Happy 5th Day of Christmas

Things have been quiet here in my little corner of Blogland since Christmas. We have been enjoying the Season together as a family. I know that for a lot of people these days Christmas is over as soon as the 25th is passed, but we celebrate until at least January 1st, sometimes going all the way to the 6th of January and "Old Christmas", as my mother used to call it, when the three wise men visited the Christ Child. Mama said that in the "old days" Santa visited on Christmas Eve, but the exchange of presents accured on Old Christmas. We are of largely Scottish heritage, so I am assuming that this must come from the British Isles. This is also where the 12 days of Christmas comes from. The first day is the 25th and the 12th day is January 6th.

Anyone else heard of "Old Christmas"?

So, we are still playing Christmas music and reading Christmas stories. Today, we are making Christmas cookies, using the same cutters my sister and I used in our childhoods. Fun traditions, passed on....

What are you doing to keep the Season alive?
Elizabeth

Christmas Eve Eve

Yes, you heard right! We attended Christmas Eve Eve last night at the home of my sister-in-law's sister, Karen. Karen is one of my favorite decorators in the whole world, so I went around her home taking pictures, many of which did not turn out. But here are a few that have. First the above painting is one that Karen did of their home. It is above the door in the livingroom. Isn't she amazing?I love the following grouping of little snowmen. Aren't they whimsical?

Here is another painting Karen did over her front door...

I'm sorry that my pictures are grainy. I didn't use enough flash. Anyway, just love, love, love these wreaths strung on rough wood.

Formal diningroom table setting. Love the homemade candle holders with ribbons.

Here is lovely Karen and sweet daughter. Wish more of my photos of everyone had turned out. Cathy's family are some of my favorite people. They are all wonderful!

Leaving you with one last shot, this one of a sweet nativity scene. Let Him In!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Elizabeth

More Holiday Fun

Friends,

I know that for many of you Christmas is over...Well, call me sentimental, but I'm still enjoying myself in the Season. Last night, we got together with two other families and went downtown to see the Christmas lights at historic Temple Square.

I wish my pictures were better, but I'm still figuring out nighttime picture-taking.

Here is the famous Salt Lake City LDS Temple.
I wish that I had done a better job of capturing this beautiful nativity. It was out in the middle of a huge fountain pool, with the Temple as a background, but I couldn't get all that in...
Here is my Sarah and her sweet friend, Mary (and Jackie, the dog)...
My Robert is here, clowning around with his friend, Brendan...
More lights and nativity statues...


Here are my dear friend, Sue and her daughter, Mary...
...and sweet Jack...
We had a really fun time together...We will be gathering on New Years day to eat and play fun games and enjoy each other's company.

I hope you are all still enjoying the holidays.

God bless,
Elizabeth

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

I took a small break from blogging to give myself totally over to the Season. It was just what I needed. I thought you might like to see how our house looked on Christmas Eve...Above, our sweet tree all lit up festivally.

And a few ornaments that look so pretty glowing upon it..


Every year, we string popcorn, cranberries and some type of candy (these are sour, gummy lifesavers)...
Additionally, I add lots of dried orange slices...


Here is the tree as it looks in the daylight...
And two sweet children waiting impatiently for morning to come...
Christmas Day, we drove up north 45 miles to my sweet sister-in-law's (see them several posts below). We had a lovely ham dinner. Unfortunately, a huge storm rolled in and we drove home that night in near blizzard conditions. That was frightening, but we had all prayed for safety before we left and the dear Lord got us home in one piece (a little grayer, perhaps!).

I hope that everyone had a wonderful beginning to their holiday week and may the Spirit continue on until New Years.

Blessings,
Elizabeth