I’ve been decorating for a whimsical Christmas — lots of inspiration for it! Starting with MUSICA . . .
IT’S A KITTY CAT CHRISTMAS . . .
I thought you might like a “Life of Jack” update — and I know everyone thinks their cat is the smartest in the world, but this is actually the smartest kitty in the world.♥ He just is. You know how cats rub against your legs? Now every time Jacks walks by me, he doesn’t just rub against my leg, he JUMPS up, his front paws leave the ground, so he can rub against me. He jumps up, then curls around me and comes back and jumps up from the other side. Do I love it? Yes! Then he stretches out on the floor in front of me, full length, so I can rub his belly.
He’s also not as interested in ball-retrieval these days, now he likes rubber band retrieval . . . the thick elastic kind you use on a pony tail. I shoot them, and he leaps into the air and catches them, or chases them, and brings them back to me. I tell you he is brilliant! I will be reading a book, feel something come up into my lap, look down, there’s a rubber band. He’s little too. Not growing very big, so far, for a 16-month old. He’s a little, smart cat.
He adores the fire. Curls up in front of it, stares at it, rolls around next to it, naps as close to it as possible . . . to the point where I have to stay there with him, he loves it so much that I’m not too sure yet that he is aware that it is HOT in there.
But, just so you know, Joe and I do leave the house sometimes … we’ve been getting the house ready for Yankee Magazine who, if you read Willard or have been hanging out on this blog, you know, is coming to take photographs of our house! Here we are at one of our garden centers called Eden. They always do the cutest things at their entry way! Nice “roping,” don’t you think?
And we found our tree! At Vineyard Garden Center. Thar she blows. Now to get her home!
I started my paper whites — I save the rocks from year to year; I also found a bag full of moss when we were shopping off-island … thought it would be pretty to mix in a little bit of green.
Speaking of green, for a while there we could not see a speck of it outside, our lawn was wall-to-wall leaves . . . But Joe made compost out of them . . . and while he was out there raking, he, got an idea, inspired by the roping at Eden. . .
And made this with the bushes in our yard! Isn’t that great? I was very impressed! Who knew that, #1, we had the stuff to make this — even though I should know, I see it every day …. or, #2, Joe would be able to do it! (Although I should know, he can do anything!)
While he was doing that in the yard, I was baking cookies — and, by the way, this recipe is SO Delicious, I’ll put in the next post (this one is already too long!) . . . It’s a chocolate chip cookie different from any other — Joe loved them and so did I! Good Housekeeping is what we were doing . . . here on Christmas Island.
And then Joe, even more inspired now … came in and surprised me with this! We usually buy wreaths and put our own bows on them . . . but he got the urge to try making one; went out there and cut more Chinese and English Boxwood, Holly, Ivy and Pine — and look how cute it turned out, all fresh and perky! I hope he realizes what he has gotten himself into. One is seriously not enough.
My job was to add the toys, the bow, bird, and pears!
So he went back out and brought in a whole box of greens for me to play with! I love whimsy; a little decorating-sense-of-humor is a good thing at the holidays, but I also love tradition. When you google Decorating Whimsical Christmas, there are lots of white trees, bright pink, turquoise, and silver ornaments. I love looking at the pictures of this . . .
. . . because they are full of creativity and joy … BUT I’ve never quite gotten over the old-fashioned traditional things, and need to have them! When I think of Christmas, I remember how I saw it as a child when I was at my most personally whimsical (believing with all my heart in the magic) . . . sparkle, and lights, candles, color, stories, singing, cookies … pure magic! That’s still what I love. I want whimsy, but now I’m grown up, I know about tradition, and I need my old things too. ♥
Like wreaths and roping made from traditional greens that are green, my little trees in the window sills, or my bird tree on the table . . . I had fun playing with the leaves and branches over the windows — I just poked everything under the curtain rod!
And talk about whimsy, these were the “men” sitting in the “yard” of a gingerbread house on display in a coffee shop downtown! Aren’t they adorable? I think it’s marzipan … my favorite part is the tiny chocolate shots stuck in the top of the heads! With whimsy, the sky is the limit!
But this probably as traditionally whimsical as I get . . . my bird tree. I’ve had it for years and years, and guess what? It’s been up for a week, and Jack hasn’t touched it yet! It’s on the kitchen table, just over his food bowl, and he just isn’t interested. Knock on wood.
Rachel, my English girlfriend, gave me this tiny precious cup; I brought home leaves from our walk, another little bird and voila! Nature whimsy!
Plus of course my little old house that I found at an island flea market, it goes on top of the stove, like every year …
I’ve also been setting out my old quilts, which Girl loves . . .
