Magic of the Season

Greetings everyone,

Well, Christmas Day is nearly here.  And today we welcome winter.  I'm working on letting the magic of the season envelope me.   We had blustery rainy weather this morning, but the sun miraculously played peek-a-boo several times today...helping to wipe away the sadness from this past week here in Connecticut.

I participated in a cookie swap this week.  Look at all these yummies!  I received so many sweet treats, I couldn't even fit them all in one photo.  I'll be bringing many of them over to share with the family on Christmas Day. 

I love taking out all my favorite holiday books and scattering them about the house during the holidays.  Here is just a small sampling from a pretty large collection...

We always enjoy putting up the Christmas tree together.  The tree is filled with ornaments that hold special meaning to us.  But the one ornament that is extremely special is the one featured here in this photo...we save this one for last and find the most special spot in which to hang it.

Woodland decor has taken a prime spot in the "Christmas Room aka our sun room) this season.  And I usually try and find one or two special ornaments each year to decorate the tree (and replace those which have sadly fallen by the wayside).   I was delighted to purchase this adorable deer ornament from the talented Cameron of Paint Myself Pretty.  

I found two adorable white woodland deer at a local craft store, and I couldn't help but bring them home with me.  They adorn the top of our movie case in the living room.  

Here is another adorable woodland creature who is happily seated upon a branch of our Christmas tree.  I love the ornaments made from all natural materials...

Of course, snowmen are always near and dear to my heart.  I cannot get enough of them and actually own quite a large collection.  This year, I added a sweet trio of snowman ornies from Diane.  She painted these sweet snowmen on dominoes.  

Quite awhile ago, I had taken lots of decorative painting classes at an independent craft shop in town.  Folk art is so much fun to create during the holidays, I think!  I painted this snowman plaque about 10 years ago, and to this day it remains one of my favorite pieces to display during the holidays.

We haven't had much snow as of late, but one corner of our Christmas room is decorated to a wondrous world of white!  Here you can see a few of my cotton ball trees, a lovely pale pink-white tree from A Forest Frolic and several beautiful white candles.

This weekend will find me in a flurry of last minute holiday prepping.  I must say that this year I am well ahead of schedule and will pretty much be able to relax in the final hours to Christmas Day.   There is the gingerbread trifle to create to bring to my parents and cupcakes for a gathering on Monday.  On Christmas eve, my hubby and I will settle in by the fire and enjoy a quiet relaxing dinner.  

I'm taking a bit of a mini vacation from the shop right now, but we'll be back after the holidays with a sale!  For now I will leave you with one of my favorite contemporary holiday tunes from Mariah Carey (who actually co-wrote the tune)...this version is guaranteed to bring a BIG smile to your face...

Enjoy a magical winter season...

Til next time,

Theresa