Joy to the World!

 Merry Christmas! 

May you and your family experience love and peace as we celebrate Jesus' birthday.

Joy to the world! The Lord is come!

O, Christmas Tree!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
How are thy leaves so verdant!
Not only in the summertime,
But even in winter is thy prime.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
How are thy leaves so verdant!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Much pleasure dost thou bring me!
For ev'ry year the Christmas tree,
Brings to us all both joy and glee.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Much pleasure dost thou bring me!

 

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,

How lovely are thy branches!

Not only green when summer's here

But in the coldest time of year.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,

How lovely are thy branches!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,

How sturdy God hath made thee!

Thou bidd'st us all place faithfully

Our trust in God, unchangingly!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,

How sturdy God hath made thee!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,

Thy candles shine out brightly!

Each bough doth hold its tiny light,

That makes each toy to sparkle bright.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,

Thy candles shine out brightly!

O, Christmas Tree is a familiar carol from the 1800s. These lyrics which I included with some of our nighttime tree pictures, were written in 1913 as a different version. 🎄

Barking Around the Christmas Tree!

Although we will have a few more posts this week, the ladies wanted to take this opportunity to send you love and wishes for a furry and bright Christmas!

Tuesday Tablescape

Happy winter solstice! Today's tablescape is what I have had set in the dining room on display. 

The holly china was a gift from my parents the second year I was married. I love the pattern and versatility and have used them countless times over the years! The sprigs of holly in the centerpiece (made by a friend) work well with the table.

It seems especially appropriate that something they gifted me is featured today because it's my parents' wedding anniversary. They enjoyed 62 years together before my dad passed away. 

Tucked in the corner is our little golden tree which is decorated with my maternal grandparents' ornaments. 

The antique hutch is also ready for Christmas.

This gorgeous della robbia wreath hanging on the mirror of the hutch belonged to my paternal grandmother, who received it from my family when I was a young girl. 

Vintage candles from my childhood and some very special china pieces fit perfectly on the shelves.

I hope your first official day of winter was 

a holly jolly one!

Christmas in the Solarium

Not a lot changed in the solarium since autumn. You may recall a post in November when I highlighted my botanical tree adorned in dried wildflowers, plants, grasses and leaves. (If you missed it, you can click here.) 

Since we enjoy the tree so much as it was, I did not change anything on it over Thanksgiving weekend while decorating for the Christmas season. Originally, I had intended to add small mercury acorn ornaments that I have because I thought a bit of "glitz" would dress up the pine. In the end, though, I decided to leave it just as it is. I switched out the autumn pillow and throw and replaced it with a sherpa throw.

The fireplace needed a refresh, so I added a primitive Santa whom I placed on a wooden slab and garnished with pine, pinecones and tiny bits of dried flowers and preserved leaves.

I coupled it with my rattan lantern with a battery-operated candle.

The solarium corner is set up for a bit of Christmas reading...if you have the time. 😉

How are your Christmas preparations coming along? 

 

HO HO HO!

As a continuation of yesterday's post, I have a few more Santas to share. These are on display on a shelf in the kitchen.

My dad made me the blocks about 30 years ago and I love using them each year. Of course, they are even more precious to me since his passing. 

A miniature pine tree that I placed in an antique crock adds a bit of height and texture to the shelf.

The Santas in this trio have all been around for a long time. The first and third were acquired while I was growing up and, in fact, the latter was given to me by my great grandma when I was a toddler (and that was long ago!). Santa in the center was also a gift. I love his beard!

These three on the other end of the shelf, add some interest due to the various materials from which they are constructed---clay, paper mâché and rough wood.

Around the corner on the butler's pantry, is one of my Jim Shore Santas. You will see the other when I blog about the solarium next week. I have always enjoyed the colors and details of this one which was a Christmas gift from my parents many years ago.

I hope your weekend brings a HO HO HO 

bunch of enjoyment!

 

Santas in the Kitchen

How is it possible that Christmas Day is only nine days away? Ever since December 1st, I have intended to show some of my Santas which are on display in the kitchen.

A little alpine tree tucked next to the antique marble-top chest in the kitchen hosts multiple Old Saint Nicks hanging from its branches. Most of the ornaments were gifts from friends over the years and families when I was teaching; that makes them treasured pieces. I will show just a few.

Woodland Santa is a Fitz and Floyd and was a gift from a friend.

Several years ago, my parents gave me this Santa and his sleigh. I love that it is made to replicate a 1940s style.

This platter is also a Fitz and Floyd and was a thrift store find. 

It's always fun to display our Santa Paws cookie jar!

This vignette highlights several vintage pieces. The Santa mugs, egg nog bottle (from a local dairy), the candle holder and scales are all old.

On the planning center, Santa is ready to bake some Christmas cookies! The cookbook is from my childhood and has been referenced many times during seasonal baking times! The springerle rolling pin was a wedding shower gift to my mother and she has given it to me, knowing that I enjoy such items. My grandma gave me the traditional rolling pin when I got married and I do use it.

The cookie cutters belonged to my paternal grandmother.

It's getting late and at the risk of boring you, I will continue with additional Santas tomorrow. Until then... Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! 

Happy December!

How is it possible that it's the first day of December? The day after Thanksgiving, we decorated the outside of our home for the Christmas season. Wreaths are on the windows, candles are in the windowsills and...

greenery is in place. 

I had spray painted some thin branches silver last fall in preparation for this use. Those, fresh pine boughs, fresh holly sprigs and magnolia pods completed the planter.

The inside is also being decorated for this wonderful season! How are your preparations going?