Hi there! Welcome to my blog – and I might even welcome myself back at this stage, since it’s been a while since I’ve written! I’ve just not been in the frame of mind to write. Sometimes I just have to roll with that. It’s nothing new to any of us this year, but I’m feeling the strangeness of 2020 even more now. I’m just accepting that and trying to move on. Let’s talk about Christmas, shall we?
I’ve probably spent more time on social media this year than ever before (anyone else?). I’ve seen some new Christmas trends of really loading up the Christmas tree! Some designers really do a fantastically creative job. But my one take away, especially this year, is that the perfect Christmas looks exactly as you want it to. Anything goes. There is no right way and no wrong way to decorate for Christmas. Wouldn’t it be terribly boring if we all decorated the same way? I prefer that we all do it a bit differently.
Of course, Christmas is not about the decorations. It means different things to different people. Whether you celebrate the birth of Jesus, or you celebrate Santa (or both, or neither), it should be a time of joy and thanksgiving, celebrated with your family. The tremendous loss of life, the inability to be with loved ones, and the loss of livelihood for so many during this pandemic is never far from my mind. This makes our Christmas celebration somewhat somber this year. But still, our family will come together and give thanks as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
I wish all those who celebrate, a Merry Christmas! May you find peace and joy with those you love. Stay safe.
In Peace, Dana
This was one of those perfectly sunny, blue sky mornings after a heavy frost. December’s beautiful sunrises have been matched by the most magical sunsets.Here are my girls (Rose, Daisy, Iris and Sweet Pea) on a frosty morning as the sun slowly rises.I made this wreath earlier this month. The greenery and the dried purple statice flowers are all from my garden. It was an easy and fun project!My garlic is pushing through! Frost is good for it (they say it gives it better flavor). It is always fun to have something growing in the garden!A few of my favorite ornaments: I’ve had the handpainted egg for years and it is so special to me. The candles, as you can see, have never been lit. We bought them when we lived in Zurich, Switzerland. I like how they look on the tree, especially with our red bows. We also have several Holy Family ornaments.Some more of my favorite ornaments: The other side of the hand painted egg! The real cotton angel was given to me by a very special friend. We’ve been friends since we were 11! Can you see the ribbon in the background? I like how the design incorporates a winding tree that is covered with shiny red berries.It isn’t big, but it is perfect for us!Some of the goodies from our Lindt Advent Calendar. I crocheted this Christmas tree a few years ago. I then sewed the little beads on (they look like snow, right?). I finished it off by stringing and knotting the bells onto thread. I apparently had lots of extra time that year… It sure is one of a kind!We’ve had some lovely family time! Here we are in Carlingford after a walk.Gorgeous views along our walk in Carlingford.This is our real live outdoor Christmas tree – an Abies Koreana which we’ve decorated with lights and large silver Christmas balls.This is one of my favorite morning views!Who doesn’t love a blue sky? This was the day of my work Christmas Zoom party. We actually had a lot of fun! I’m wearing the required Christmas jumper 🙂 This is a very subtle update on my ‘no hair color since March’ look. On the left is indoor lighting, on the right is natural lighting (albeit in my car).
And that’s a wrap! Merry Christmas! Blessings to you!
Mom in the Garden 
Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much Parmigiana Whisperer! I hope you also had a wonderful Christmas!
Best wishes!
Thank you, Paddy! Many happy returns to you and your family! 🙂
Wonderful! Merry Christmas. Your hair is a lovely colour under both types of light.
Thank you so much Susan! That is very kind of you to say 🙂
I hope you also had a wonderful Christmas!