What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?

What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?
Remember: "When God closes a door, He always opens a window!" You never know what might be out there waiting for you!

Monday, November 29, 2021

Tuesday 4: December Arrives


 December Arrives...

Hello and welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 kept in her memory . We give you 4 things to think about each week and hope it spurs you to blog, connect with fellow bloggers and just stop and reflect!

December is a month filled with religious significance for so many. Christmas(Dec 24-25) and Chanukah(Nov 28-Dec 6). Christians speak of the light coming into the world at Christmas and

Chanukah is the festival of lights when the light was returned to the newly cleansed temple in Jerusalem. So they have a common connection: the light of God in the world.

Let's talk about December and what it has in store for you....

1. How much importance do you place on December holidays? Do you plan and prepare? Is that part of  "Twas the night before Christmas..."the fun for you or would you rather dispense with it?

Christmas is the highlight of the year in so many ways. Although for Christians, Easter is actually the more important Holy day, but without Christmas there would be no Easter.  Jesus, "Emmanuel",  God in the flesh, The Light of the World, came to earth as a baby to live and love and show us the way to heaven...through His perfect sacrifice of Himself on the cross to save us from our sins.

This beautiful "Cradle to the Cross" is in the narthex of our church. The white space at the bottom is actually a cradle, where the "baby Jesus" will be placed on Christmas eve.  I love this beautiful arrangement, and am very pleased to say that my son Benton built the cross that is being used in this display.  


So to answer more of the above question, yes, Christmas is a very special time for our family. Do I plan and prepare? Well...I've been busy the past few days decorating our home. We haven't put up the tree yet, but I am trying to get everything else done first and then we will bring in the tree and decorate it. Here are a few pictures of what I've been doing so far.  This is still a work in progress. 

I think what I love most about the Christmas season are all the lights. Yes, Jesus IS the Light of the World, and that is why we use so many lights to light up our homes and celebrate His birth.  Here's a few examples:
We start with this little grapevine tree on the front porch that I made a few years ago from our own wild grapevines we cut in the woods near our house. That was quite a job, but I sure love this little tree!
We don't do a big outdoor lights display...just enough to let people know we do celebrate Christmas here!

Also, the first thing we did was put out in the front yard this nativity scene and this little Christmas tree that my son built a few years ago. 

Next comes the indoor nativity

 and the Christmas dolls on the buffet...


Then in the kitchen there is the little grapevine Tea Cup Tree:

And then there's the little cabin:


And the other little cabin with the skating pond:


Oh, and let's not forget all our little friends over at Pamela's Victorian Cottage!  (you can click the link for last year's story from here)

They are busily getting everything ready for Christmas too!


There's a lot of other activity going on around the house, but we'll save something for later. Besides, I know "Lily Grace" is going to have some stories to tell soon too, as this is her first Christmas and she is really getting more and more excited every day as she sees all this activity. But we'll save her story for later.
So, I think you can tell by all of this that we do have a lot of fun with Christmas...

2. Food is a big part of the holiday season. Which foods and treats do you most look forward to having?  
One usual tradition is the baking of cookies, primarily my Grandma Mursch's Sand Tarts. Here is a link to tell you more about that.  Of course we enjoy all kinds of cookies, nut breads, pies, candy, you name it, we'll enjoy it if it's there to eat!  

3. It is a season for family, friends, guests and giving. Would you write a bit about how it all comes together for you in December?
Yes, we love to get together with our family and close friends at Christmas. Usually we just have our immediate family together on Christmas day, but then we try to get together with our extended "Florida family" at some time during the holidays for dinner and to exchange gifts, etc.  Although in recent years we have started doing a "white elephant gift exchange" with our extended family, where everyone brings a wrapped gift and then we draw numbers and pick a gift, etc., It is a lot of fun, and no one has to actually buy a gift, which is a gift in itself for those of us who are on fixed incomes and tight budgets.

