Favorite Christmas Things

I thought I'd share a few of my favorite things to put out at Christmas time...such a magical holdiay. I have always loved it and will never ever get enough of it! I sometimes wish I could make it last and just hold time still to enjoy it longer. My teenage sons are still home with me(16 and 18), and I know that will be changing at some point soon. My 18 year old goes to the University here in town, but I know my younger son will go away. I love having them HOME and I count my blessings for this brief moment in my life. My parents are still here with me too at 88 years young, and Lord only knows how many more days I will have with them. Just need to live in the present and be thankful for NOW!!!
Anyhow, enjoy the photos and Happy Holidays!






A very old teddy next to a German Kestner doll...they seem to come alive to me this time of year.


The teddy bear holds this sign made out of a very old house shutter.


A kind friend of mine sculpted this adorable little display of some of my dogs.


Don't you love the smell of oranges and cloves???


Oh how I adore this little wind up teddy!!!! He dances around with GLEE!!! I made him a pull toy to hold. Look at his celluloid RED SHOES!!


Two teddies I made years ago...sit in our family room in an antique child's rocker.


This is a garland I made twenty some years ago! Still in decent shape...love the wood swan. Have it draped over my china closet that belonged to my grandparents.


My 1860's Highbrow China...so serene she is standing in her shredded lace gown next to an old German Feather tree.


A bowlful of old glass ornaments that sits next to the lamp...I love their colors!


An old cranberry lamp


Old bells hanging on my pie safe...


I bought some plain shades from Lowes, and decoupaged them with toile fabric. I just LOVE TOILE!!! I made the curtains over our bay window and wanted the shades to cast more of a warm glow in the kitchen...it worked out great and they were very easy to do.


These are old Victorian wood blocks with lithographs. I adore them! I have a complete set and use them to spell all kinds of things. That's an old snowman candy holder that is another cutie. I hope to try making a few of these in the spring for fun.



I love the Beyer's Choice dolls...this is my only one, and I tell myself I can NOT collect them! Isn't he cute on my piano in our family room?


In my foyer...her sign reads "You better not pout". :)Love the Chinas!


An ornament I love...my sons and myself years ago when they were little. OH, if you only knew how hard it was to get them to keep still for this shot!!! I was a wreck when I got home. LOL


My very favorite of all....a creche I've had since I was a little girl. My mom always put this out at Christmas...what it's truly all about...a treasure of mine.