A Christmas Tradition

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to everyone! If you've read my blog for a while you know that every year I take the time to make a trip over the bridges to my favorite farmhouse nursery/ garden center. Years ago we went to a big department store that had many trees and ornaments and a vast display of HO gauge* trains in Christmas landscapes and villages. Before that, I lived in the city--the outing was to skate at Rockefeller Center under the giant magical Tree. Happy times. Last week we enjoyed the garden center's festive displays.

The shop was surprisingly quiet---were we too late or has the return of the pandemic and the fad of simplified Christmases reduced their holiday exuberance?

Inside was beautiful. Their cut trees cater to the folks who want enormous trees!

Small assortment of pre-lit faux trees. I am looking for a small white tree, maybe 40"? Maybe next year.

My mission was to buy a few ornaments [too expensive] and a big armload of fresh real holly, another tradition.

Lovely bundles of fresh cut greenery, many interesting varieties of berries and cones in each bunch. I especially like the blue juniper berries.

Wreaths were featured and interesting.

I liked these weird pods.

There were white or very pale trees and décor.

This shop specializes in coastal and beach ornaments. Three trees this year! From the most delicate iridescent glass seashells, to surfboards and seaweed.

Some nods to Woodland and Farmhouse Christmas styles.

[sorry for blur/ cute truck and little bottle brush trees].

I wanted another of their cardboard and glitter tiny houses, but this year's ornie was a barn, so not-beachy.

                          

Some Gnomes.

Poinsettias.

My favorite

New to me colors, so beautiful. 

I wanted to get my friend who loves tropical gardens a blue poinsettia. He'd love these 6 foot tall real lime trees, trained into topiaries. But he didn't answer texts, and you know, maybe he prefers to choose his own?

These glass peppermint ribbon candy trees were so fun and different.

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We couldn't resist Home Goods! A few fun finds.

My vision problems are hampering my shopping mojo. I loved this set.

And these, but didn't realize the handpainted set was Twelve Days of Christmas until I edited the pix.

And I so wanted a felted pompom garland, fad of the Year. Too $$ but this one, with hearts, oh my! --- love it.

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Trader Joe's: Great flowers, seasonal greenery and narcissus.

Lavender or rosemary tiny tree.

I found my January bulbs at the garden store this year. 

Thrilled to find them, especially two different varieties. Something fun for after the hols.

Mo and I had the loveliest walk just now. A wind-free warmer day, end of a glorious sunset, then we admired all the Christmas lights shining in the gathering darkness. Lighted wreaths are wonderful invention. And I love the soft candle glow of neighbors' lanterns. A Christmas walk, another tradition.

I hope you all enjoy this festive season!

love

lizzy

gone to the beach....

*HO gauge trains are the small very realistic trains, not children's toys.

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PS One last much loved tradition: sending Christmas cards. I don't send many, but each has a handwritten note with news and updates and how are you all?s included. My address book is ancient. The separating pages are Amish quilt photos. I do not recall ever seeing this one before. I'd love to recreate it.