The Stockings Were Hung

Well, they were....But Christmas has come and gone, and truly was Christmas in a Hurry. We had a lovely time. It was our turn to host the family, and our little house was overflowing with people. Lots of stockings as you can see. The bag is a German Christmas custom, although we aren't German. I bought it years and years ago from a favorite mail order company called Gerlachs of Lecha in Pennsylvania. I have no idea whether they are still around or not. I couldn't find anything about them. They published several books about traditions and holidays, and carried wonderful crafts supplies. Sigh. A little trip down memory lane.
Anyway, I use the bag for the grandchildren now, because I've run out of stockings! I hang up eleven of them now. Christmas stockings have always been an important part of the holiday for me.

Christmas in a Hurry

Well, the holidays are approaching even quicker than usual this year. I am doing bits of decorating rather than a big lavish production. Christmas is the only time I miss our old house. It did Christmas really well. Lots of places for greenery, an open stairway...sigh. Our cottage does suit us very well though. This is a picture of the front room. This is an old dental cabinet. Isn't it great? I think I mentioned before that I have an obsession with drawers. I don't wear a lot of jewelry, but this is my jewelry box. Yes, I know, it's in the front room.
At the windows are these great star lights that I found at Ikea. My signs say "It's a Wonderful Life". I keep that one out all year long. Sometimes I need to be reminded. The other one says "We have Christmas Lights". I found that one last year and had to have it because it was our first year ever for decorating outside.

Happy Days

Tess is finally home and things are getting back to normal. Thanks to all for prayers and warm wishes. It was a long and frightening week. She kept losing weight and had an infection that they never did identify. Everyday she was tested for something different. Everything looks good now, and I am ready to start Christmas. There is certainly a reason why we have our children when we are young!!!!