Good morning everyone—this is a let’s talk (somewhat of a holiday edition) and announcing our Giveaway #3!
Over here, we’re trucking along… and I’ll admit this holiday season has been a bit of a mixed bag. Between not being in our permanent home, not having full access to everything, feeling behind in the gift-buying department, and having some people very close to me who are sick (which, of course, weighs heavily on my heart) a good friend’s brother passed away unexpectedly,… I’m doing my best to muster up the energy and find joy wherever I can. But we all know it can be challenging when things aren’t moving as smoothly as we’d like. Of course, the holidays are a poignant reminder of how much I miss my dear mom. Shopping and prepping just never feels quite the same without her here to enjoy it with.
Last night we went out and had such a wonderful time with special friends—an early birthday celebration for me. And yet, I’ll be honest… a part of me almost felt guilty, knowing that people I care about are suffering. I’m sure at some point in your life you can relate to that feeling. I’m extremely sensitive—sometimes to a fault—and I think the holidays can definitely amplify emotions.
I’ve been doing more of my shopping online because it’s just so much easier, but today I’ll be braving the masses and heading into the city. I’m meeting a friend for lunch who’s taking me out for a little birthday celebration… and tomorrow is my actual birthday. Looks like I will be getting a special gift….snow! I love the first snowfall of the season and it’s in the forecast, not sure how much it will affect our plans for the day, so we will see.
As for decorating… I’m getting things done around here, but if I had to “theme” this season, I’d call it the Hodgepodge Christmas. I do love the way the tree came out—I used lots of blue and white ornaments, then added these rusty-toned velvet bows, and there’s something about that combination that I really love. My Christmas photo cards that I started unfortunately are still in the draft box so its probably going to turn into a New Years/post holiday card:) Beyond that, it’s been a bit of a grab bag of whatever I could access… and I happened to find a bunch of red items that actually work beautifully in this home, so I leaned into the darker, very traditional vibe of where we are. And as they say… it is what it is.
Early next week I plan on setting my Christmas dinner table, and then I’m calling it a wrap. I expect a serious gift-wrapping binge will be happening sometime in the next week as everything starts rolling in. If this finds you in the same boat—solidarity.
I’ve also been thinking a lot about traditions. I don’t have a lot of them, but I truly believe it’s never too late to create them… and I want to build one with Philip. He’s a little young to sit and watch a holiday movie with (for now!), but I want to give him a special nutcracker every year. I have a few ideas I’m excited to start implementing as he gets older. And I would love to make Christmas cookies every Christmas Eve with him… and hopefully future grandchildren too.
It’s tricky when everyone is spread out—my sister is in Virginia, her kids are in other states, my father is also in Virginia, and our youngest son has been living in Florida (but we’re hoping to lure him back to New York!). My biggest hope is that we can all be together Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It’s funny… the older you get, the more you revert back to what’s most important. And for me, that’s family. With age comes wisdom, and I am truly my happiest when everyone is here in our little nest—enjoying a cozy dinner, maybe even watching a Christmas movie. Call me a dreamer, but I’ll never give up on valuing what matters most. And this little munchkin has given the holidays a whole new, beautiful meaning!
GIVEAWAY #3
Just leave a comment on this post, telling me how your holiday season is going so far and/or a favorite holiday tradition. I will announce a winner on Tuesday!
Last day to take advantage of our 30% off sale off ALL seasonal collections!
I totally agree with you on the Mixed bag of feelings. Just lost my sweet Mother in October and am feeling somewhat melancholy – but am also totally thankful for what this Season is about. Blessings to you and yours.
As retirees, our holidays are quieter than in years past. I too look forward to being with our sons and their families for Christmas. This week my sister and her husband will also join us as we celebrate Hanukkah. Have a wonderful holiday,Tina, make those memories with little Phillip
Every year I suffer from self induced anxiety over all there is to do. This year with help I am sailing through (thus far) with hardly any. It has been a great release and blessing to actually enjoy the season.
This will be the first year without my mother on Christmas. She would have been 99 on December 20th and we always had a big party for that with our family. Although I know she had a long and wonderful life, it will still be hard and I will miss her this year. We are looking forward to our family being back here for a celebration altogether before Christmas. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Holidays can be difficult when love ones have gone on to heaven. One has to trust and believe that we will see them again. The pierced edging on the bowl makes an exquisite presence. I see it beautifully set on a coffee table. Merry Christmas.
I have decorated cut out Christmas sugar cookies since I was a small child. My youngest sister and I have carried on this special tradition. I’ll be a great grandmother in January. I hope this new great grandson will enjoy them as much as my siblings, daughters, and grandchildren have through the years. This pierced edged bowl is beautiful!
Have been feeling a little overwhelmed with holidays . Happy birthday to you- mine is few days before Christmas and trying to fit everything in – bit exhausting
Holiday traditions very important to me
My husband and I go to nutcracker every holiday season and I enjoy the night out immensely
Also we choose a new ornament together each year that has meaning to us
I did that with our son and one of our Christmas trees- we call the traditional tree is our chosen ornaments and ones with our son
Very fun and nostalgic to reminisce about the memories attached to those ornaments!!!
