Monday, January 4, 2016

All Packed Away



The task of putting away the decorations from the holidays is always a daunting job!  When we spend weeks decorating and then have to pack it all away it seems a little sad!





It seems a little strange that we only have our decor up for a few short weeks.  My friends above don't seem to be the least bit worried!  Don't they know they are going to go back into a box and be banished to the basement?




The dining room table was filled up with decor.  The three of us ( well at least two of us ) worked for three days packing away the decorations for another year.  How blessed we are to have new memories of another wonderful Christmas celebrated with our family!




All of the memories are stored, but not in boxes, but in my heart!





"Happiness of heart can never be measured out and bundled up, it's intangible. We keep running after it, grasping for it, and the heat of our running so seldom brings it closer. But now and then there may be a moment. We look at something and know it is good and beautiful. Those moments are happiness.” 
― Gladys Taber, Harvest at Stillmeadow



16 comments:

  1. A very appropriate quote from Gladys Taber, and your own about storing away your memories in your heart. Lovely music, too, Martha Ellen. I think setting New Year resolutions helps me overcome the melancholy of the holidays ending.

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    1. Cathy, the Christmas holidays seem to whiz by so quickly. I find I want to not let it go, but am looking forward to the wonderful new year ahead! ♥

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  2. Yes, more memories to savor! Hope that your friends will still be happy to see you next Christmas! ☺

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  3. Hi Martha! I'm sure your heart is packed full of sweet Christmas memories! Now look at the sad little faces on all your little Christmas cuties! Thanks for popping in to see me and your kindness.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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    1. Shelia, are they sad? They look like they don't have a care in the world...they are in denial or maybe they are planning a big party. Take care of yourself as you recover! ♥

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  4. I love your expression of memories stored in your heart. Of course photos help me to remember. LOL. It does seem like a lot of work, putting up and taking down, but it's so worth it. And I always cull my stuff a bit when I put it away, especially if I haven't used it in years and it has no family value. Of course if I get rid of it I'll be looking for it next to use next year, for sure!

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    1. Dotsie, the photos do help to bring up those memories of times shared with loved ones. You are smart to cull those items not used. Unfortunately I've got a couple of boxes that have not been used for a few years. You have reminded me I need to give them away. ♥

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  5. Oh, I love this quote at the end, Martha Ellen. Yes, it's hard to pack up all the decorations, especially my snow globes and little elves. :) Your collection of snowmen are so cute. I noticed the skinny snowman at Jess' house that I gave her, and if she ever wants to give it away, mom will take it, it's adorable. The picture of you all baking cookies is so special.

    Now that everything is packed away you can have a new fresh start to the new year, Martha Ellen.

    ~Sheri

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    1. Thank you, Sheri. Have you read any of Gladys Taber's books. I think you would enjoy them...so down to earth and heartfelt. I'm sure your library must have her books.
      Maybe Jess will hear your hint and gift a snowman to you! ♥

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  6. Oh, yes. Storing those priceless memories in the heart...the best way to save them!

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  7. Oh, Martha Ellen! You have so many sweet memories of Christmas 2015 stored in your heart. Your memories of baking cookies together are just heartwarming! I feel the very same way about packing away our Christmas ornaments and my beloved folk art Santa collection. They are filled with much love and so many memories! They are always my favorite Christmas boxes to open each year! Cherish these quiet days to begin anew, my friend. ♡

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    1. Thank you, dear Dawn. I do believe our Christmas ornaments and decorations tell a story about our lives. They mark a place in time that we recall as special. One year I left my hand painted Santas on the bookcase. Enjoying them throughout the year was nice, but I must say, it is better to let them have center stage only at Christmas. Enjoy the still moments, dear Dawn. ♥

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  8. Aren't those memories precious. It's so wonderful to have family around. I'm so grateful that our granddaughter choose to spend her new years here with us too. Our Texas daughter helped me undecorate yesterday, otherwise I'm sure it would all still be up another couple weeks. I hope you have a beautiful new year making many more wonderful memories.

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    1. Judy, it is wonderful to have memories of family visits. How nice that your daughter helped with the undecorating! It's quite a job! Blessings to you in the new year! ♥

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