December brings great joy and happiness to our family. Both of our children were born in December so festivities begin with our son's birthday on the second. It's a given that the grands want to take their Dad to the Japanese Steakhouse for his birthday. It seems this is the place for everyone to enjoy good food and the entertainment that sends happiness to the grands. Who doesn't want Happy Birthday sung to you in Japanese? So much fun!
What little boys don't want to eat their Dad's birthday cake?
Of course it's time to decorate for Christmas. After Thanksgiving we usually start bringing out the boxes of decor that we have collected through the years. Our decor really tells a story about our family. Do you find yourself placing ornaments on the tree that have been in the family for years and years? We have ornaments on our tree that belonged to our parents along with those that we bought our very first Christmas as husband and wife. So many Christmas'... so many memories.
Grady made this ornament for me when he was in Cub Scouts. Would you believe I'm sentimental?
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| Grady |
My Mother-in-Law crocheted this little frame around this photo when Grady was born. She had it on her tree for years. Now it is on ours.
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| Grady and Noël |
I always bring out this Santa. He was mine when I was a baby. That makes him old! He also used to play music, but he has long tired of that.
We always find a spot for this ceramic Christmas tree that I made in 1979.
Do you have items that you bring out for Christmas--decorations that you're not ready to downsize? My sister gifted me a lot of her artwork on various occasions. She made beautiful Christmas items. Susan passed away six years ago. I decided to give those items to her children last Christmas. Admittedly I missed those things as I began to decorate this year, but I know Susan's children will receive great joy as they begin to decorate their homes with their mother's art.
Many memories come flooding to mind as I prepare for the season of JOY and LOVE. I wish for you a most wonderful time of the year! ♥
For the sentimental, most of our treasures are our Christmas ones. You sister's children will truly benefit from your generosity. I hope that you may still have something she created to remember her by. Loved seeing your lovelies. The Santa has to be one of your sweetest loves.
ReplyDeleteVee, I do have the sweetest memories of my dear sister. I have several pieces of her art that I truly treasure. ♥
DeleteEspecially our tree, as yours, is filled with stories. I love how almost each ornament has a memory with it. That's one thing makes Christmas special. This is a fun month for you with two birthdays too! I liked your decorations, and that Santa is so cute!
ReplyDeleteDecember is a joyous month for us, Dotsie. Our children's birthdays add to the excitement. Have a nice weekend. ♥
DeleteYour trees, ornaments, and above all the memories are all so very special. I'm sure your sister's children are thrilled with the gift you made and you will be able to see them in their new home with new memories created.
ReplyDelete~~~Deb xoxo
Deb, my sister's children are very special to me. I see my sister in them!
DeleteHave a wonderful weekend, my friend. xoxo ♥
It's so fun to see your festive Christmas ornament traditions! Looks like there was a great birthday celebration. I've never experienced Happy Birthday sung to me in Japanese. LOL Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteJudy, the grands just love eating at the Japanese Steakhouse. Food prepared in front of them and all the fire etc. is all very exciting to them! Great memories of good times! Have a nice weekend as well. ♥
DeleteHappy birthday to your son! It looks like his sons enjoyed the celebration as much as he did, which I am sure added to the merriment. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, the memories associated with Christmas decorations!! I think we have a mixture of old and new and natural here. You certainly can't get away from tradition at holiday times!
Your decorations are so lovely! I love the little bird tree! It was so thoughtful of you to give some of your sister's artwork to her children. That was truly a gift of the heart.
Cheryl, the boys did have an exciting time celebrating their Dad's birthday! It reminded me of pure joy!
DeleteIt was time for me to give Susan's artwork to her children. Now when it's time, they can pass it on to their children.
Have a nice weekend, Cheryl. ♥
Certain decorations do bring on the memories. I can remember where every single bauble, bell and star came from and still have 2 glass horns that were on our tree when I was 6 years old and every year thereafter. Children always seem to have their favorites and these will be passed on to them whenever they ask. You are so lucky to have family nearby, ours are far away, save for one son. The tree in the corner is a stunner< maybe I will gather the energy to put ours up...but I am so tired from shows, I just want to sleep for a week instead.
ReplyDeleteJeri, our son lives about 60 miles away and our daughter lives in New Hampshire. Even though they don't live close to us, we do try to see each other often. It is hard when family is far away. I should take photos of the ornaments from West Germany we have from Grayden's parents. They are from the '30's. I just adore them.
DeleteDo rest up, dear one. ♥
German glass ornaments from the 30's?!Be still my heart! German ornaments are the best, I have a treasured few. I would love to see them up close in one of your pictures.
DeleteI wish you a joyful Christmas season Martha Ellen!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Margot! I wish you a wonderful season as well. ♥
DeleteSuch fun to peek at your Christmas ornaments, Martha Ellen! So very special! I know that Susan's special Christmas artwork will be treasured by her children and grandchildren forever! ♥ We have December birthdays in our family, too. It's a wonderful month for celebrations! Cherish every moment, dear Martha Ellen! ♡Dawn@Petals.Paper.SimpleThymes
ReplyDeleteDear Dawn, I've come to realize that our memories are the most precious "things" we actually have. December birthdays add to the excitement of the holidays in your family as well! Thank you for stopping by and as always your kind words. Enjoy this wonderful season of Joy! ♥
DeleteMartha Ellen, handmade ornaments are the best, aren't they? I love your little tree and crocheted frame. Those will be special for many years to come. I actually get a new ornament every year, so I have quite a collection, but my most beloved ornaments were the ones hand made by my children when they were little. I even did a post about it last year. Your tree looks so pretty and festive standing in the corner, what a great spot to put it. And that Santa that you had when you were a baby is a treasure. He is so delightful.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy this wonderful Christmas season, Martha Ellen!
~Sheri
Thank you, Sheri. I used to buy a new ornament or two during the after Christmas sales. We no longer can do that as we have too many now. I'm afraid we have a box of old ornaments that I need to gift to someone. There's no more room. The handmade ornaments by the children when they were younger always have a spot on our tree!
DeleteEnjoy the time leading up to Christmas! ♥
Beautiful
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
Thank you Regine. ♥
ReplyDeleteHi Martha! Oh, what celebrations you must have in December with both your children born in this month! Sounds like a great time at the Japanese steakhouse! :) Cute boys. Oh, I LOVE your ceramic tree. I found on at a garage sale this summer and just adore it! Thank so much for popping in to see me and your prayers for our little Carter. I appreciate you so much.
ReplyDeletebe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Shelia, yes we do have much to celebrate in December! I hope little Carter does well with her therapy tomorrow. We will continue praying for her and your family. xo ♥
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