Thank you for your blogs- I really enjoy them
Have a wonderful birthday and holiday season !
Oh, Tina… I share so many of your nostalgic feelings! My mother and grandmother always made Christmas magical when I was growing up, so I miss them all the more at this time of year. But I find so much joy in seeing how my adult children are carrying on our holiday traditions with their own personal twist! And seeing the pure delight in my grandchildren’s eyes is like frosting on the cake because it brings back all the magic and memories of Christmas past.
Every year right from tiny babies , I read “ ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas “ to my children on Xmas Eve. They then chose one small gift to open.
Now as grown adults we get to read an hilarious Hawaiian version of this story. Amazing how ,no matter what the age , traditions are enjoyed !
Perhaps if Philip’s mum is not reading this story , you as “ Grandma “ could start this tradition ?
Precious picture of darling Philip. He will certainly be the joy and light of your Christmas holidays ! Enjoy !
Love the rust bows with the blue ornaments…… I would not have thought to try that combination!
Merry Christmas !
Merry Christmas, Tina! I also celebrate a December birthday…we traveled earlier in December to see both families. It was perfect to acquaint our little grands to relatives that live away from our home base. It warms my holiday heart to see them play with cousins, aunts, uncles. Then we all decorate gingerbread houses, a 32-year tradition. The weekend was truly magical in the eyes of our littles. Many hugs & smiles all around…our little granddaughter said it was the best holiday ever-she’s 6!!! The joy of the seasoning!
The magic and excitement during the holiday season sure has changed over the years.
When we were young the excitement started when the Sears wish book arrived. We wore that catalog out dreaming of what we would find under the tree Christmas morning.
It seems ages ago that we shared the holiday season with our daughter. It was such fun making cookies, decorating the house and seeing her face light up on Christmas morning.
The magic may look different now, but it hasn’t disappeared—it’s simply settled into memories, relationships, and an appreciation for time spent together.
Happy Christmas to all and may the New Year shine bright for everyone!
I feel frazzled this holiday season. My mom fell and broke her ankle before Thanksgiving. While she is OK, the recovery will be a long one as she is non-weight bearing on that leg for 12 weeks. Her dog has come to live with us. My 12 year old Golden retriever had a stroke last weekend. He is doing remarkably well, but that led to an emotional few days. My college-aged daughter will come home Monday and then my older two will come closer to Christmas. Oh and my husband’s birthday is Monday! I am hoping that things will calm down enough that I can enjoy the rest of the holiday season!
This year is quite different. We are moving Christmas from my house to my daughter’s. It is wonderful to see her excited to do this. The tradition that has become generational is making sand tarts. Everyone is assigned a certain “job” according to their age. The “jobs” of rolling out the dough, cutting the shapes, covering with egg whites, and finally putting on the sprinkles are all assigned, and the fun begins. Watching them work together as a team is my special Christmas present.
Honestly, our holidays are sad as we just lost our beloved family dog. Also, a good friend is very sick. As I get older, I tend to remember past Christmas celebrations, and I miss so many family members who are no longer here. Life goes on, yes, but it is never quite the same.
Happy Birthday! 🎂
I’m 100% with you when it comes to family being the most important part of any celebration. When I’m with my husband, kids and grandkids all is right in the world. 🥰
I can relate to all you are saying, especially feeling heavy- hearted forpeople we care about going through tough times. I pray that they find comfort and hope in better times to come, for they always somehow do.
Merry Christmas Tina! I love the traditional vibe the rust bows have for your tree. It just looks so warm and cozy. Blessings to you and your family. Thank you for all the beautiful photos you share with us.
Laurie
It’s kind of a hodgepodge Christmas around here this year, too, but we will go with the flow! Just nice to have some family around for the season. I love the nutcracker idea! What a fun tradition to start! Might have to copy that when I become a grandma! Have a wonderful holiday season and thanks for your inspirational/aspirational posts!
I like your Christmas tree bows! I wrapped the last gift this morning and I’m done!! I will put together my floral arrangements this weekend, but that brings me so much joy that it is a gift to myself.
We will have a handful of friends over for great conversation, an eggnog and to enjoy our tree and decorations.
As a grandmother of 5 wonderful children, ages 1 to 7, I also feel starting traditions with them is important. I get the families advent calendars they can enjoy together, and I make a “Saran Wrap Ball” that is always fun. Another one is childrens Christmas books, wrapped and piled like a christmas tree that they unwrap everyday leading up to Christmas. We also decorate cookies which they love because they get to eat them!! But whatever you do, cherish the moments because they do fly by fast!
Thank you for your beautiful pictures and stories that continue to inspire me for all of the years that I have followed you! You’re appreciated more than you’ll ever know!
My mother passed away in July so this will be a different Christmas for us. I find myself thinking about “when should we go pick up mom” for the day. These transitions really drive home the importance of our time with family, nothing more special! Love that you want to start traditions with baby Phillip! They will be lasting memories!!!