We also have our traditional special church activities...our ladies' group has a luncheon and gift exchange, and also our choir puts on a Christmas Cantata (musical). I sing in the choir, so that is always a big event that we spend a lot of extra time practicing for.


4. Life changes and traditions alter due to those changes. Has anything changed for you and if so how? If not, would you mind sharing your traditions with us?
Primarily things changed a lot for us as our own parents passed on and we no longer had their homes to gather in for our family holidays.  That was a huge difference for us, and it has taken some time for each of us to adjust to the fact that now we are the older members of the family, and if we want to get together with our siblings and their families, we need to make the extra effort to make it happen.  "Mom and Dad" are no longer here to bring us all together.  And then also for our immediate family,  when our middle son Matthew passed away in 2014, holidays became even more significant to us because we realized just how quickly things can change...and we should not take anything or anyone for granted.  Celebrate with your loved ones as often as you possibly can...make the extra effort, go the extra mile...because once a significant member of your family passes on, there will always be that empty place at your table and in your heart.  


I hope this answers all the questions above!  Here's wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday season!   From our house to yours:


Thank you to Annie of Cottage by the Sea for organizing this Tuesday 4 meme each week. You are all welcome to join in over at Tuesday 4 and add you name to the list of participants. It's a great way to make some new friends too!


38 comments:

  1. I enjoyed reading your answers to the 4 questions. Have fun doing your decorating for the season.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Penny! As you can probably tell, I am having fun decorating. I am taking my time, resting between "events" so to speak, but enjoying seeing it all come back to life. I love having the lights in so many places during this season when it gets dark so early. I hope you have a blessed and beautiful Christmas season.

      Delete
  2. I enjoyed your post very much, Pamela. Christmas has always been an important celebration for me ever since I was a little girl. Even today, when we read the Christmas story from Luke 2 on Christmas morning, I still get choked up over the precious Gift that was given to us. I love all the lights because He is the Light of the world and we are to represent Him. So, we have lots of lights in our home at Christmastime. Food is important too. When my children were growing up, I used to make fifteen kinds of sweets every year for Christmas. Of course, we had many folks drop in too in those days. What wonderful memories! The music is way up there too. Nothing moves me more than Christmas carols, old and new. But the holiday isn't complete without family around. God is good and we have so much to be thankful for.
    I love your outdoor Nativity and the tree your son made! If it wasn't for Christ coming the first time, we wouldn't be celebrating at all. We are a blessed people to recognize Him and know Him. Hallelujah!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Yes, Sandi! I totally agree with your last statement. We are a "blessed people to recognize Him and know Him. Hallelujah!" Indeed!! It sounds like you enjoy so much of all the same things that I do at Christmas. Family traditions are so important to connect us with our heritage and continue telling the wonderful story of Jesus coming to earth, seeking for you and me! I am happy you will have more of your family near you this year for Christmas. I know you are very excited about that as well. God is good!! All the time, God is good!!

      Delete
  3. Such pretty decorations. My favorite is the two elves. Now that's adorable.
    We don't have any family traditions, so, every Holiday we just wing it. Whatever happens, happens.
    Blessings. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, I love spontaneous celebrations too!! It's fun to do something a little different now and then! We sometimes get stuck in a rut and think we have to always do it that way, and sometimes there's a better way if we'd just be creative. A couple of years we did lasagna for Christmas dinner instead of ham. Now our daughter in law likes to make a hamloaf, like what my grandmother used to make, only she has improved the recipe...so we will most likely do that this year. The main thing is to celebrate Jesus' birth in whatever way blesses you the most.

      Delete
  4. I always enjoy your posts, Pamela. Such beautiful photos. I didn't even think to post photos on mine. smiles

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, you should know me by now...have camera, will post pictures! LOL. What else can I do with them? I'm not going to develop them! LOL.

      Delete
  5. Your decorations are beautiful. I expect to decorate a 4-foot tree and not much more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's not the size that matters...just the love and enjoyment of it that makes the difference! I hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas season!

