This little arrangement is actually the bottom of a small hatbox. I filled it with my favorite ornaments, a pearl necklace, a wintery floral pic, and stood my favorite Santa ornament close by. I love the snowy look of it all.
I am late posting some of my Christmas decor and activities but I must say I am enjoying the season this year. The blessings of my gracious Lord have been many and abundant. I am grateful for all He has given me, but thankful most of all for the blessing of family and friends.
This is a photo of one of my dearest friends, Betty Blansett (whom we all affectionately call "Memaw"). She is a sheer delight to be with and always makes me smile no matter how awful things may be. I love her dearly.
Every Christmas, I host a Christmas Tea Party for my friends. Betty's daughter, Susan, and Betty's granddaughter Kelly, also came to my gathering this year. Susan is the dearest friend I have ever had. She has been with me through the sorrows and the joys and I cannot imagine life without Susan being there.
Susan loves taking pictures of all of our events---almost as much as I do. Here she is checking out her photos while her daughter, Kelly, enjoys the fun.
Kelly is a beautiful and talented young woman. She sings and plays music in our church and is such a lovely Christian. I never fail to be blessed by her positive attitude and her loving kindness. I often call her my "protege" .
The following photos are a little peek into some of my Christmas decor this year.
This is my little Gingerbread House I set up in the corner of my kitchen counter. I bought the house at Bath and Body a few years ago. The little people are actually salt and pepper shakers I found at a hospital gift shop. I bought the peppermint trees at Kohl's during a fabulous sale this year.
The gingerbread frame was also on sale at Kohl's. I bought it while Susan and I were doing some Christmas shopping. The picture is a Christmas photo of my grandsons. Gabriel is on the right and was four when this was taken. Michael is on the left and was three. I love this photo of them and thought the frame was perfect in my kitchen this year.
I purchased this Santa many years ago at an end of season sale at Jo-Ann Fabrics. I loved him the moment I saw him and he has been a part of my mantel decorations ever since. He sits on the left side of the hatbox you saw earlier.
I cannot tell you how much I love nutcrackers. These three were my favorites this year and are on the right side of my mantel. Susan bought me a new one this year to add to my collection. You will see it here soon.
Though there are others who decorate far better and far more elaborately than I, it is a joy to share with you some of my favorite things. I hope you enjoyed the photos and may your Christmas be blessed with all good things.
In Grace,
Marie