We also try to take in a musical or cultural performance each year. It can be a live performance of The Nutcracker, The Christmas Carol, The Messiah, Celtic Christmas, or the symphony. It gets us out of the house and we usually pair dinner out with this performance. We try to do it early in the season so we don’t feel overwhelmed. We look forward to these outings.
I was away for the month of November which was a blessing in the sunshine, but now I am far behind where I’d like to be. I am going through the motions to prepare for our family of 17, just not there yet. The pierced compote dish would be a lovely addition to my decor. Happy Birthday!
Love those Red Berry Trees ~ My favorite thing about Christmas from childhood is when all the lights are down and just dreaming while the tree lights up the heart.🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
I love that you want to start traditions with your beloved little Phillip. I did the same thing with my beautiful granddaughter and she absolutely loves it. I bought the “Elf on the shelf “ set for her and it’s become a family affair. Her parents do it daily with her and are very creative with it. When she comes to her grandparents house weekly, they have one too, so she gets to find him there. It’s lots of fun for the entire family.
Suffering the loss of a parent(s) – especially your mom – colors everything. You miss that feeling of unconditional love, happiness and safety. Traditions are never more important because it brings them closer but that sense of loss and missing them terribly is always there, Yet you know that they want you to carry on and think of them with joy. They are always with us.
Christmas is different for me also. We moved a year ago to a new city, We are blessed with 6 grandchildren aged 10-16. I am concentrating on them and looking forward to school Christmas programs and getting together with them for the holidays!!🎁🎁⛄️☃️
I am feeling a little behind in getting everything done, but know it will all happen. Our tradition is new pajamas every Christmas Eve for our sons, now 32 and 28.
Happy Birthday. You share a birthday with my mother who passed away many years ago.
We started a tradition when our 3 sons were little. I would bake tons of cookies and the boys would deliver them to our neighbors. The boys are grown now and have their own families, but I still bake and now my husband delivers the cookies.
You are right that we need to revert back to what is the most important and the family members volunteering for the food bank, Salvation Army or other favorite charity is a wonderful tradition..
You are right that we need to revert back to what is the most important. Family members volunteering for the food bank, Salvation Army or other favorite charity is a wonderful tradition..
You are right that we need to revert back to what is the most important. Family members volunteering for the food bank or another favorite charity is a wonderful tradition..
My home is fully decorated for Christmas, but it looks sad under my tree. Three presents wrapped and that’s it! I try to get lists from my high school and college aged grandchildren before I buy haphazardly. That’s not working. So I guess I’ll give money. It will still be a wonderful Christmas!
Christmas has not changed…it is a time of rejoicing in the birth of Christ. However, our Christmas home is much different this year. We recently moved across the state to live closer to our younger daughter and her family. Decorating our new to us home has been an adventure. Nothing looks “right” after 30+ years in our former home. The only stable placement has been the tree in the front bay window. Everything else has moved around to different placements until I finally stopped myself. Some treasures have found their place while others will try again next year. One special success: my late mother’s fragile papier-mache’ angel now stands on a round table in our sitting room. The low afternoon sun shines through large windows on the rear of the house and illuminates the golden wings on the angel’s back. It never fails to touch my heart.
This holiday has been going well so far. For the very first time, we put up the tree early after Halloween to enjoy. 98% of presents were under the tree by first week of Dec.💙🦋
Christmas used to be a very special day to celebrate with the family. Our children live all over the US and also the UK. Next to impossible to get them to come to our house and we do not travel anymore. My husband and I share 5 children and 8 grandchildren, in addition a very special event will be a Great grandson in March. I never thought I would see a great grandchild. God is good!
Christmas is spending time with my husband, sons, and my older son’s girlfriend. My boys tell us they love coming home to our Christmas traditions, a the house filled with decorations, my husband’s cooking, and getting together with family and family. They both live out of state.
The Christmas tree has been blue and white for the past five years with the gorgeous Enchanted home chinoiserie and creamy white ornaments, but this year I pulled out every box, making it quite festive and jewel tone colorful. It is an homage to my childhood trees growing up and Rome’s churches and museums rich colors. I recently visited and loved so much. We even added more colorful lights outside.
I too did all of my shopping online, it is so easy to click and have it delivered rather than driving through traffic and getting overwhelmed with all the choices, noise and crowds. My excuse, I can never find tall sizes at the stores.
Do the things you like to do. Merry Christmas to everyone, may you fill your days with the things that fill your heart.
Christmas is spending time with my husband, sons, and my older son’s girlfriend. My boys tell us they love coming home to our Christmas traditions, a the house filled with decorations, my husband’s cooking, and getting together with family and friends. They both live out of state.
The Christmas tree has been blue and white for the past five years with the gorgeous Enchanted home chinoiserie and creamy white ornaments, but this year I pulled out every box, making it quite festive and jewel tone colorful. It is an homage to my childhood trees growing up and Rome’s churches and museums rich colors. I recently visited and loved so much. We even added more colorful lights outside.
I too did all of my shopping online, it is so easy to click and have it delivered rather than driving through traffic and getting overwhelmed with all the choices, noise and crowds. My excuse, I can never find tall sizes at the stores.
