My Year in Review

I always enjoy reflecting on my year.  It always amazes me at how much I've done in a year. 

2017 brought many fun outings and trips with family and friends! 

Post-Christmas Blues Gotcha Down?

I don't know about you, but I get kind of down after Christmas.  I plan and plan for months...shopping for just the right presents, wrapping them all up, put up decorations, planning my Christmas menu...etc...etc..  Then in a blink of the eye, the presents are opened and the food is all eaten.  The Christmas tree looks sad without the presents underneath.  Then comes the dreaded task of taking down the lights, trees, and decorations and boxing them all up for next year.  It is surely enough to get most of us down!

So how do you beat the post-Christmas blues?

Well, I've got a few suggestions....

A Gift NOT Under My Tree

Every year, there are lots of presents under the Christmas tree...wrapped up in pretty paper... tied with ribbons and bows.  As Christmas approaches, I miss my Mom and Dad even more.  I'm reminded of two precious gifts that you can't place under the tree.  One is the gift of the Baby Jesus and what He offers to each of us...if we will just reach out and take the gift. 

Another gift was one that I received just days before my sweet Mother passed. 

Love Came Down at Christmastime

Love did, indeed, come down at Christmastime.  The CHRISTmas story brings tears to my eyes every time!  I think of Mary in her "predicament" and how hard it was for her...engaged to be married , still a virgin but "with child"  and I think of her trust in God through it all!  Then I think of Joseph and his "predicament" and truly see him  as a Hero with very little credit.  He could have bowed out but he didn't!  Thank goodness for his faithfulness.  Then comes baby Jesus...King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the Prince of Peace...Emmanuel...

Glory to God in the Highest!

Tom and Jerry

I adore Tom and Jerry!

No...I'm not talking about the cartoon characters, Tom and Jerry...although I have to admit they are pretty cute too!

I mean the 19th century Tom and Jerry Christmas drink.

Christmas Dessert Table

source

Traditions have always been important to me...we had many traditions when I was a young child, especially at Christmas, that I hold dear to my heart today!  When I had a family, I started Christmas traditions of my own.  However, when your children grow up and have families of their own, those traditions can change.  And now at this season in my life, I am starting new traditions once again...and that's ok.

This year, my kids will arrive Christmas night.  We will have our "Christmas" on the 26th.  We will all gather at my oldest son's home for an early dinner and gift exchange.  That evening we will gather at my new home for dessert, light hors d'oeuvres and drinks.  So, my quest for inspiration began.  In my previous post, I shared Christmas goodies that are a must for my dessert/hors d'oeuvre table.  I wanted to share some new ideas that I have found that have inspired me.  I hope something will jump out and grab you for a little Christmas inspiration!

So let's get started...

Visions of Sugar Plums...

I don't think I have ever eaten a sugar plum before.  I've always liked the vision that I've conjured up of "visions of sugar plums" in my head though.  However, for these following Christmas goodies, I don't have to conjure anything up....I already know how yummy these treats are...and I look forward to them each Christmas...

Cherry Date Nut Balls...

oh these are my very favorite!!!

My Christmas Home Tour

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!  Oh how I have waited and anticipated decorating my cottage for Christmas.  I can't even begin to put into words the feeling I have for the first Christmas in my cottage!  I am beyond giddy.  It's been a long two years after the divorce, but I am stronger and happier than I have ever been!  I've hung in there when times got tough, relied on God, and here I am...in my very own home that I got all by myself...with God's hand in it all the way.  Boy, it feels GOOD!

This was the first thing I put up this year....the vintage ornament wreath that I made a couple of years ago.  It makes me *HAPPY*

And I even have one on the inside of the same door.  :)

So without further delay, let's get to the tour of my cottage all decked out for Christmas!