It's a week before Christmas. The stockings are hung, the presents wrapped, and lights twinkle on the tree. All month I've been flooded with memories of last year, when our situation was so desperate and yet we were so sustained by the kindness of strangers. We've tried hard to not only recall the miracles that took place, but to be part of making miracles happen for others this year.
For the most part, it's been a peaceful month. I only had to venture into crazy shopping centers once. We've spent lots of time cutting paper snowflakes {they encircle the entire downstairs room) and watching the crackling yule log on Netflix. ;)
I finally got around to making a creche-- it's cut out of watercolor paper and set inside a white terrarium I bought at IKEA. I plan on hiding some battery operated tea lights under the fake snow on Christmas Eve to make it glow.
I love switching out all the artwork for seasonal images.
The kids surprised me this year by saving all their earnings and taking the initiative to buy small presents for each other. It was so adorable to watch each one of them pondering over dollar toys to find something just right for their siblings.
I miss snow and pine trees this time of year.
And of course, there's plenty of holiday baking going on around here as well. :) Next up: homemade marshmallows.
How are you enjoying the last week before Christmas?
3 comments:
Your paper nativity is so beautiful. The idea is simple, but I would imagine the cutting-out took an exacting eye and a set of careful hands!
So much can happen in a year.
Merry Christmas M. Smile & family!
Are you kidding me with that amazing paper creche? (i probably spelled that wrong). I love all the decorations...sadly, I don't have very much in the way of Christmas decorations and partly because I love the look of handmade decorations but don't always hit the nail on the head...you did however. I'm copying you. Hope that's ok.
Traditions....my hubby reads The Christmas Legend every Christmas eve and we all get teary eyed. It comes from a childhood book called A Story To Tell.
I cut out snowflakes for my grands.
I use to decorate our tree with stringed popcorn and ginger bread ornaments, now I have a family history tree and tree decorated with vintage glass balls.
I always have to watch A Christmas Carol on Christmas Eve.
Caramels, Pressed cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, English Toffee, and Ginger Snaps are made almost every year.
I always write a hint on the gift tag and the family tries to guess their gift.
For years we have exchanged jigsaw puzzles with good friends. We like to give and get challenging puzzles but this year our friends may have given the puzzle that will never get done as it is one of a Jackson Pollock painting called Convergence. I don't have 4 months of my life to give to the construction of it.
We have Christmas Eve dinner with friends and family and also Christmas Day dinner with friends and family, this year we hosted both dinners.
We try to help a family in need every year, it is the best part of Christmas.
I love the beauty and simplicity of your Christmas decor especially the Nativity scene....it's just beautiful.
Post a Comment