Do the things you like to do. Merry Christmas to everyone, may you fill your days with the things that fill your heart.
Every year I chose a Waterford crystal ornament that represents my grandson’s year. It started with a baby bottle, then a cross for his baptism, then trains, etc. He is now 18 and has quite a collection. He loves to look at all his ornaments on our tree. When he finds that special someone, their engagement gift will be this special gift of ornaments that represent his life. 🎄
We have a relatively new Christmas tradition that we have enjoyed since we retired that is very specific to where we live in Williamsburg, Virginia. Every year, for the past 64 years (excluding 2020), Green Spring Garden Club along with many other local garden club volunteers and local florists decorate 4-5 homes, inside and out with fresh and dried floral arrangements, wreaths and trees for a one day home and garden tour. What is special about this home tour is that most of the homes or buildings are located in Colonial Williamsburg. Some are original buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries others are carefully recreated buildings- based on historical documents and archeological findings. There is no holiday home and garden tour like it in the country. Even my husband looks forward to it and we usually see many of our friends and neighbors while we are walking the tour.
My anxiety is through the roof, once again my Mom is going to my sisters instead of being with us , my husband just had surgery and I’m a bit down in the dump. But I’m trying to focus on my biggest blessings which are my two children and my granddaughter. I just mourn what I always “hoped “ my Christmas celebrations would look like.
Not trying to play the pity card as I am so very blessed with my immediate family.
One tradition we love is having monkey bread every Christmas morning.
Hopefully I may win as I’m trying to change my colors in my home to blue and white with greens.
Merry Christmas
We celebrate Christmas Eve, now at my son’s house. We used to do Secret Santa for the month of Dec. but now we draw a name at Thanksgiving and celebrate when we meet the 24 th. We have a fun time. Sometimes the little things are the best. Everyone loves the English poppers and the toys inside with the jokes. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays one and all. A special thank you to Tina for the best blog.
I understand your feelings this Christmas. But you have the right perspective for moving forward. My Christmas will be different than past holidays also. My husband passed away and my 2 children are in other states. On top of that, I had put all of my decor (I had been a decorator and had gorgeous European antiques, etc.) were all stolen from the storage lockers where I had stored them until I could move into another house and all had been sold by a highly regarded antique dealer who admitted he really did not take provenance (I had all of that of course.) So, I understand how you are feeling. May this coming year bring us blessings!!!!!
I sincerely agree with you about the “mixed bag” of feelings. I lost my own sweet Mother in October and have been somewhat melancholy. BUT – I am totally thankful for the REASON of this HOLIDAY SEASON. Many Blessings to you and yours.
My kids looked forward to a new nutcracker and Radko ornament every Christmas. My mom put money in a bauble stocking hung on a small tree. She is gone this year so will be different for me as well. Hope you enjoy the remaining days of the season.
Busy, busy over here! I was invited to 4 parties this week, had to decline one so I could rest🤗 At times I feel I’m so busy, I don’t have time to appreciate the real meaning of Christmas. We’ll be hosting our annual Christmas Eve party so all is good! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Tina!
For the holidays, I’m hosting Christmas. I always enjoy making a big Italian Christmas dinner with tons of delicious antipasto, our main meal with pasta and tons of desserts. Fortunately my three sons and their families live close by so I get to see them all for the holidays.
Seeing the faces of my beautiful family around the dining room table on Christmas is the only gift I will ever need. Being together is such a special treat. The older I get, the more I appreciate it. Nothing compares, ever!!
Tina, I so much agree that the older we get, the more we return to what is really important-family. Our precious grandson is now 16, and now with our daughter an adult and our son passed away, I try hard to keep the magic of the holidays. We have our anniversary this month (our 50th🎉) and my birthday, so those combined with Christmas holidays, make it a very busy month. Merry Christmas to you!
Thank you for fun post. It is always fun to hear how others celebrate the holidays. We are retired and live in Florida and like you my sisters are all over the country. Luckily my children try to come down here and we try to keep to some of the traditional customs from over the years like going to view light displays, out to dinner Christmas Eve and special breakfast and dinner Christmas Day. . This year my son can’t make it and we will call him. Happy holidays to all.
As our last prelit Christmas tree burned out I realized,after all of the years and hours I have put into decorating our home at Christmastime, my least favorite thing is decorating the tree…..so I have purchased lit white birch trees and have nestled them around our home, I used my ornaments in bowls, placed Norfolk pine, ribbons and ornaments on tabletops and set Luminara candles everywhere. Our home is cozy, Christmasy and we don’t even notice the tree is gone🤗Merry Christmas to you and your family!
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Good morning everyone—this is a let’s talk (somewhat of a holiday edition) and announcing our Giveaway #3!
Over here, we’re trucking along… and I’ll admit this holiday season has been a bit of a mixed bag. Between not being in our permanent home, not having full access to everything, feeling behind in the gift-buying department, and having some people very close to me who are sick (which, of course, weighs heavily on my heart) a good friend’s brother passed away unexpectedly,… I’m doing my best to muster up the energy and find joy wherever I can. But we all know it can be challenging when things aren’t moving as smoothly as we’d like. Of course, the holidays are a poignant reminder of how much I miss my dear mom. Shopping and prepping just never feels quite the same without her here to enjoy it with.