I took this picture last year . . . it’s the ornament I got the year I move to the island. Now that’s a tradition!
And of course I have to do my shelf-scape of Beatrix Potter People; they needed a few trees and pears. ♥
And there’s not too much more traditional than Christmas apples and old books . . .
Yesterday Joe and I carried the tree down the driveway and around to the front door, which is the best way to bring in a tree at our house, through the front hall, causing the least amount of damage, both to us, and to the house, and there she is! She smells wonderful!!! When we get her trimmed and ready for prime time, I’ll be sure to show you!
I am not done decorating by any stretch of the imagination, I have the fireplace to do, the Peter Rabbit room, and lots of other spots. Which is where I’m going now. But first off, I remember how much you liked the picture of the beautiful cardinal on the feeder outside my kitchen window, and was thinking, what would the girlfriends like for a Holiday Giveaway . . . ??? Something whimsical would be just right, I think!
And I thought, maybe this little notebook, of the boy bird feeding the girl bird, the way it should be in real life at all times! And then, of course, because I love mine so much, you really must have one of these darling new mugs we just got in. They are just like the bird cup . . . four pieces, the cup, the lid, a mesh basket inside for loose tea, and a saucer for your cookie! So cute …
So yours. ♥ And the little pad opens up, is perfect purse-size for little winter notes . . .
And one more thing. Joe says he will make you
One of these! And I will decorate it! And we will send it along with the mug and the cardinal notepad, so we can wish you a Merry Everything girlfriends, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Soltice, or as Jerry Seinfeld called it, “Festivus!”
To be entered in the drawing, just leave me a little message in the comment section (if this blog is being emailed to you, you have to click here, www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/; scroll to the bottom of this post, click on the tiny word “comments”); in a few days, our Winning Name will be pulled by the wonderful and beautiful Vanna . . . and I will announce it here. Joe will make that wreath at the last moment so it will be fresh! ♥
We say Bye for now! We would jump up and rub your legs if you were here! ♥ xoxo
Dear Susan: Love all the little whimsies you’re making and hanging up. And isn’t your Joe a clever fellow?! Merry, merry Christmas, Susan and all the friends.
Barb
Your decorations are making me soooo happy!
Merry Christmas to you!
Celeste
Oh! A wreath from Joe? And the sweetest little tea set and book? I’m going to cross my fingers and wish upon a star tonight that my name is chosen :-). Yankee magazine isn’t sold down here so I already sent in my subscription for 2013.
Hi Susan,
You inspired me to start decorating! I too have lots of the traditional things that have been part of our Christmas for years. Let the fun begin!
Merry Christmas, Carol
Enjoy the holiday season! Thank you for the chance to win!
I’ve loved your books, calendars and other goodies for years, we have the same style of decorating and housekeeping. If my whole family weren’t allergic to cats we’d have a kitty to add to the managerie. Lucky you.
Just arrived home from the hospital with my husband and his new knee. Yay! Had to read your posting before tackling the mess that came home with us. Now I can’t wait to decorate! Thank you so much for sharing your lovely home and creativity with all of us! Best wishes to you and your family!
Good for your husband, congratulations for getting through it … Happy Christmas to you both!
I love this post today! The Mother Goose Quote, the cardinal, the kitties, and the wreath! But that mug and stationary!!! Oh, I do want to be in this drawing! Thank you for the reminder that the simple things in life are what it’s alllllllllll about!
I love all of your little birdies through your warm and cozy home. I hope you and Joe have a wonderful holiday season! Thank you for sharing all that you do with us, your blog is a joy to read.
Oh what wonderful Christmas ideas you bring. I love, love Joe’s handy work! Tell him to keep it up. That kitty is so adorable and so loving! I annotate wait to see the tree decorated! I am going to do mine this week too. Fun! Fun! Merry Christmas to all of you!
