“The way you spend Christmas is far more important than how much.” – Henry David Thoreau
Together with the kids, we’ve decided to do something fun while waiting for midnight and the opening of the gifts. We decorated the Gingerbread House (Pepparkaka Hus) we bought at Ikea a couple of weeks ago. I am sure it would have been so much fun making one from scratch.
Plain Gingerbread House.
We used caramel syrup to glue the pieces together and everyone pitched in with the decorations.
Gingerbread House Decorated.Gingerbread House Decorated.
Merry Christmas!
“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.” – Roy L. Smith
This year I decided to keep the Christmas Tree decorating simple which meant no ribbons, bows, flowers, beaded garland and no train set up around the tree. I selected just a few of the ornaments and we randomly hung them, placing the vintage Angel Tree Topper at the top of our White Christmas Tree.
Christmas Tree, 2013.
I used two different wrapping papers for the gifts as well as tags, to ensure that we each open what belongs to us. I have learned the hard way that my daughter dislike people opening gifts for her (unless she ask for help). I have my Christmas wrapping all set up and now looking forward to watching the joy of my kids faces when they discover what are in those carefully wrapped boxes.
In addition to the large elegant Wreath on the front door, there’s a weather-resistant Winter Garden Flag outside our front door to give our visitors an initial warm welcome.
Winter Garden Flag.
May your hearts be filled with the Spirit of Christmas.
In June we received a nicely wrapped gift bag from our oldest neighbor across the street, who stopped by to help us cut down the Pine Tree in our backyard. We had so much going on at the time that I grabbed the bag and set it somewhere in the garage. A couple of weeks later I opened it to see its contents and found a gorgeous set of Vintage Snoring Santa and a matching Vintage Santa Door Hanger, both battery operated (uses three “AA”). Also in the gift bag was a Water Globe Box with interchangeable top.
The first is the Santa Claus Wall/Door Hanger and plays ‘Jingle Bells’ when the sensor detects a presence and wishes a Merry Christmas to the Guest at the end of the song. It has a loop on the back for hanging and requires two “AA” batteries to operate.
Vintage Musical Santa Face Door Hanger.
The second is Santa sound asleep in his bed. He snores and his belly moved up and down for approximately 20 seconds.
The third is the Kirkland Signature Water Globe Box. I love its interchangeable top which allows me to pick one of the two options. You can choose to either display Santa in the Globe or the Bird by the Chimney Flue.
Kirkland Signature Water Globe Box.
Mrs. Santa Claus is made of felt with styrofoam head, plastic boots, felt clothing and cloth apron.
Vintage Mrs Santa Claus.
A couple of weeks ago I found the gorgeous Vintage Jewelbrite Star Angel Unbreakable Christmas Tree Topper at the Estate Liquidators. It will look lovely at the top of our White Christmas Tree.
I love Thanksgiving as it is one of my favorite holidays. I love the joyful gatherings, food preparation, sweet sounds of laughter echoing throughout the House, listening to everyone take turns expressing their gratitude and even the clean up after the party. Thanksgiving is usually the time I reunite with people I haven’t seen in a long time, since most of us gather once a year, either during Thanksgiving or Christmas because we are many miles across the country from each other. I cherish the memories of Thanksgiving and carry them throughout the year.
Like every single day of my life, there is so much to be Thankful for: Life – Health – Peace – Joy – Family – Friends – Love and so much more. One more thing I wish for this year is having my Mother, whom I love so much, here with me. I want to see her and not just talk to her on a daily basis as we have become accustomed to. The same goes for my beloved Father. I want to express my gratitude for all she has done and sacrificed for me. I want to take care of her, celebrate her life and give back anyway I possibly can.
Seasoned Turkey (Herbs and Spices).Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey.
This year, my husband will be roasting a Turkey and I am sure it will be as delicious as the one he did the previous year. My husband will be off for four days and my Son will be having a whole week off. We could even travel somewhere if time permits; sightseeing, exploring, visiting family and friends. Maybe we could forget about sightseeing and volunteer somewhere; brighten someone’s day and give to the less fortunate.
I am thankful for fond memories. Nothing is perfect in the World, but what I have is sufficient for me to thrive and give back. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and which I have carried with me on my way through Life. My prayers go out to the families of those who have lost so much, that they may find peace, comfort and strength in God’s faithfulness. I pray they may also find compassion and kindness in mankind.
“Be present at our table, Lord. Be here and everywhere adored. Thy creatures bless and grant that we may feast in paradise with Thee.” – John Cennick
Wishing you all a safe and blessed Thanksgiving with loved ones wherever you are.
I awoke this morning for the first time (in what seems to be a very long time) feeling light.
After dropping my son to school and returned home to a daughter and husband still asleep, I decided to go to the backyard, check on my plants and have a moment. I didn’t try to understand or analyze the dream I had last night. I was free. I was set free. I felt free. I could feel the positive energy radiate around and within me.
At some point I felt like I was being watched. As I turned around, I saw a White Homing Pigeon or Dove perhaps staring back at me. The bird was on top of the roof of the backyard workshop and garage. For the next twenty minutes, I took pictures and a video. The bird stood still watching me watching it. I went back in, got my daughter ready for the day, called my Mom and went back out to find the bird on the same spot. As I began sharing my dream with my Mom and got towards the middle, I saw the bird coming towards me and then flying away.
White Homing Pigeon/Dove on the roof.
I am so grateful for all the information I absorbed these past days and for the knowledge I acquired in the process. In the midst of uncertainty and chaos, I was blessed with a moment of clarity.
“It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done.” – Vincent van Gogh
By JM Perez