Last night we went out and had such a wonderful time with special friends—an early birthday celebration for me. And yet, I’ll be honest… a part of me almost felt guilty, knowing that people I care about are suffering. I’m sure at some point in your life you can relate to that feeling. I’m extremely sensitive—sometimes to a fault—and I think the holidays can definitely amplify emotions.
I’ve been doing more of my shopping online because it’s just so much easier, but today I’ll be braving the masses and heading into the city. I’m meeting a friend for lunch who’s taking me out for a little birthday celebration… and tomorrow is my actual birthday. Looks like I will be getting a special gift….snow! I love the first snowfall of the season and it’s in the forecast, not sure how much it will affect our plans for the day, so we will see.
As for decorating… I’m getting things done around here, but if I had to “theme” this season, I’d call it the Hodgepodge Christmas. I do love the way the tree came out—I used lots of blue and white ornaments, then added these rusty-toned velvet bows, and there’s something about that combination that I really love. My Christmas photo cards that I started unfortunately are still in the draft box so its probably going to turn into a New Years/post holiday card:) Beyond that, it’s been a bit of a grab bag of whatever I could access… and I happened to find a bunch of red items that actually work beautifully in this home, so I leaned into the darker, very traditional vibe of where we are. And as they say… it is what it is.
Early next week I plan on setting my Christmas dinner table, and then I’m calling it a wrap. I expect a serious gift-wrapping binge will be happening sometime in the next week as everything starts rolling in. If this finds you in the same boat—solidarity.
I’ve also been thinking a lot about traditions. I don’t have a lot of them, but I truly believe it’s never too late to create them… and I want to build one with Philip. He’s a little young to sit and watch a holiday movie with (for now!), but I want to give him a special nutcracker every year. I have a few ideas I’m excited to start implementing as he gets older. And I would love to make Christmas cookies every Christmas Eve with him… and hopefully future grandchildren too.
It’s tricky when everyone is spread out—my sister is in Virginia, her kids are in other states, my father is also in Virginia, and our youngest son has been living in Florida (but we’re hoping to lure him back to New York!). My biggest hope is that we can all be together Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It’s funny… the older you get, the more you revert back to what’s most important. And for me, that’s family. With age comes wisdom, and I am truly my happiest when everyone is here in our little nest—enjoying a cozy dinner, maybe even watching a Christmas movie. Call me a dreamer, but I’ll never give up on valuing what matters most. And this little munchkin has given the holidays a whole new, beautiful meaning!
GIVEAWAY #3
Just leave a comment on this post, telling me how your holiday season is going so far and/or a favorite holiday tradition. I will announce a winner on Tuesday!
Last day to take advantage of our 30% off sale off ALL seasonal collections!
Click here (all subcategories are under seasonal collections)
Thanks for stopping in, wishing everyone a fabulous day! Until next time….
I totally agree with you on the Mixed bag of feelings. Just lost my sweet Mother in October and am feeling somewhat melancholy – but am also totally thankful for what this Season is about. Blessings to you and yours.
As retirees, our holidays are quieter than in years past. I too look forward to being with our sons and their families for Christmas. This week my sister and her husband will also join us as we celebrate Hanukkah. Have a wonderful holiday,Tina, make those memories with little Phillip
Every year I suffer from self induced anxiety over all there is to do. This year with help I am sailing through (thus far) with hardly any. It has been a great release and blessing to actually enjoy the season.
This will be the first year without my mother on Christmas. She would have been 99 on December 20th and we always had a big party for that with our family. Although I know she had a long and wonderful life, it will still be hard and I will miss her this year. We are looking forward to our family being back here for a celebration altogether before Christmas. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Holidays can be difficult when love ones have gone on to heaven. One has to trust and believe that we will see them again. The pierced edging on the bowl makes an exquisite presence. I see it beautifully set on a coffee table. Merry Christmas.
I have decorated cut out Christmas sugar cookies since I was a small child. My youngest sister and I have carried on this special tradition. I’ll be a great grandmother in January. I hope this new great grandson will enjoy them as much as my siblings, daughters, and grandchildren have through the years. This pierced edged bowl is beautiful!
Have been feeling a little overwhelmed with holidays . Happy birthday to you- mine is few days before Christmas and trying to fit everything in – bit exhausting
Holiday traditions very important to me
My husband and I go to nutcracker every holiday season and I enjoy the night out immensely
Also we choose a new ornament together each year that has meaning to us
I did that with our son and one of our Christmas trees- we call the traditional tree is our chosen ornaments and ones with our son
Very fun and nostalgic to reminisce about the memories attached to those ornaments!!!
Thank you for your blogs- I really enjoy them
Have a wonderful birthday and holiday season !
