It’s finally starting to feel like Christmas around here. Vivienne spent the day with me yesterday helping to decorate the tree. We had lots of fun unwrapping the old ornaments and remembering where they came from. We had Charlie Brown Christmas playing and the tree smelled so good. What a fun day.

Last week was super busy. I managed to get all the East Coast packages in the mail which is always a big relief. It’s only after they are safely on their way that I feel I can concentrate on decorations around here.

We don’t have a lot of places to put up decorations but the area on top of the bookshelves and the hutch in the living room always holds the tree collection. I haven’t added many things to it in the last ten years. The wooden clock with the bird on it I made when we lived in California. The round box with the poinsetta on the front was made by my sister in law Carolyn. The little spool ornaments on the feather tree I made when we first got married.

The santa collection usually goes on the desk in the living room and on the hutch in the dining room. Most of these are purchased except for the on on the left with the white, white beard. An old friend in California dabbled in paper mache for a while and we made a couple of these santas.

This quilt was not made to be a Christmas quilt but the colors are perfect so it hangs in the dining room every year. I made this many years ago back in California. I think it was a pattern called Chinese Coins but I don’t really remember.

This wreath always hangs in the kitchen and is made from Anise pods. Even after all these years, it still gives off a wonderful smell.

I do love all the memories that come with Christmas. So many projects I remember doing with the kids. The funky ornaments they made in elementary school. The things our families have made or given us. It all makes me feel warm inside.

I found the instructions for making it on “thecraftingchicks.” I’m not sure how I found their site but they have lots of fun craft ideas. I loved the spooky banner because it’s paper. I have lots of Halloween quilts, and decorations made from paper mache or wood but nothing made from paper.

You use the pages of an old book for the layer under the glittery letters. I really liked that. I cut all the letters myself out of chip board because I couldn’t find the size I wanted in the stores. I wouldn’t recommend that. It was surprisingly difficult and the tip of my finger is still numb! But I got what I wanted so there you go.

This is a small Halloween quilt I think I finished last year. Vivienne paper pieced it and put the top together and I quilted and bound it. Looks great in the living room. Thanks Viv!

Before the rolling of the wontons, I wanted to put up a quick post about the wonderful homemade ornaments I’ve received this year. I so love having such wonderful crafty friends in my life. This little beauty was made by Jennifer. She is hand embroidered.

Meara made this wonderful ornament and made each of the beads from fimo. Wow! I love the colors and how she placed them in a gradation.

And lastly, here is a charming little acorn hand knitted by Heather. Am I blessed or what!?

Liza did some baking once she got home from school. Jenny and Liza decorated the tree.

There is always lots of food, but the big draw of the evening is the homemade eggnog. Our good friends Meara and Philip shared the secret recipe several years back and it’s become a Christmas tradition. Philip and I get together to make it every year. This years batch was especially good.

Rick and I make the main dishes, but lots of people bring food. Without any preplanning, there is always the perfectt mix of salads, veges and desserts to compliment the meal.  There is no way to mention each dish, but a special shout out to the makers of the brussel sprouts. You are eternally in my good graces.

The year’s party was especially exciting when my dearest friend Kristy and her family walked through the front door, having come all the way from Walnut Creek, California to surprise me. It’s not often that I’m tongue-tied, speechless and in tears all at the same time. I thought I was going to have a heart attack. They stayed the night and we got to spend a wonderful day together before they had to head for home.

This party always reminds me of how blessed we are to be a part of a wonderful community of friends. Thank you so much and Merry Christmas.