Wednesday, December 1, 2010

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

It has begun! Christmas is exploding all over my house. Every year I think that I really should pare down and not completely fill the house with Christmas stuff. But, I just can't do it -- after 52 years of marriage and Christmas celebrations, there are just too many memories attached.

For instance, I have been having coffee every Wednesday morning with a group of women for 28 years straight. We started out as a quilting group, but rarely quilt anymore. We just eat and chat, now. But for about 10 years, we exchanged handcrafted Christmas presents -- mostly snowmen and Santas. We soon realized that we had to stop, as our homes were filling up fast. I still love all of my Santas and snowmen made by my friends over the years, and can't leave them packed away.
So, Christmas continues to explode every year!

I especially like them displayed with my collection of vintage bottle brush trees.

This is just a small portion of those that we have exchanged over the years.

There are some very talented women in our group.

I'm participating in the following Christmas parties this week. Be sure to stop by these wonderful blogs for a plethora of inspiration.
at A Very Merry Vintage Style on Dec. 1
at Southern Hospitality on Dec. 2
at French Country Cottage on Dec. 3
at Between Naps on the Porch on Dec. 6
at Centsational Girl on Dec. 7


14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Sally! Oh, I just love your precious little handmade Christmas things popping out all over! How special to have such a group of friends like this and for so many years!
I always try to be minimalistic too, never works! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Marilyn said...

There's no way I'd want to eliminate any of my Christmas treasures, so I'm with you in getting them out over and over to enjoy. Memories are wonderful and tangible reminders help "jog" my brain cells. I seem to need more 'jogs' recently! ♥♫

very merry vintage style said...

You have some beautiful things with great memories behind them--I don't blame you for not wanting to part with any of them. Your displays look great! thanks for linking to my party!
Mary

Robin Johnson said...

Such delightful memories! I can see how it would be hard to part with even one!

Pattie @ Olla-Podrida said...

Such charming goodies tucked here and there. I couldn't part with a single one.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

How cute & festive, Sally! I'm envious of your vintage bottlebrush trees, just love those!

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Such charming decorations...every year when I decorate I am flooded with memories, too! Hopped over from A Very Merry Holiday Home party!

Savannah Granny said...

Beautiful Santas. I would say that you do have a bunch of talented ladies as special friends. Great memories. I to have been married for 52 years. I know what you mean about the Christmas decor. I can't part with a thing. Drop by for a visit.
I am your latest follower. Ginger

Savannah Granny said...

Small World! My husband's name is Bob also. Ginger

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love this Sally. Makes me feel good to see these vignettes of yours.

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Love this vignette~ The collection of bottlebrush trees is just so adorable! Thank you for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday! :)

Ann @ makethebestofthings said...

We've been married almost 40 years and I try to hold back, I really do, but too many memories and too many wonderful things to show! Love all your wonderful vignettes, just gorgeous!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Sally, they are all so cute, and I love how you've displayed them. Love the one sitting in a drawer. I may have to borrow that idea. Thank you for the inspiration. I have sworn that this year, I will get rid of some Christmas decor, but like you, I'm having a LOT of trouble with the memories attached to each item. So far, I think I've given my daughter-in-law 3 items! I think I'm going to have to do better than that! laurie

Karyn said...

Your snowmen and santas are wonderful! That surely IS a talented bunch. How wonderful to remain friends and keep up such traditions. You're a very lucky lady! I love your bottle brush trees. I only have the newer ones, but I'd like to start a collection of vintage ones. They are so beautiful!

Karen