Christmas JOY!

As a child I fondly remember Christmas as a time being spent with family and welcoming friends. I’m one of seven children, so there was an abundance of fun and activity growing up in my household. Funny, but we didn’t seem large at the time, because there was a family of twelve children across the street. Since that was my frame of reference in comparison we seemed rather small!
Growing up I felt blessed, because I had the love of family and a beautiful house to call home. My parents made all the holidays wonderful, but Christmas was the pièce de résistance. Living in Colorado meant ice skating, sledding and skiing chased with a crackling fire and hot chocolate.
I lived in a close knit neighborhood with many children and knew most everyone around. Christmas Eve was special, and made even more so, because of the kindness of a generous neighbor Mr. Rapp, the father of twelve. For many years he dressed up in a magnificent Santa suit, accompanied by some of his children costumed as elves. They had the tradition of visiting each home on our block with children. This was a much anticipated event, and the little ones anxiously watched for Santa’s arrival with their noses pressed against their front windows. Santa and his entourage came with much pomp and circumstance. He played the part perfectly with a hearty Ho, Ho, Ho, and silver bells jangling. He brought with him two large impressive leather bound black books. One was a “Good Book” and the other a “Bad Book”. After a lighthearted review of whether we ate our vegetables and did our homework we were allowed to record our name in the “Good Book” for prosperity's sake!

"Bloom Where You're Planted"

Mary Engelbriet

Over the years I've lived many places and adopted this philosophy as a way of life!

Let there be SNOW!

There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child. ~Erma Bombeck

Window box filled with a bit of seasonal fluff!

Faux poinsettias were tucked into a bed of evergreen boughs. I live in the "Land Of Four Seasons", so what is placed outside must be sturdy and hold up against the winter elements.

All Christmas trees are perfect!

In my light and bright family room I used silver and gold metallic touches through out.

Easy Tree Skirt tip: I used a piece of metalic gold fabric. I first laid a quilt down to create a bit of loft then draped the fabric over it, and folded under the ends.

An easy topper!


Angels and Feathers

Silver and Gold Glitz

May peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!

At Christmas, all roads lead home.
Marjorie Holmes

There are no strangers on Christmas Eve.

You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town

Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.
Charles Schulz

And So This Is Christmas;

And What Have We Done?

Another Year Over;

A New One Just Begun;

And So Happy Christmas;

I Hope You Have Fun;

The Near And The Dear Ones;

The Old And The Young.

John Lennon

Have yourself a cozy little Christmas!

"In winter a friend is like a mistletoe hanging above the doorway, offering the blessings of peace, love and welcome."

Family and Friends are the true presents of Christmas!

I'm a Party Animal! Posted at:

Rhoda's @ Southern Hospitality, Melissa's @ The Inspired Room, Julia's @ Hooked On Houses , Kimba's @ A Soft Place To land , Cheri @ Its So Very Cheri , Donna @ Funky Junk