Happy Holiday Happenings

Whew, that was a busy weekend. Thanks to all of you who came to the show. It was fun to meet so many new people.Yesterday was a day for changing gears and getting caught up a little. P and I spent a long time putting ornaments on the tree.  This tree is different from any we have had before. It is one that we grew and has never been trimmed (except maybe nibbled a little by deer). It is very open which is great for allowing the ornaments to dangle but there are also fewer branches for the ornaments so each branch is loaded with a number of decorations. This is one of those times that I can let go of my "less is more" mantra. I think with the tree "more is more" is the way to go!!

More sparkle.

More light.

More memories!

I never used to be a fan of glass ball ornaments but I really love them now. We have collected quite a few vintage shiny brites in the last few years. I love the way they make the tree sparkle even more by reflecting the lights.

This tree makes me very happy. I love the  mix of handmade, vintage, and other new ornaments. There are so many memories hanging from the branches of our tree.

I do wish my mother were here to see it. I think she would appreciate its overloaded branches in all their glory.

We still have the icicles to add but P has requested that I wait until she is home from school to do that.

What is making you happy today?

My Little Angel

P an I were looking through this Christmas book and really liked some of the simple and classic decorations that were described.  We decided to try making the angel shown in the book but to use felt instead of paper. P was able to practice some stitching. She couched the rick rack, did some spectacular beading, learned to stitch X's, and even learned how to make French Knots.

I think they turned out pretty cute. I do wish I could have gotten the face and head on mine to look a bit more like the picture in the book. P really likes her angel because it has such a happy smile.

I hope you have a happy smile on your face today too.

Decking the Halls

Decorating for the Holidays is always a trip down memory lane for me. I love getting out the decorations that we haven't seen since January and recalling the history behind them.

These old favorites always make me smile. The one on the left made by M in third grade and the one on the right made my B with leftover plaster from a home renovation project. I love how they are like family so, different yet still alike.

This girl with the roses around her dress is another favorite. When I was young we had three of them on our dining room table. My sisters and I each had one at our place to admire during meals. We thought they were so very special. I hated to split them up at first but now I am happy that we each have one at our homes.

These deer belonged to my mother. We did not have them when we were young, she thrifted them after we left home. They do remind me of my mother's love of Christmas and her favorite quote from Santa, "It is better to give."

Holiday decorating brings new opportunities for memory making each year. The kids and I enjoy making decorations and I enjoy picking up a few "new" items like these during the year.

Yes, the holidays are a time to remember, share, and pass on the family traditions.