A Simple Christmas ~ Use What You Have

 

The holiday season is reaching its final crescendo, all that's left are cookies to bake, last minute table settings to unearth. What a change for me, a collector who once loved lavish colorful decorations, every treasure unpacked and displayed with such joy. Each year something new, something more--family heirlooms, flea market finds, handmades---all abounded.  Life and Covid have changed that, for now anyway. But the joy remains--let me show you? We will start with my oh so tiny tre.

The house looks rumpled and a smidge shabby---Loved items:

Tantalizing gifts did arrive!

And new pink ornaments from my brother.

Mo, indignantly removing his Chihuahua sized naughty/nice hat.

Mo approving the interestingly edible bracelets.

Doomed to disappoint, as they are glass. 

Festive socks, peeking below jeans.

"May your days be merry and and bright!'', dear friends! 

Merry Christmas!

love

lizzy and Baby Mo

...still looking for the green flash! [4.28 pm, 12-18-22]

and treaties, mommy!

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Scribble Journal, fairy book, gathering bowl....

Out and About

 

Good evening! Mo and I just returned from our sunset walk. 

Every day we look for the famous green flash as the sun sinks below the horizon, but we never see it. Urban myth? Mo refused to wear his Rainbow sweater or his Christmas sweater! 

                                          

Had a tantrum and hid in his bed!

It is a cold but still and clear crisp day, cold for December. We investigated  all the public areas looking for greenery since I don't think I will get to the garden center or Trader Joe's this year. So far I collected only a handful of pine cones, but I think next week I can snip some holly and ??? cedar?, some ivy even.

This year there have been many holiday fairs again, something I so love! But my friend refused to go, she empathizes with the hopeful sellers and not buying makes her feel too bad. I'm feeling a bit hard hearted, it never occured to me. And the main town is having its first Christmas fair this year. I proposed this about ten years ago, things move slowly here. Tents with music, wine, food, hot chocolate--and yes crafts. I hope to fit that in. I let you know!

I did manage a bit of real life Christmas shopping. Home Goods of course.

I just cannot buy wrapping paper online, and yes, I still do wrap gifts. It is my small joy and rebellion.

Our fun constantly improving Dollar Store was wonderful. [oh okay Five Dollar store, new nuance to the phrase five and ten, right?] So festive. This was a bit of a rush job trip for stocking stuffers and Christmas gift holders for the ubiquitous NY tipping requirements. Do you tip---everybody?....or it's a local custom here?

 Now that I'm looking at my pics I see things on the ornament walls I wish I'd had time to grab.

L snapped up the last Christmas lights necklace, it lights up and blinks! Jealous! Though I told her only she could make that look chic, in her black jeans, black cashmere sweater, and black suede flats.

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Fun fad this year is the popularity of cardboard putz houses, both vintage and new. I love this IG poster's brightly painted modern versions. [what's a putz house? click here 

Amazon has blanks: 

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And from my brother, one of his beautiful Historic Williamsburg inspired wreaths he creates each year. All fresh fruits and greens. If we lived closer I'd ask him to make me one with a Welcome Pineapple.

PS The Angel doll is almost complete. I will show you pics, as Nancy asked, after she is delivered, so as not to spoil the anticipation for her purchaser.

Have a good week. stay well.

love

lizzy

gone to the beach.....