Oh, Tina… I share so many of your nostalgic feelings! My mother and grandmother always made Christmas magical when I was growing up, so I miss them all the more at this time of year. But I find so much joy in seeing how my adult children are carrying on our holiday traditions with their own personal twist! And seeing the pure delight in my grandchildren’s eyes is like frosting on the cake because it brings back all the magic and memories of Christmas past.
Every year right from tiny babies , I read “ ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas “ to my children on Xmas Eve. They then chose one small gift to open.
Now as grown adults we get to read an hilarious Hawaiian version of this story. Amazing how ,no matter what the age , traditions are enjoyed !
Perhaps if Philip’s mum is not reading this story , you as “ Grandma “ could start this tradition ?
Precious picture of darling Philip. He will certainly be the joy and light of your Christmas holidays ! Enjoy !
Love the rust bows with the blue ornaments…… I would not have thought to try that combination!
Merry Christmas !
Merry Christmas, Tina! I also celebrate a December birthday…we traveled earlier in December to see both families. It was perfect to acquaint our little grands to relatives that live away from our home base. It warms my holiday heart to see them play with cousins, aunts, uncles. Then we all decorate gingerbread houses, a 32-year tradition. The weekend was truly magical in the eyes of our littles. Many hugs & smiles all around…our little granddaughter said it was the best holiday ever-she’s 6!!! The joy of the seasoning!
The magic and excitement during the holiday season sure has changed over the years.
When we were young the excitement started when the Sears wish book arrived. We wore that catalog out dreaming of what we would find under the tree Christmas morning.
It seems ages ago that we shared the holiday season with our daughter. It was such fun making cookies, decorating the house and seeing her face light up on Christmas morning.
The magic may look different now, but it hasn’t disappeared—it’s simply settled into memories, relationships, and an appreciation for time spent together.
Happy Christmas to all and may the New Year shine bright for everyone!
Merry Christmas to you and your family
My favorite tradition is Christmas Eve candlelight church and then dinner with the whole family.
We too gave our children nutcrackers every year and now they each have quite a collection! It is a fun tradition.
I feel frazzled this holiday season. My mom fell and broke her ankle before Thanksgiving. While she is OK, the recovery will be a long one as she is non-weight bearing on that leg for 12 weeks. Her dog has come to live with us. My 12 year old Golden retriever had a stroke last weekend. He is doing remarkably well, but that led to an emotional few days. My college-aged daughter will come home Monday and then my older two will come closer to Christmas. Oh and my husband’s birthday is Monday! I am hoping that things will calm down enough that I can enjoy the rest of the holiday season!
Going well – I got started a little bit earlier this year on decorating
This year is quite different. We are moving Christmas from my house to my daughter’s. It is wonderful to see her excited to do this. The tradition that has become generational is making sand tarts. Everyone is assigned a certain “job” according to their age. The “jobs” of rolling out the dough, cutting the shapes, covering with egg whites, and finally putting on the sprinkles are all assigned, and the fun begins. Watching them work together as a team is my special Christmas present.
Honestly, our holidays are sad as we just lost our beloved family dog. Also, a good friend is very sick. As I get older, I tend to remember past Christmas celebrations, and I miss so many family members who are no longer here. Life goes on, yes, but it is never quite the same.
I agree the older I get, the biggest blessing I receive is having my loved ones gathered round at the holidays!
Happy Birthday! 🎂
I’m 100% with you when it comes to family being the most important part of any celebration. When I’m with my husband, kids and grandkids all is right in the world. 🥰
I can relate to all you are saying, especially feeling heavy- hearted forpeople we care about going through tough times. I pray that they find comfort and hope in better times to come, for they always somehow do.
Merry Christmas Tina! I love the traditional vibe the rust bows have for your tree. It just looks so warm and cozy. Blessings to you and your family. Thank you for all the beautiful photos you share with us.
Laurie
It’s kind of a hodgepodge Christmas around here this year, too, but we will go with the flow! Just nice to have some family around for the season. I love the nutcracker idea! What a fun tradition to start! Might have to copy that when I become a grandma! Have a wonderful holiday season and thanks for your inspirational/aspirational posts!
I like your Christmas tree bows! I wrapped the last gift this morning and I’m done!! I will put together my floral arrangements this weekend, but that brings me so much joy that it is a gift to myself.
We will have a handful of friends over for great conversation, an eggnog and to enjoy our tree and decorations.
As a grandmother of 5 wonderful children, ages 1 to 7, I also feel starting traditions with them is important. I get the families advent calendars they can enjoy together, and I make a “Saran Wrap Ball” that is always fun. Another one is childrens Christmas books, wrapped and piled like a christmas tree that they unwrap everyday leading up to Christmas. We also decorate cookies which they love because they get to eat them!! But whatever you do, cherish the moments because they do fly by fast!
Love making cookies with my family! And watching Elf!
Thank you for your beautiful pictures and stories that continue to inspire me for all of the years that I have followed you! You’re appreciated more than you’ll ever know!
My mother passed away in July so this will be a different Christmas for us. I find myself thinking about “when should we go pick up mom” for the day. These transitions really drive home the importance of our time with family, nothing more special! Love that you want to start traditions with baby Phillip! They will be lasting memories!!!
