Saturday, January 1, 2011

Glad Tidings

I've been soaking up every blessed minute of this Christmas season ~ this is what life is all about...rejoicing in life's simple pleasures, indulging in all that we love, surrounded with our family and friends, fondly remembering year's past while hopefully looking to the New Year ahead :)

Christmas 2010 was filled with sweetness and joy in our household.  Pure bliss

For Christmas time is magical ~ the lights, the sounds, the sweet smells, the smiling faces, the unexpected surprises all adorably wrapped up and waiting to be opened.   I don't care how old I get, I always feel like a child again at Christmas. 


People often ask me why I go through so much hassle ~ as if turning our home into a Christmas wonderland for the joy of my son can be considered work!  



To the naysayers, I ask what could possibly be more important 
than bringing happiness to a little one?!?  


Seeing those little eyes light up ~ the excitement, the anticipation....truly nothing on this earth is anywhere near as important! 

 
I decorate inside and out...trees in nearly every room.  Little seasonal splendors tucked into virtually every nook and cranny ~ holidays soaps and towels in the bathrooms, candy cane holders for guests to take home a treat (or two), holiday DVDs, Christmas books, freshly baked cookies and treats, holiday candles in peppermint, Christmas Cookies, pine and sparkling cinnamon, fresh greenery, cheery snowmen, warm cozy throws...


Our home gets turned into Christmasland 
each and every December.  
And I wouldn't have it any other way :)

A giant Santa airblown in our front yard.
~ Sharing Christmas Love ~

On Christmas Eve, I finished up my baking, 
carefully wrapping up boxes of cookies 
to give as tasty & thoughtful little gifts for neighbors, friends and family.

A variety of delicious handmade cookies tucked into darling gingerbread boxes.
Who wouldn't like to receive a box of homemade Christmas cookies?!?

Then my son and I made our annual perfectly imperfect gingerbread house,
getting messy and sticky with icing and candies,
laughing and sharing memories together :)


And we finished up the afternoon baking his cookies for Santa.
What sweet memories in the making...
learning at my hand just as I did from my mom.
Both of us wearing our matching gingerbread aprons.

The special Santa plate and key we put out each year.

My husband went outside to light the traditional white paper bag 
luminaries that line our walkway
and turn on our Christmas lights...
while my son sprinkled reindeer food (oats and Christmas sugars) on the lawn.
An early gift on Christmas Eve!

It's a tradition to open one early gift on Christmas Eve,

A Frosty the Snowman,
a Frosty recordable storybook,
and new Christmas pjs!


Once the little guy is tucked into bed,
it's time for Christmas magic to begin!!

Christmas morning bounty waiting to be discovered!

Wrapping paper flying
discarded boxes and bows
A piping hot pot of coffee brewing,
fresh cinnamon rolls baking away in the oven...

Ahhh, Christmas morning!!!




I love every blessed second of it!!!!


Entertaining special company throughout the day,
playing with our new treasures...
watching favorite Christmas specials and movies.


It makes all of the planning & all of the prep 
SO worth it!


For dinner, I made a savory beef roast,
with succulent herb-roasted seasonal vegetables,
and homemade melt-in-your-mouth buttery-softened dinner rolls.

I hope your Christmas was filled with wonder and delight,
and I wish all of you 
a joyous, prosperous, and healthy
2011!



6 comments:

  1. Your home looks like a wonderland Judy. How fun it is to do all those special things. Last night we did a role reversal. All three of our children were out, and we stayed home!!! I think we are officially old!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!!

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  2. I love all your special touches. I agree that making holidays magical is such a fun job!

    A question for you, where did you get your cookie boxes? I love them.

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  3. How beautiful Judy! Looks like your Christmas was full to the brim with love and joy!
    Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy 2011!
    paula:)

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  4. Just a yummy post....love it all!

    Barb ♥

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  5. Ooooh, I want a box of your cookies...they're amazing, fun, and perfect! :) I so agree with everything you said. It all looks so magical and exciting. I want to see a picture of your luminaries. Those are always so peaceful and beautiful. I'm happy you had a very Merry Christmas. <3

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  6. Who could even question your spirit?? I love it all and your writing is so wonderful! I am glad you shared it all. It has been a long while since I have had a child in the house at Christmas!

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