      Delete
  6. Hi, Pam! I'm finally, almost, back from a marvelous vacation and seeing the grand grands! Sorry to have missed so many of your posts over the last weeks, but you've certainly been in my thoughts and prayers. Yes, I'm looking forward to decorating for Christmas once we get home tomorrow. Enjoy the season and treasure your loved ones.
    Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am so happy you are having a great time with your family. I can't wait to hear all about it! I know you will hate to leave them, but yet it is always good to get back home. Enjoy your Christmas season as well. So happy for you.

      Delete
  7. You really made that grapevine tree? Wow. I love it, Pam! My mother always baked this time of year -- toffee, peanut brittle, hard candies and (harder) German cookies. Pity, I feel no tug to continue that tradition; plus, there are few I know who'd actually eat them. Both Tom and his adult son and daughter used to prepare a typical Polish meal on Christmas eve -- but I think they were the only ones who actually enjoyed it. LOL!

    I've only been a part of one White Elephant exhange, and it was such fun. Such a great idea!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, my son Benton helped me cut the grapevines and wind them around the tomato plant wire thingy. It was a lot harder than we thought it would be. I probably wouldn't do it again, but I love that we have this one and that it lasts from year to year. Our white elephant gift exchange is a lot of fun. We make a real game of it, and also there are always a couple of nicer gifts thrown in to make it more competitive. Everyone goes home with SOMETHING, whether they like it or not! LOL. Sometimes the same items show up the next year. The Polish meal sounds interesting...I'd love to hear and sample the menu, although I probably couldn't cook it. Have a wonderful Christmas season.

      Delete
  8. It is good to read about your Christmas activities . I don't do a lot of decorating , just my three little trees and a couple of pictures. Sometime around Christmas my husband's family gather at my house for a big meal and just to be together . I certainly don't have the biggest house, but they all seem to enjoy coming here, so we make room for everyone .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And that's the key...making room for everyone and making them feel welcome and loved. That's what it's all about...not how big the house is, but how much they feel at home there. I love that!!

      Delete
  9. Wow, you do Christmas in a big way. I would love to be able to see it in person!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Anne. I was just sitting here thinking that when we take pictures we can edit out the messes surrounding the pretties and no one will be the wiser! But, if you come in person you may say, "Oh my goodness! She sure has a lot of "clutter". But there's method in my madness and we enjoy the fun things around us. And of course you are welcome to come anytime...we are always happy to have folks come to visit!

      Delete
  10. I've been decorating for several days now. Your displays are all so beautiful and cute. I don't bake like I used to because it's just the five of us and we really don't want to fill up on cookies. I'm thinking of making my Spritz cookies for Adam's birthday in January. I did enjoy reading all of your answers to the questions. You take care.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Debby. I've been decorating for several days now too, and we still don't have our tree up, but we ran into some complications with it. I may write about it in a future post, but anyway, it will get done eventually. I love spritz cookies. I think you need to make some soon! LOL. Have a Merry Christmas!

      Delete
  11. I enjoyed your answers. I love lights and love that they are a reminder hat Jesus is the light of the world. I love pulling out the old familiar decorations.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandy, I just realized something a minute ago that I should have figured out sooner...your last name is Palmer, right? and isn't that the baby's name too? Duh! I am slow to catch on!! How special is that??? I love it. And thank you for your comments. Yes, Jesus is the Light of the world...and we are so blessed!

      Delete
  12. I always get the most joy seeing your dollhouse! I have a lot of dolls but decided not to get a dollhouse. I felt like it would be hard to find all the little miniatures that are so cute. Enjoy your week and this gorgeous weather!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, it's been a challenge to find little things to fit, but I found that these little Madame Alexander Christmas ornaments are the perfect size for this house. My sister gave them to me each year for Christmas over the past several years, so the the dollhouse just seemed to be what they needed! I hated to put them away every year after Christmas. This way they can stay out all year and play and enjoy a real life! LOL. Yes, you enjoy your wonderful hikes in this beautiful weather too!!!

