Santa Is Arriving

Santa is appearing around the house.

My forest Santa has taken his place by the teacups, 
surrounded by Christmas mugs.

My new mug is the Ho-Ho-Ho mustache mug.
I found it at Pier One and it made me smile.

Merry Merry and a Happy Happy! 

Thank you to Sandi for hosting
No Place Like Home.

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Winter Greetings!

By now, you know I love birds.

I started collecting the Winter Greetings china pattern by Lenox years ago.

I find a piece here and there and I'm happy when I do!

This year I found 3 mugs with the beautiful cardinal on the front and back.

Santa seems quite happy with his cardinal friend.

I've been drinking a lot of Winter Spice an herbal blend by Twinings.

It is a comforting blend with camomile, cinnamon, cardamom and clove. 

My neighbor and I have a holiday tradition.

We venture out to our favorite nursery to see their holiday decorations.

Always pretty and always too expensive -- but full of great ideas.

I fell in love with this little cabin.

I could imagine curling up under quilts and afghans, in front of fire,

smelling the Christmas tree in the corner, a cat or three curled up next to me,

a book in my hand and a cup of tea near by.

What a story one can make up by looking at a decoration! 

Several weeks later,

look what I found! 

(T.J. Maxx)

A cabin in the snow.

I think I'm going to add more snow, but I'm a happy camper.

It looks lovely under the tree and in this story,

I can hear Santa coming down the chimney!

Perhaps he'll share a cup of tea with me.

Thank you to our tea party hosts:

Tea Time Tuesday

A Return To Loveliness
Friends Sharing Tea
Teacup Tuesday

Tuesday Cup'a Tea

Tea Talk

Share Your Cup Thursday

Wishing YOU Well and much Joy!

This and That

Here's a little James Taylor for you to enjoy while you read!

Music

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How do you feel about Christmas cards?

I love them!

I like hand addressing the envelope,

writing a short message on the inside of the card.

I put a short Christmas letter together for those I don't see often during the year.

Emails are nice, but I miss the personal touch.

I love receiving Christmas cards.

I get excited about figuring out the postman's timings! 

What gorgeous card, what beautiful message will I find in my post today?

It's like receiving a smile in the mail.

The simplest things in life are often the most magical.

What joy that simple Christmas card can bring!

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Speaking of beautiful cards.

Here is a reproduction of a vintage postcard.

Looks like they are off for a day of fun.

Delivering packages, decorating a tree, walking in the snow

and all with a furry friend.

Thank you to Beth for hosting Postcard Friendship Friday each week.

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I love snowmen.

I love Christmas cactus.

They look happy together!

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I found a crochet group that meets twice a month

at my favorite breakfast spot in my Village.

They are a fun group of ladies and they sure know their hooks!

The last two meetings, I've been taking my Santa mug rug/coaster/hot pads.

Finally, they are finished.

I made a whole bunch of them using my stash yarn.

Jingle, Jingle and Ho-Ho-Ho!

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A  couple of holiday links for you today:

The first one is from a dear friend, Karen Harvey Cox.

Karen has made an advent calendar for all of us with her beautiful art.

Welcome to The Gift of an Advent Calendar here.

Poppytalk again this week for winter scenes in Mason jars.

I love the VW bug with the tree on top!

Your holiday photos are probably already taken, 

but here are a few suggestions from the Focusing On Life Group

on taking holiday pictures.

*****

Wishing YOU well, much joy and a fun filled weekend.

******

Okay kitties. We still have some more decorating to do. 

Everyone hop to it!

Leave the Christmas Cactus alone, please!

Nap time is later!

At My House

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like

Christmas!

 

How's it going at your house?!!

 

Wordless Wednesday: Santa

Santa Has Been Seen in Town!

Santa and his elves have been seen all over town.

In the forests, in the candy shops, in front of homes.

He's checking his list ... checking it twice.

Getting ready for the big night!

A big thank you to our hostesses:

Mary for Mosaic Monday

and 

The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday.

Wishing YOU well and a JOY filled week!

It's Almost That Time!

It's almost that time!

Santa is getting ready to load his sleigh with all the toys

his friendly elves have made. 

Both of these postcards are reproductions.

There is no artist, publisher or date listed for either one.

Santa is also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle and just plain Santa. Many cultures believe Santa brings gifts to the home of good children during late evening and overnight hours of Christmas Eve. The modern figure is a plump, jolly, white-bearded man wearing a red coat with white collar and cuffs, white-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots. This image became popular in the United States and Canada in the 19th century due to the significant influence of Clement Moore's 1823 poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas" and of caricaturist and political cartoonist Thomas Nast. 

Wishing YOU well and a JOY filled weekend.

Thanks to Beth for hosting Postcard Friendship Friday.