Karen
Hello Susan, I just wanted to say how very pretty your decorating is coming along and the give aways are so generous. Please tell Joe how very creative his wreaths and roping are and anyone would appreciate receiving his wreath. I wish everyone luck and will be happy for the lucky winner. I’m trying to get in the festive Holiday Spirit and must admit it is very difficult this year. I currently am fighting strep throat and after 4 days it seems with the help of antibiotics to be some better today. I truly am so ready to be healthy and happy so that is my Christmas Wish for myself and everyone out there who is fighting something of their own. Thank you for allowing us to get a peek at all the decorations and also your precious kitties. Blessings
Okay, Deborah Heater of Indiana, my SB email penpal–hurry up and GET WELL because Christmas is coming and Santa Claus can’t be coming down your chimney to drop off gifts and picking up your strep throat bug to share with all the little girls and boys–that would be too nasty!!! Have you tried warm lemonade with honey in it??? LOL! 🙂
Pat, my dear friend I have tried everything under the sun and moon to shake this crud and I have come to the conclusion this is my destiny?? I’m trying to find the humorous side to all of my medical issues and so far there isn’t one. As far as the Jolly ole St. Nick coming down our chimney that won’t happen we don’t have one here, and I’m sure this cold will be long gone by then?? We can only hope. I think 1 out of 57 years of not having any Christmas Spirit is allowed that is until Angela arrives!!! I’m trying and I do enjoy reading how much fun and cheer is happening here on the blog and with you in my corner hey maybe there is hope for me too~~~Enjoy the Reason for the Season Everyone!!!!
I’m comment #772…. Can Joe please make that many wreaths???? If not, I’d just love a shell from your little island….Wishing you much happiness this CHRISTMAS season!
This is the only hard part of the giveaways, not having enough for everyone!!!
Beautiful wreath and trimmings, will need to plant the plants that produce the ingredients for them!
I realized that I’ve been reading your blog over a year now …when I saw your bird tree, I remembered it from last year!! I began collecting little birds last year, thanks to your inspiration. Oh, may I please win your Christmas giveaway? I have lots to be thankful for (health, husband, home) and there’s nothing really special that I want for Christmas … and then I saw your Giveaway!!! Oh, My! Now THAT’s a girl’s dream gift package!! I pledge that each time I sipped hot tea in that darling mug, I would have a thankful heart! Thank you for your consideration and no matter the outcome, may you and Joe and Girl Kitty and Jack have a wonder-filled Christmas!!
Love all your beautiful Christmas. I would love my name added to your box.
I never tire of hearing about Jack! I wish I could enter to win him, too! Over your dead body, right? 🙂
That would be about right! 🙂
I just love your house anytime of the year. I would be honored to win the goodies and the wreath that was made with so much love. Can’t wait for the unveiling of your Christmas tree. Wishing you and your family a joyous holiday season.
LOVED this post..always love seeing Jack he is so cute and fun..but love girl too she is so calm……a real lady I think.
Loved all the decorations…and gorgeous tree…….great job the wreath..really well done Joe!
Loved reading you message….so special and inspiring! That Joe truly is a treasure….so talented….and those wreaths!!!!!!!! Love what you are doing to ring the holidays in. I’ve been there right along with you, carols playing, (I had the volume rather loud…you might have heard them on the island!) holly flying, little vignettes appearing everywhere. I love unpacking the Christmas boxes each year. Like old friends all the goodies are there to greet me once again. I never tire of fussing over it all….brings back so many wonderful memories and that anticipation of the new memories that will be added this year….I’m bursting with the “spirit”. Thanks again for sharing your talents and loves…that kitty is something else!
Sigh, once again I wish my husband was handy! He has wonderful qualities that I wouldn’t trade for anything but every once in a while I daydream about what that would be like. I don’t even want to know what qualities he wishes I possesed!!
You’ve inspired me to decorate a little more! Thank you!
Your Christmas Idyll is coming together, Susan! I am enjoying it for your (and Joe’s) creativity, and because I will be alone this Christmas. I have to look for Joy, and you certainly have it here. I know your Jack is the cutest little boy kitty but my Zoey, a long-haired Calico girl, is giving him a run for the rubber band! She will keep me company and I will enjoy your offerings. I read them again and again. A very Merry Christmas to you both and your kitties.
Barb Mac
Susan, I love Joe’s wreaths and your decorating. What fun to win your generous giveaway. I’ve enjoyed your blog for a long time. Merry Christmas to All.
Your home is beautiful. What great ideas you have for decorating. And your kitty is so sweet:) Thanks for sharing.
I think Joe has a NEW job – making wreaths! How beautiful is that? I love, love, love it! Lucky you, Susan!
Oh to win those glorious treats…seriously….it would make my year! I have our house decorated, as I had a b-day party for my mom on Saturday….so you are right…..company puts you on notice. I’m sure you are busy with your own decorating, but if you want to see what I did for my sweet mom’s party….my blog address is listed. 🙂
I want to see, how can I see it ?
Carla, Sheri’s name is a link and you click on her name to get to her blog post.
So wonderful to have a chance to win wonderful gifts from you and Joe. Very exciting! Can’t wait to hear all about the photo shoot.
OH MY GOODNESS, you had me at fresh cut greens. Wouldn’t that just be fantastic to have a bit of MV here in Georgia!! Thanks for the chance to have some tea, write down my Christmas wishes and enjoy a yummy wreath!! Have fun trimming the tree!
