Christmastime, Oh What Fun!

Good evening readers! Come to visit my garden walk and observe the stars? *sigh* They do look brighter during the Christmastime season, do they not? Perhaps, they know that the Bright Star which led the Wise Men to Jesus appeared during this time of year so long ago...

I hope that you all had a wonderful time celebrating our dear Savior's birth. The New Year is approaching us soon with many changes on its wings. You can feel it, no? Have you started to think of your New Year's resolutions yet?

Well, I thought I would perhaps share a few pictures of our family's festivities. Here are a few of our ornaments:

Playing around with the burning effect on Picnic. Can you tell I am new to photography?

I love ornaments where you can see your reflection! *happy sigh*

~Popcorn Garland~

{Friend took this picture}

My dear Mama's frog ornament...my grandmother who passed away when I was four absolutely loved frog trinkets, and collected a few little {tiny} statues. Reminds me of her when I glance at this green ornament!:)

{Love this picture!} A snowflake...

My Mama also collected penguins, which is her favourite animal, for a time. She keeps a big shelf full in our living area. Our tree is decked with them!:)

~Christmas Day~

I woke up at 8:20 {sleeping in:)} and prepared a big pot of tea before Mother woke up. Served in my Royal Albert Old-Country Roses china, a Christmas gift last year from my dear aunt.

{Tea Cosy from Rebekah @ ~By His Grace and For His Glory~ also Etsy shop Tea Cosy Treasures}

We started opening gifts at around 9:00...we usually do things casually around my house on Christmas morn. Instead of tearing the wrapping up first thing when we wake up, we try to make the unwrapping last {two hours is the longest!:)} We enjoyed a delightful spot of tea {mixture of orange, lemon, and apple cranberry herbal teas}, so lovely accompanied by Trader Joe's Lindonberry scones! Yummy!:)

Lily certainly enjoyed her gift. When it arrived weeks before, she could smell the catnip inside and attacked it; therefore, we had to put it away until Christmas.:D

I received some lovely gifts including this absolutely DARLING pincushion from both of my dear parents! Is it not sweet?

I also received:

Preparing to be a Help Meet

Scrapbooking Supplies (Scrapbook, cutouts, stickers, paper, more paper, and scrapbook pad from Daddy)

Michael's Giftcard

Fabric Scissors

Masterpiece Theater's Emma {2009 version with Romola Garai}

Two purses

Two makeup bags

Money

Sweet-smelling Clementine Soap {locally handcrafted from our Farmer's Market Soap Lady} a scrubbie to go with it

And these beauties from the same Aunt who gave me my china:

{She gives me the best presents}:) She also gave me two tea cups that go with my tea pot.

And a lovely, original {antique} copy of Correct Social Usage, filled with Victorian etiquette for teas, and balls, and dances, etc.

What did you receive for Christmas? Do tell! Did you receive everything you wished for? What special things happened at your house?

As the New Year is approaching us, big changes are coming to my blog, as well as announcements, events, and giveaways! So stay tuned. I will be needing your help soon as well with my blog design!

May the Lord richly bless your evening! Now off, to read my book {The Goose Girl}.

Lovingly,