The red and white 'Tree of Life" quilt was a wedding gift to my mother-in-law and father-in-law in 1941, and even though I've had it for quite some time I'm sad to say that I have never used it before. It is the perfect Christmas quilt!

For so many years I used red very sparingly in my Christmas decorating because the other colors in our home really didn't play nice with red.  You will see as I share our Christmas home over the next few weeks, red plays a dominate roll. And I love it.

And here is my something "new" for this year. I thought this little red Volkswagen with the tree on top was so cute. I ordered it online from society6.com They have quite a few pillow covers at reasonable prices..

Because I enjoy looking at other homes and gleaning ideas from them, I am taking you on a 'walk' through our home this Christmas season. There is no intention of boastfulness or attitude of "look what I did." I simply hope that you will enjoy, and perhaps it will spark an idea or two. It's always fun to share ideas - I would love to 'walk' through your home too!

Happy Christmas decorating!

Until next time...

Blessings,

Gail