Some of my Christmas favorites ~

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I’ve had this tray longer than I’ve had my children; it’s been a part of Christmas for close to 20 years!  I love Lisi Martin’s artwork.  It’s exquisite and whimsical and rivals Mary Engelbreit for my affections.  Tray now dented and dirty, I look forward to looking at Apple Girl’s freckled cheeks and winsome expression every year.  And I love those boots!

Lisi-AppleGirl

Hand painted wreath

Wreath made from handprints

Two of my babies made these handprint wreathes in kindergarten; I so wish I had had the foresight to realize that “one day” I’d wish I had made one for my third child who didn’t have this same teacher.  Today is “one day” (every Christmas is).

 

Mark Roberts Fairy

When my sister introduced me to Mark Roberts fairies, I thought she had a little pixie dust on the brain.  Since then, these fellas have grown on me; they seem to have found the perfect spots to hang out :).  
MarkRobertsFairy

Be joyful always

My baby sissy-in-love gave this to me a few weeks ago; amazing timing given my favorite pastor (hey Joe!) recently preached on this passage in 1 Thessalonians.  It’s finally becoming clear how you can “be joyful always”, even in the midst of difficult circumstance.  I love this little surcie so much, I’m thinking about leaving it up year round.

Basket of Christmas books

Through the years, we’ve collected quite a few Christmas books; we leave them out in our den, and it’s always a thrill when I see my teens and tweens rifling through the basket to find their favorite…again.

Handmade nativity

Call me a mother–you can have your fancy porcelain or Fontanini or Willow Tree sets–this nativity set made by my youngest swells my heart every time I unpack it; all that’s left of the angel is his heart-shaped wings, propped up behind Mary and Joseph.  Maybe that’s why they’re all grinning.

Rare homemade ornament

 Vintage homemade ornament

hand-beaded ornament

These are my three most special ornaments, hand-beaded by my mother (who died when I was nine).  They’re well-worn, but I see them as Velveteen Rabbits–loved almost to pieces.

 

Fat Christmas tree

We always get a live tree, and this year’s might be our fattest ever!  This is the only shot I’ve taken, and you’re seeing just over half of it.  My eye is immediately drawn to the hand-made ornaments.  While I think they’re pretty, themed trees aren’t for me–there are “pieces” of friends and family all over our tree, and when I hang each ornament, it’s like a little visit from someone I love :).

 

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