      Delete
  13. Loved this, Pam, and love those little elves names John & Pam!! xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A friend at church gave them to us last Christmas! I thought they were so cute too.

      Delete
  14. The tree in front of the cross is a beautiful illustration of the meaning of Christmas. Such a striking photo.

    I also like the grapevine trees. Very nice. All you have done to decorate is lovely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Barbara. I also love the "Cradle to the Cross" decoration at our church, especially meaningful to me personally since Benton built the cross. The decorating at home is still a work in progress. I do enjoy lighting up the corners of our home with lots of Christmas light...it gives it such a warm, cozy happy Christmas feel. It is a lot of work, and this year I am going slowly as I am not in great shape yet stamina wise, but I tend to do what makes me feel happy inside. Christ is Christmas, and celebrating His birth brings joy. I love that you have done a bit more decorating this year. I loved your post today. (((hugs))) to you every day.

      Delete
  15. WOW, you've really decorated a lot and it's only just Dec. I tend to decorate less with each year. We don't have the family gathering anymore, as everyone else has far larger houses and more space for every growing number of family members. Even with the death of a couple of our oldest family members we number close to 25 people if everyone get's together. I don't plan much ahead. I like things simple. For me the best part is our daughter coming home for a visit; as she lives 500 miles away and we don't get to see each all that often. LOVED your Cabin!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How wonderful that your daughter is able to come home for a visit. I can imagine how happy you feel when your daughter is back in your home, even if for just a little while. I do love to decorate and even though I try to scale back, somehow the little things just keep finding their way out of the boxes and out in the open where they can bring joy and happiness and light for a little while. Especially the lights. Winter is so dark (even here in Florida), and I love having the extra lights during December. I am glad you like the cabin. It is a replica of the one my father and his parents built in PA many years ago, so it has special meaning and happy memories. Have a blessed and wonderful Christmas!

      Delete
  16. Nice to read. The dollhouse is so nice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Aritha. I have fun with the dollhouse...even though I don't do a lot with it, it sits here beside me while I write and the little family makes me pause and smile and think about what they must be doing...and sometimes I just have to write about it. It's good to keep our imaginations active in our "old age"...LOL. Blessings to you today dear friend across the sea!

      Delete
  17. I love the little skating pond! ⛸

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Sandi. I'd love to be there skating, except I'd probably fall and crash through the ice. LOL. Not a graceful skater at all, and never did do ice skating, only roller skating. But I can dream, can't I?

      Delete
  18. Easter is my favorite holiday but of course I love Christmas too. Love all your decorations, so pretty, so festive! You are way ahead of me. I just finally took down all the "Fall" and Thanksgiving, and tomorrow will start with Christmas. Hubby did get the outside of the house done last week, so that part is done, yay! Love the tree on your porch and all the rest. I loved Lily Grace's post too....I will have to bring Tracie by to see that tomorrow! We've been enjoying mild night walks and enjoying all the pretty lights about town.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Debbi! We are busily getting things dressed up for Christmas here. Lily wrote two adventures already this week, so be sure to see both of them. She is loving learning about Christmas and all that goes along with it! Yes, please bring Tracie over to visit. Lily Grace loves to talk to her!!!I loved your Thanksgiving post...just came from there. Looks like you had a beautiful day. God bless you dear friend. Thank you for being YOU!

      Delete
  19. I loved your answers and photos. Sand tarts sound yummy!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Beautiful post! I always love your photos Pamela. You take such time to make everything just so. I am always grateful that I Met you here. I am way way behind with my comments and posts somedays too. I have that lady who hates Christians who will not stop bothering everyone at my blog. I will ask for prayer. There really is not much I can do and I do not wish to engage her. This has been a stressful few weeks and I am happy I came here to end my night on a happy note. God Bless you and thank you for your kind heart.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting here today. I would love for you to sign my guestbook and let me know you stopped by. I always enjoy reading your comments and words of encouragement! May you be blessed as you go on your way. Please come back and visit again soon.