I’m afraid I did not make the nice list this year! It’s a hodgepodge Christmas for me as well!
I love everything I have bought from your gorgeous site and incorporate into magical Christmas decor !
We also try to take in a musical or cultural performance each year. It can be a live performance of The Nutcracker, The Christmas Carol, The Messiah, Celtic Christmas, or the symphony. It gets us out of the house and we usually pair dinner out with this performance. We try to do it early in the season so we don’t feel overwhelmed. We look forward to these outings.
I was away for the month of November which was a blessing in the sunshine, but now I am far behind where I’d like to be. I am going through the motions to prepare for our family of 17, just not there yet. The pierced compote dish would be a lovely addition to my decor. Happy Birthday!
Love those Red Berry Trees ~ My favorite thing about Christmas from childhood is when all the lights are down and just dreaming while the tree lights up the heart.🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
I love that you want to start traditions with your beloved little Phillip. I did the same thing with my beautiful granddaughter and she absolutely loves it. I bought the “Elf on the shelf “ set for her and it’s become a family affair. Her parents do it daily with her and are very creative with it. When she comes to her grandparents house weekly, they have one too, so she gets to find him there. It’s lots of fun for the entire family.
Suffering the loss of a parent(s) – especially your mom – colors everything. You miss that feeling of unconditional love, happiness and safety. Traditions are never more important because it brings them closer but that sense of loss and missing them terribly is always there, Yet you know that they want you to carry on and think of them with joy. They are always with us.
Christmas is different for me also. We moved a year ago to a new city, We are blessed with 6 grandchildren aged 10-16. I am concentrating on them and looking forward to school Christmas programs and getting together with them for the holidays!!🎁🎁⛄️☃️
I am feeling a little behind in getting everything done, but know it will all happen. Our tradition is new pajamas every Christmas Eve for our sons, now 32 and 28.
Happy Birthday. You share a birthday with my mother who passed away many years ago.
We started a tradition when our 3 sons were little. I would bake tons of cookies and the boys would deliver them to our neighbors. The boys are grown now and have their own families, but I still bake and now my husband delivers the cookies.
You are right that we need to revert back to what is the most important and the family members volunteering for the food bank, Salvation Army or other favorite charity is a wonderful tradition..
You are right that we need to revert back to what is the most important. Family members volunteering for the food bank, Salvation Army or other favorite charity is a wonderful tradition..
You are right that we need to revert back to what is the most important. Family members volunteering for the food bank or another favorite charity is a wonderful tradition..
My home is fully decorated for Christmas, but it looks sad under my tree. Three presents wrapped and that’s it! I try to get lists from my high school and college aged grandchildren before I buy haphazardly. That’s not working. So I guess I’ll give money. It will still be a wonderful Christmas!
Christmas has not changed…it is a time of rejoicing in the birth of Christ. However, our Christmas home is much different this year. We recently moved across the state to live closer to our younger daughter and her family. Decorating our new to us home has been an adventure. Nothing looks “right” after 30+ years in our former home. The only stable placement has been the tree in the front bay window. Everything else has moved around to different placements until I finally stopped myself. Some treasures have found their place while others will try again next year. One special success: my late mother’s fragile papier-mache’ angel now stands on a round table in our sitting room. The low afternoon sun shines through large windows on the rear of the house and illuminates the golden wings on the angel’s back. It never fails to touch my heart.
This holiday has been going well so far. For the very first time, we put up the tree early after Halloween to enjoy. 98% of presents were under the tree by first week of Dec.💙🦋
Christmas used to be a very special day to celebrate with the family. Our children live all over the US and also the UK. Next to impossible to get them to come to our house and we do not travel anymore. My husband and I share 5 children and 8 grandchildren, in addition a very special event will be a Great grandson in March. I never thought I would see a great grandchild. God is good!
Christmas is spending time with my husband, sons, and my older son’s girlfriend. My boys tell us they love coming home to our Christmas traditions, a the house filled with decorations, my husband’s cooking, and getting together with family and family. They both live out of state.
The Christmas tree has been blue and white for the past five years with the gorgeous Enchanted home chinoiserie and creamy white ornaments, but this year I pulled out every box, making it quite festive and jewel tone colorful. It is an homage to my childhood trees growing up and Rome’s churches and museums rich colors. I recently visited and loved so much. We even added more colorful lights outside.
I too did all of my shopping online, it is so easy to click and have it delivered rather than driving through traffic and getting overwhelmed with all the choices, noise and crowds. My excuse, I can never find tall sizes at the stores.
Do the things you like to do. Merry Christmas to everyone, may you fill your days with the things that fill your heart.
Christmas is spending time with my husband, sons, and my older son’s girlfriend. My boys tell us they love coming home to our Christmas traditions, a the house filled with decorations, my husband’s cooking, and getting together with family and friends. They both live out of state.
The Christmas tree has been blue and white for the past five years with the gorgeous Enchanted home chinoiserie and creamy white ornaments, but this year I pulled out every box, making it quite festive and jewel tone colorful. It is an homage to my childhood trees growing up and Rome’s churches and museums rich colors. I recently visited and loved so much. We even added more colorful lights outside.
