Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Gifts of the Season....

To me, Christmas is not just a "day," but a season.
When I was a child, the whole end of December and into the new year was "holiday" time.  Time spent baking and preparing....enjoying and visiting....
Life was simpler....Not everyone had jobs outside of the home that they needed to return to, and so days were dedicated going from family home to family home, to spread the cheer and make merry.
 

I am saddened now when, the day after Christmas, the radio stations stop playing Christmas music, there are no more Christmas movies to be found, and people start taking down their decorations.
But, here in Nod, you will find the tree still lit, the music still playing, and me still in my Christmas socks (clean ones, of course...I do have more than one pair.)
It is, after all, a season.

One of the "old" traditions from when I was a child, was the "present viewings."  At some point, at each house we visited, we would all gather around their tree and the hostess would show us each gift the family members of that house had received and explain from whom each gift was received.
It was never considered bragging or boastful - just appreciation for blessings bestowed.

And, with that thought and tradition in mind, I'd like to share with you a few of the wonderful gifts I received this season.

First, this wonderful package of stitchy goodes from the dear and overly generous Nancy at Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe.  I mentioned previously her generous heart, and the fact that she was hostessing an amazing Christmas giveaway with a winner or more (sometimes as many as hundreds) each day from December 1st through December 25th.
I was a squealing-kind of merry when I found out I had won some of her amazing hand-dyed "champagne" linen....
But, in addition to the generous hunk of linen, Nancy sent me two skeins of the richest, most sumptuous, "best brick red" hand-dyed floss and a whole pocket full of little stitching charms.
 
 

Try as I might, I couldn't capture the richness and depth of gorgeous colors of either the linen or floss in a photo.  You just have to trust me....It's magical.  Can't wait to put a needle to that thread and fabric!!

Thank you, Nancy....you made my heart sing.

*************

Several other sweet gifts that touched my heart came from the charming Misi of 1890 Gable House Musings.  I LOVE what this woman does!!! She has more talent in her little pinky than I could ever have in my entire body - feathers and all.

 
I absolutely ADORE these!!
Thank you so much Sweet Misi....now, if only Santa would come through on that wish of mine to have a wee bit of your incredible talent and creativity!!

*************

 And, from my sweet, funny, gal pal, Marie, a/k/a Olde Lady Morgan
this wonderful reindeer fella (For some reason, I am smitten with reindeer this year....):
 
 
....this too stinking-adorable snow fella in a ticking stocking (with his own star!)

And.....this sweet lil' snow fella in a ticking pocket.

 

Thank you so much, Girlfriend - your "random act of kindness" warmed my soul and made me smile from the inside out....

*************

I have more to share, but this post has gotten lengthy enough me thinks....
So, I will share more of this season's joys another day.
I have been truly blessed by you, my friends....

Wishing you all a season of joys and blessings!

32 comments:

prims by olde lady morgan said...

ROBIN,

WOW! Look at allyour wonderful goodies! Love Misi creativity too.. oh my. When I saw the molds she was working with, I went out and got them too... had to try it...
Now, I am with you, saddens me to see lights off, trees down in the nieghborhood already...Now I realize many start decorating sooner then I ... but my tree is up until later next week and lights on everywhere!!! Great minds think alike? I think so! I hope you had a very Merry Christmas! OLM

Patti said...

Lovely gifts! Oh how I remember keeping all those lovely new gifts under the tree to share when others came to visit - so fun to relive with the telling! And also visiting others to see their lovely new gifts as well. I guess we are all too busy for all the visiting. I too will continue with the season - including the music and movies :)
Blessings, Patti

Lil Raggedy Angie said...

Im leaving the decor after all your squawking :0)Blog friends are indeed the best and you sure have some great ones from the looks of all those prim perfect gifts ...left this lil raggedy drooling for sure . I know Christmas wasn't all you dreamed of or deserved but some of us still love ya anyway Smile GF PS thanks for turning off the snow blower hugs lil raggedy angie

jennifer768 said...

Yes, Christmas past is much different than today's Christmas.It was a fun time and I have such wonderful memories of the older traditions we shared.Love all your goodies from your blogging buddies.It goes that you can't be to cranky of a crow.LOL!Hugs,Jen

Penny said...

I grew up with the same tradition of visiting/having visitors on Christmas day and the few days afterwards..... I do miss the practice.... I still leave my presents under the tree for several days, although the rest of my family packs things up right away.
You sure did receive some wonderful gifts from your blog pals!! Lucky you!!
Our tree and lights will be up and on until New Year's Day.... then everything gets put away except the snowmen -- they'll stay put until Valentines come out!!
Enjoy the rest of the holiday season!
Penny

Cabin Fever Primitives said...

Thank you for this lovely post, you always manage to take us back to
"days gone by". Working retail these past seven years has had a challenging effect on my Christmas Spirit (keeping it positive). We can only take from Christmas what we put into it, the true meaning, Peace, Hope and Love towards all mankind. Christmas Blessings girlfriend.
Connie

bettyj said...

Oh dear, you all are making me feel so bad! Should I put my tree back up? Should I? Oh dear! In my defense the house is on the market and will be shown,so I put it up Nov 1, and I did take it down today. It has to look large, you see, it is very small and very full!lol
You rec'd some wonderful gifts. Hope they warm your heart each time you look at them. Happy and Blessed New Year.

Bittersweetfolkart said...

I think its sad too ..instead of enjoying the holidays everyone is too busy focusing on the next one.
My tree is still up and will be until January 1st :)

Hugs
Mandy

Myra said...

Wonderful gifts one and all!

Jody Wakefield studio said...

Robin all your gifts are just fabulous!! Okay, that Santa in the first picture is to die for...

