Thursday, December 16, 2010

Christmas Everyday



Dan spreading Christmas cheer by "stealing"
 







The old song, “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday” has been stuck in my mind today. Blogger buddies from around the world have opened tours of their beautifully decorated Christmas homes. I am always amazed at the range of gifts among these ladies. Perhaps it is their genuine love and understanding of this special season that shines through in their lives and homes.


Christmas village house
 





We are simple folks with simple tastes. White lights are preferred to colored ones; gold over silver. Dan loves the stillness and beauty of the soft glow of Christmas Tree lights during the night. There is a special feeling of warmth, contentment and peace in the late and wee hours of the morning.

A very special Advent Christmas Tree was given to us by our grandchildren.  Each day we anxiously opened a door to find a "letter" from one of them. Hand made angels from a friend, and a love letter from a grandchild; priceless gifts.


One of our simple trees
 



Christmas blessings are shared with family, friends, fun and food. Enjoying the security and strength of loved ones, brings us Christmas every day. We love hearing from family and friends that live far away. I was particularly happy to receive a card from an ‘ole friend today. Times have been hard for her family, but she ends her letter with, “But with the Lord’s help, things are going to be okay.”





Advent wreath
 



It is the time of year we begin to reflect upon the events of the past months and look forward to new beginnings. This year has brought deaths of loved ones and the happy news of another grandbaby to be born. Thanks are to God the giver of life; even after death.





Angels made by friends- Christmas Advent Tree from Grandchildren


Someone asked me what was the best gift I was expecting for Christmas this year. The question took me back a bit. We don’t really think about receiving at Christmas. Our joy is giving “our” gifts to others. Our children asked if we wanted or needed anything particular for Christmas. My immediate answer was, “Yes! We want the gift of time with you and your family.” I do not want or need anything that requires feeding, watering, and most importantly, dusting!






"Dirty Santa" laughs with friends.
We never know what the new year will bring. For sure there will be good times and difficult times, but with love of family, friends and strength from our Heavenly Father, things are going to be more than okay.


Every good and perfect gift comes from above… – James 1:17

5 comments:

Deborah said...

Oh so beautiful!
Thank you for this thoughtful post...
Christmas Blessings upon you and your family...

In His love & friendship,
Deborah xo

Cooking Up Faith said...

This was beautiful, and I can tell you as a person who was on the receiving end of being given to today, it is very much apprecaited when someone gives. We are simple here too, and I like it that way. :)

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Such a beautiful post...thanks for sharing it with all of us. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Blessings,
Linda

Mrs. Mac said...

nice post Linda. My first time to visit (I think?;) I so like the advent wreath tradition!

Blessings to you at Christmas and in the New Year.

Mrs. Mac
Sisterhood Of The Traveling Scarf

Shellbelle said...

Lovely sentiments and lovely decor.

I adore the special Advent Christmas Tree you received from your grandchildren. In the last few years, I've taken to writing letters to my children and my granddaughter. Of course, I tell them how much I love them and how proud they make me, but I also include memories of past Christmas holidays spent with my parents, my grandparents and with them when they were young. What gift is better received and more cherished than time spent with loved ones — you ask for the perfect gift!