Christmas, Christmas Everywhere!

There are signs of Christmas everywhere you look. I like that! We've developed traditions over the years, some of which are silly and others more expected. They lend coziness and familiarity to our days each holiday season. One of the tasty traditions we enjoy is eating fresh Italian panettone. I love it for breakfast or tea. While lentils and rice simmered in the kitchen, College Girl joined me for a pot of Harney and Son's Earl Grey Supreme and buttered pieces of panettone this afternoon. The bergamot in the tea is great paired with the raisins and orange peel in the panettone.

 
We sat in the living room near the Christmas tree. Outside the window are two Camellia bushes bursting with pink blooms.

The afternoon was chilly for southern California, so I hung our Wedding Ring quilt over the chair in case we wanted to drape it over our laps. The tea table has pull-out shelves on each side which are perfect places for lighted candles.

From where we sat we could see the lighted Nativity set we've had for years. It is one piece and has the option to play music! It is unique, as I've never seen anything quite like it. There is an angel above the creche, Wise Men to the left, and the buildings of Bethlehem glowing in the background. Directly behind it are our two standing Advent-style storybooks; A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker.

On the tea table was a tin Mary Engelbreit tray, dishes, cups, a crochet teacup filled with 'gems' and candy canes.

I like the charming snow scene on my Lenox cup, called Sleigh Ride~ College Girl used my Cup Of Christmas Tea cup.

Being such a big fan of A Christmas Carol - my favorite version of the movie is the one with Alastair Sim - I keep this little box out year round!

I had to laugh when my daughter asked why I keep and display Christmas projects she made in elementary school. She thinks they are 'lame', but I think they are treasures! She'll understand when she becomes a parent~

On Christmas Day the tree awoke

To loud and joyous noise,

It saw the smiles of happy folks

And laughing girls and boys.

  Its limbs were draped with popcorn strings

And ribbons tied in bows,

And up on top with tinfoil wings
An angel proudly posed.~ B. Atwood

                                 

This evening I made a Christmas card using the same 'easel' style that Carol used on the card she sent to me (see previous post). It was quick, easy and different from the basic single fold card I normally create.

I used a Christmas teapot stamp by Too Much Fun Rubber stamps, and the card measures five inches square when closed. I colored it with Distress Ink and my Zig H2O Pen.

  
Merry Christmas, friends! Wishing you sugar plum dreams.


sharing this post with~
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