I too did all of my shopping online, it is so easy to click and have it delivered rather than driving through traffic and getting overwhelmed with all the choices, noise and crowds. My excuse, I can never find tall sizes at the stores.
Do the things you like to do. Merry Christmas to everyone, may you fill your days with the things that fill your heart.
Every year I chose a Waterford crystal ornament that represents my grandson’s year. It started with a baby bottle, then a cross for his baptism, then trains, etc. He is now 18 and has quite a collection. He loves to look at all his ornaments on our tree. When he finds that special someone, their engagement gift will be this special gift of ornaments that represent his life. 🎄
We have a relatively new Christmas tradition that we have enjoyed since we retired that is very specific to where we live in Williamsburg, Virginia. Every year, for the past 64 years (excluding 2020), Green Spring Garden Club along with many other local garden club volunteers and local florists decorate 4-5 homes, inside and out with fresh and dried floral arrangements, wreaths and trees for a one day home and garden tour. What is special about this home tour is that most of the homes or buildings are located in Colonial Williamsburg. Some are original buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries others are carefully recreated buildings- based on historical documents and archeological findings. There is no holiday home and garden tour like it in the country. Even my husband looks forward to it and we usually see many of our friends and neighbors while we are walking the tour.
My anxiety is through the roof, once again my Mom is going to my sisters instead of being with us , my husband just had surgery and I’m a bit down in the dump. But I’m trying to focus on my biggest blessings which are my two children and my granddaughter. I just mourn what I always “hoped “ my Christmas celebrations would look like.
Not trying to play the pity card as I am so very blessed with my immediate family.
One tradition we love is having monkey bread every Christmas morning.
Hopefully I may win as I’m trying to change my colors in my home to blue and white with greens.
Merry Christmas
We celebrate Christmas Eve, now at my son’s house. We used to do Secret Santa for the month of Dec. but now we draw a name at Thanksgiving and celebrate when we meet the 24 th. We have a fun time. Sometimes the little things are the best. Everyone loves the English poppers and the toys inside with the jokes. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays one and all. A special thank you to Tina for the best blog.
I understand your feelings this Christmas. But you have the right perspective for moving forward. My Christmas will be different than past holidays also. My husband passed away and my 2 children are in other states. On top of that, I had put all of my decor (I had been a decorator and had gorgeous European antiques, etc.) were all stolen from the storage lockers where I had stored them until I could move into another house and all had been sold by a highly regarded antique dealer who admitted he really did not take provenance (I had all of that of course.) So, I understand how you are feeling. May this coming year bring us blessings!!!!!
I sincerely agree with you about the “mixed bag” of feelings. I lost my own sweet Mother in October and have been somewhat melancholy. BUT – I am totally thankful for the REASON of this HOLIDAY SEASON. Many Blessings to you and yours.
My kids looked forward to a new nutcracker and Radko ornament every Christmas. My mom put money in a bauble stocking hung on a small tree. She is gone this year so will be different for me as well. Hope you enjoy the remaining days of the season.
Busy, busy over here! I was invited to 4 parties this week, had to decline one so I could rest🤗 At times I feel I’m so busy, I don’t have time to appreciate the real meaning of Christmas. We’ll be hosting our annual Christmas Eve party so all is good! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Tina!
For the holidays, I’m hosting Christmas. I always enjoy making a big Italian Christmas dinner with tons of delicious antipasto, our main meal with pasta and tons of desserts. Fortunately my three sons and their families live close by so I get to see them all for the holidays.
Seeing the faces of my beautiful family around the dining room table on Christmas is the only gift I will ever need. Being together is such a special treat. The older I get, the more I appreciate it. Nothing compares, ever!!
Love your tree. Happy holidays!!
Disheveled is a good word to describe the holiday progress. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Going beautifully. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!
Happy birthday Tina. My favorite Christmas tradition is going to evening church services on Christmas Eve.
Tina, I so much agree that the older we get, the more we return to what is really important-family. Our precious grandson is now 16, and now with our daughter an adult and our son passed away, I try hard to keep the magic of the holidays. We have our anniversary this month (our 50th🎉) and my birthday, so those combined with Christmas holidays, make it a very busy month. Merry Christmas to you!
Thank you for fun post. It is always fun to hear how others celebrate the holidays. We are retired and live in Florida and like you my sisters are all over the country. Luckily my children try to come down here and we try to keep to some of the traditional customs from over the years like going to view light displays, out to dinner Christmas Eve and special breakfast and dinner Christmas Day. . This year my son can’t make it and we will call him. Happy holidays to all.
As our last prelit Christmas tree burned out I realized,after all of the years and hours I have put into decorating our home at Christmastime, my least favorite thing is decorating the tree…..so I have purchased lit white birch trees and have nestled them around our home, I used my ornaments in bowls, placed Norfolk pine, ribbons and ornaments on tabletops and set Luminara candles everywhere. Our home is cozy, Christmasy and we don’t even notice the tree is gone🤗Merry Christmas to you and your family!