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.

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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!!

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 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....

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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!