Hugs
Jody

annie said...

happy they all came to you, happier still you are the bearer of many friends. that is a true gift!

Roberta said...

Precious family memories. I leave our tree up until New Year's and I'll be ready to get back to normal by then. Your gifts and winnings are great! ~Roberta

~Sara said...

Such wonderful goodies! Blogging friends are the best. It is a little sad that Christmas is over. But to everything there is a season. Blessings~Sara

Unknown said...

Really lucky to receive so wonderful gifts! The reindeer is simply gorgeous!

Farmhouse prims said...

What beautiful, beautiful gifts you received from Nancy, Misi and Marie, I love everything!!!
And I love how you celebrated Christmas as a little girl, we still need to do that. It upsets me too how you can't find Christmas movies of music at all the day after Christmas, that is when I am on vacation and wish it would be a celebration until Jan. 1st.
hugs, Lecia

Jeanne said...

Robin ~ I was raised with the same traditions. Christmas was considered a week long celebration, instead of just a day. I'm keeping up the same traditions with my daughter...I want her to enjoy the entire week. Your gifts are beautiful!! Blogland has enabled us to meet some very special and talented ladies. Merry Christmas...enjoy the week !!
Jeanne

Primitive Stars said...

Morning Dear Friend, I love your post....Love your simple Christmas traditions....We here also carry the Christmas spirit into the the New Year, visiting friends, sharing Holiday goodies, also keep the tree up into the New Year......You were blessed with such wonderful goodies from such talented gals, love the gifts.....Thanks for sharing Robin, Warm Blessings Francine.

Raymond Homestead said...

Lots of wonderful gifts there, extra special being from friends! This world just moves too fast, wish we could all slow down and return to a lot of the traditions of the past. Hopefully some day it will return to that!

Angela said...

Hi Robin, I have so enjoyed your days of merriment post but have stopped by and not taken the time to respond. So,,here I am. I agree with you CHristmas is a season and my decor will stay up all this week. I have more down time the week after the Big Day and so enjoy the decor and lights and quiet time with the mister. Loving all the gifts from friends. Can't wait to see what you create with that linen and thread. Hoping all is well in NOd and Little Crow is doing well and had a good Christmas as well.
Hugs
Angela

WoolenSails said...

Such wonderful gifts and wonderful friends.
I keep my decorations up for January. I love to see what other's got and share in their joy.

Debbie

Robyn ♥ said...

Thoses are some wonderful gifts from some talented gals!
My decorations are still up and will continue to be for a few more days. It bugs me when stores are a season ahead. Some are already thinking Easter! We are finally getting my snow today, I am SO not thinking Spring!!
I am relaxing today and enjoying my lights and decorations.

Shuttle, Hook and Needle said...

Sweet gifts!
When my Mother and Father were alive we shared our gifts in the same way. Miss that now that my family is all so far away and dwindling away.
Enjoy your tree and decorations! Mine stays up till the 2nd day of Jan. and I hate to take it down then.
Louise

Mugwump Woolies said...

Wow...great goodies Ms. Crow! Our tree is still up...but very dry...I watch it like a hawk! My Annie is always reluctant to see Christmas go.We'll put thing away after the weekend, but the Home Alone Marathon will continue well into January.
Hope your Christmas was wonderful... I spent a week away from the computer...my gift to myself and my frazzled brain!
Robyn

Sheila said...

Popping in to say a quick hello! Haven't visited in some time......hoping the new year will be better and I can get back into a routine of visiting all you sweet ladies in blog land. Love your pretties you received from your friends. Not putting away what holiday décor I have out till after the first, but will still have the snowmen out for a bit.
Wishing you a blessed New Year!
~Sheila

Woman Seeking Center said...

Indeed, simpler times, slower pace, heartfelt traditions. I miss these too.

I'll add to your list handwritten notes and cards. Being remembered is always wonderful via tweets n emails! Yet for me there remains something gentle and human about paper and ink. Decades of thoughts, emotions and life folded ~ tied with a ribbon, awaiting the the moment you hold them in hand and thumb thru the memories they hold.

The happy truth is that new traditions emerge alongside ongoing older ones - each holding their own brand of joy :-)

Hugs and happy new year dear crow...
Issy

Jennifer said...

what lovely goodies!!! Happy Holidays!!

Robin at The Primitive Hutch said...

I remember those fun days long ago.
It seemed everyone was on vacation every day was filled with some kind of activity which involved family and friends. Oh the good olde days! Beautiful gifts of heartfelt kindness you received ~ Love them all! Enjoy!
Wishing you many Blessing in the coming New Year!
Prim Blessings
The other Robin!

Cindi said...

I am a celebrator that keeps going! I have my tree up until the first weekend after the first of the year and also leave all of my winter things out including a snowman tree. LOL
The gifts from your friends are so sweet! Thanks for sharing them!
Be blessed,
Cindi

Kim said...

We celebrate the season too. Family visits from house to house. Last night one group stayed too long during the snow fall and almost got stuck. It's against the law (snort) to take the tree down before jan 1 ( but I am oh so ready now)
You got some dandy goodies there Missie. You must have been a very good crow this year.

Jan - Life on Buttermilk Hill said...

I agree with you...the house looks sad and so empty with the Christmas decorations taken down. Al has always insisted on leaving the tree up until ,at the earliest, January 2nd. That's OK with me because we get it up so late every year!Those are some generous sweet gifties you received. Enough to make a cranky crow morph into a songbird!--blessings sweet GF! --Jan

Gayle said...

So many lovely gifts you received! I especially like that heart & hand item cuz I have a weakness for them. Can you tell what it's made of? Please let me know.......

Deneen@dreaming-n-color said...

Beautiful gifts for a beautiful person. You are so loved....