Christmas Farewells

How I hate to say good-bye to Christmas!  I love all the peace and goodwill, presents to wrap, vibrant colors and twinkle lights.
I love waking up early and curling up on the sofa while I listen to Christmas music and watch the lights on the tree.  Our tree is tall and narrow and fits our space perfectly.  Look out the window and you can see our own winter wonderland across the canyon. .. and in our yard as well.
I love each decoration that hangs on the tree all in jewel tones, satins and velvet with sparkling snowflakes scattered everywhere and fairies peeking out from the branches.

   

Growing up, I loved to decorate the tree.  Mama always used ribbon, not hooks, to tie the Christmas decorations on the tree.  I loved ironing the little ribbons each year so we could hang them up.
Ribbons I use now are much wider and full of sparkles and glittering designs.  My favorite ornaments are shiny with flocked velvety designs.

Did I mention I like sparkle and glitter and all that bling?  I’m still waiting for a chandelier that can be draped all over with jewels and trims.  So I covered the hanging bowl light with a coppery metallic mesh bedecked with glittery jewel centered flowers and leaves.  I LOVE it!
I have a hutch that’s so fun to decorate with the seasons.

     
During the Christmas holidays I fill it with my favorite gingerbread boy dishes.  Sometimes I use my gold rimmed poinsettia dishes after I’ve had the others in for a while.
Lots of nooks and crannies show off my mom’s handiwork.  After she moved from California she started painting ceramics.

She’s always been so creative, and I cherish everything she’s made for me.
I love this little village with the chapel, sweet Shoppe, toy store and houses.
Most of her work is painted and fired, but one of my favorites is her work with pastel chalk.  She used all my favorite colors (she had a hard time giving Mary pink robes instead of blue, though).

I’m leaving you with this reminder:  the reason for season—                      May you have joy, peace and love.