~Savoring Christmas Memories~

Written by Sue, Friday December 13, 2019      Cold rainy day, 50's, a good day to blog!~smile~

When I was a child I thought December  was the longest month  of the year and that Christmas would never come. Now, wanting to savor each day, it seems to be the shortest month, I am wanting to put a stop on time, it seems to be flying by so fast!

Tuesday Mr P. and I decided to take a trip to see how my grandmother/great uncle's  old homestead was doing, we were so pleased that the old home place is being  so well taken care of! I love this place, it holds so many wonderful memories for me, both childhood memories and memories of bringing our children here for Sunday lunch, where the children played with the farm animals.

100+ yrs.

 Christmas was so special here, my g-uncle would go out into the woods, cut a small pine tree, secure it with crisscross wood slats, Granny and I would cross our fingers as we plugged in those  large, colorful  lights,  (if one would not burn then none would.)~smile~  she didn't have many decorations,  but they were beautiful decorations,hand painted mercury bulbs, oh how I wish I had her decorations today, one thing that she placed on her tree that I still do, is the silver tinsel!

This tree is our memory/homespun tree, my favorite Christmas tree, each year we buy a Frazier Fir,

it is decorated with bubbling lights (another childhood memory),

Handmade ornaments by our family, children and grandchildren made many years ago, the final touch is the silver tinsel!Here are a few of the ornaments that make this tree so special, The cloth cut-outs were made by my sister Mary, Susan and I about 35 yrs. ago. The white felt angel was made by my Mom a few yrs.ago. the painted wood ornaments by grands during summer visits, and a few by our sons 30 + yrs. ago. Lets not forget about Rudolph and his family,he has been with us for many years too!

Some crocheted, some smiling, happy faces, some sleeping waiting for Santa!

Each handmade ornament brings such a special memory, such as the cloth cut-outs we girls made, I remember  that evening many yrs. ago, laughing, talking and making plans as we hand stitched  and stuffed each one.... I must find this angel's secret, she has aged so much better than I have. ~wink~

 Each tree has its own nativity ornament, ... the reason for the season

I remember our sons painting the wooden ornaments at the kitchen table while I prepared dinner, I can now hear their sweet voices as they talked about what Santa would be bringing them, so anxious for Christmas to come, I think all children feel as though times stands still all through December. A tree must have an  old teddy bear.

Each year I would buy each of  them a Christmas coloring/activity book! Would you believe that I still have some of them packed away somewhere. Even though the children are grown and live far away, I still buy and read children books.  Some folks refuse to grow up!~grin~

 I don't usually share photos of myself, here is an exception, Susan and I take a Christmas  selfie every season!

2018

2019

Here is a special ornament just for you, dear friends you are so special!

Love,

Sue