Christmas Is Not A Day Nor Season

Christmas is not a Day or Season but

A Condition of the Heart and Mind.

I know it has been some time since I have posted.  Christmas is now upon us and our I hope all of your hearts are reflecting the essence of it.  Life has been moving rather quickly for me lately and it seems the more I have to do the faster it moves!  I'm sure alot of people feel that way.  We have slowed down this year and instead of the rush of Christmas we are focusing our minds on the condition of Christmas instead.....

My eyes have been opened this year to a Christmas of a different kind. 

With my father being ill and receiving treatments I will be grateful to see him on Christmas day like no other.  We are keeping prayers that he will be out of the hospital and well enough to see his family, that is his and all of our Christmas wish this year, that he will get well.

 I have seen another side of Christmas this year with my new job and the Christmas toy drive that they run each year.  All started by a grieving coworker who had to work through the holidays after loosing her son years ago.  Christmas for families, made by the generousity of others and hard work and dedication of those running it.  The amount of familes  that need help this year was eye opening, it brought out the true meaning of Christmas for alot of people. So many of them were just like me, anyone's situation could change in the blink of an eye.  I am so blessed to be a part of it.

It has made getting to the stores, rushing through the crowds at the mall, perfectly decorating the house so much less important.  Not that it ever really was the most important but it certainly set my priorities in order!  We have scaled back on everything.  What needs to get done will, simply put.  We need to focus only on what is truly important and that is FAMILY and LOVING and taking care of one another. It is not at all about presents that have been given out but about the love of Christmas that has been shown to me and I am so very grateful for the awakening, what a gift that is.

We have carried on with our Christmas Traditions of course.  Decorating the tree, sprucing up the house, wrapping gifts and baking of course.  Watching favorite Christmas movies and singing Carols. Only focusing on what should be done and narrowing down lists of what once was accomplished.  But this year, things have been scaled back.  Every single decoration did not have to go out, I chose only those that were important to me and that is what we used.  With all of that said, my Son still has the twinkle in his eye and excitement in his heart...he is so very excited by all of Christmas.

Inspite of all that is going on in my life right now, this is probably one Christmas that I will remember the best.   

Let me share a few things that we have prepared for this Christmas......

Pretty Papers

A new, antique, enamelware table. 

Set up as my wrapping center this year.
A large flower pail holds all the colorful wrapping paper next to it.

I keep everything within easy reach to wrap everything in a jif.  On Christmas day the paper will be put away table will be used to hold deserts.

Mixing and matching the wrapping paper, with plaids, polka dots and retro looking papers keeps it colorful!

  

A  Homemade Christmas

Homemade corncob potpourri to add to my holiday gift baskets.

Apple slices and cinnamon sticks grace the baked apple bags and orange peels and cloves are in the orange spice bags...mmmmmm they smell soooo good on the wrapping table while they await their recipients packages.

Homemade "snowballs" sit in an enamelware bowl all wrapped up to go in
other gift baskets with a candle. 

They make a cute centerpiece when placed around a candle

All Decked Out.....

The trees have been decorated,

and my great Aunt's nativity set out...I'll share more photos next post.

This is one of my most treasured holiday decorations.

 

This worn box has seen many Christmas'

A nice way to keep loved ones memories near at Christmastime. 

The ornaments have now all been hung.

The baking is still occuring...

I'm a messy, messy, baker....love baking with my kids.

I miss my girls being little with their little noses kissed with flour while they help in their Christmas aprons. 

My son occassionally strolls in and out to help, but he eats way more than he makes, lol. 

Rolled Sugar Cookies for my son's preschool class to decorate at their Christmas Party.

if you were a guest at my house this Christmas this is what I would serve you...some cute homemade Christmas tree and poinsettia pressed cookies fresh from the oven.

I hope you are all enjoying this Blessed Season, I miss you all!

This gal will be back in a few days to share a little more of

Christmas at the Farmhouse with you. 

 I will be back as soon as possible this week to share more of what has been going on at our house, thank you all for your emails and your prayers, they certainly have been helping!  

We are so grateful for your support.

There is still a Secret Giveaway going on....winner to be announced January 1st...New Years Day.

Take Care,

Dee