Love all the Christmas decorating ideas! Love the little dollhouse dressed with lights, the pennant garlands, the little green trees with the BP figures, and especially the handmade garlands and wreaths. I really should make a boxwood wreath this year!
OMG loved the wreath and greenery above the window. The place is shaping up mighty nice for the magazine. Can’t wait to see the tree. I love the mug and cup it looks great.
Loving all the giveaways, especially the wreath!
I always drop everything I’m doing as soon as I know you’ve posted something new on your blog. You are a very talented person…an inspiration to those of us who aren’t!
You are so sweet Peg xoxo
The wreaths are wonderful. I’ve wanted to look into growing Holly here in Colorado for some time now. Love your blogs and inspiration. Thank you for all you do and share.
Lovely, just lovely. Once again you have brought a moment of quiet, enjoyment and beauty to my day. Thank you, Susan!
I just love your blog and getting Willard! I’m also so grateful you’re so willing to share so much of yourself and your life so we can be enveloped in the warmness and gentle spirit you share. Your home looks so warm & inviting and your decorations are wonderful. Merry Christmas to you and those you love (especially the kitties!!) <3 <3
I love the in progress decorations and the wreath is beautiful! I love reading everything that you have written!!!!
Merry Christmas!!
You inspire so much in my house! I still read your Christmas book every year to get into the Holiday Spirit.
Mindy, so do I!!! Isn’t it amazing how detailed every page is, it is such a treat.
Yes, Lynn it is! Susan gave me the idea to print my childrens’ artwork on notecards for gifts. All my relatives look forward to the notecards every year. I also try to clean all the glass and mirrors in my house so the lights “sparkle” more. Such good ideas!
I love your choice for Musica–Leon Redbone. My husband took me to a Leon Redbone concert in the park in the city of Cleveland TN for our anniversary. We took a picnic supper and had a wonderful, lovely time.
Speaking of lovely, your home is looking beautiful and the kitties are adorable. I so enjoy checking in on your blog–thank you! Merry Christmas.
Hi Susan,
Wow….lots of sweet Jack, Christmas, swags and wreaths and leaves….phew! And then, to top it all off, a holiday giveaway that includes the cardinals I dearly miss and love in a sweet note pad, along with more goodies. I tell ya, life is good. Thanks for the great post (and I am still reading my Willard!) and keep those holiday posts coming..what a treat!
It is a rainy dreary day here and your email always brightens the day. Thank you so much for all of your inspiration, always !! I treasure your books that I own and love to give them as gifts. Thank you so much for sharing so much with all of us. Merry Christmas !! Congratulations on the Yankee Magazine news, thats wonderful. Thank you for the opportunity to win that gorgeous cup and notepad.
xox
Oh, if I believed in reincarnation, I’d love to come back as a cat in your home! Thanks for sharing those cozy ideas and thoughts. Susan, your blog brightens my day…..
I just love hearing about Jack..he sounds like he is a good friend for you and Joe!
I have a good for nothing cat…just sleeps and eats and keeps me company. I guess at 11, she’s entitled!
Happy Holidays to you.
He is our Nutty Buddy. We wob him.
Susan, you and Joe make my heart sing with the magic of Christmas.
Thanks, Rachel
You make hearts sing yourself Miss Rachel!
What a wonderful giveaway! Whether one wins or not always inspiring to read your letter. Thank you.
Your blogs and Willards are such a delight to receive!! I love the way you are decorating for Christmas and I always look carefully for your vintage treasures. You always have something that reminds of my youth. Thank you for sharing your joyous outlook on life!!! Merry Christmas and God bless!
What a sweet, sweet giveaway! I found out about my hubby’s undiscovered talents last December when he had lots of unplanned time off and made nearly all of our Christmas cookies!! It was a nice surprise just like Joe’s wreaths, garlands, etc.
Oh, how I would love to win! Thanks for the opportunity!
This post is so HAPPY! Can’t wait for the cookie recipe.
Christmas Blessings,
Tanya
I’m always so anxious to read your blog and am waiting to see all of your final decorations. How inspiring!
Thanks so much for sharing.
You inspire and now Joe inspires also! What a match you two are, thank you for bringing us glad tidings!
Merry Christmas Susan!!! I love your Blog! Thank you for letting me into your lovely home. I made your Touchdown Chili last night and my family loved it!!
I would love to win your prizes.
Love
Marylou
From Grass Valley, CA
Mmm, that sounds good right now!
Your decorations look so wonderful and wish I had the decorations that you have. Throughout the years I have slowly gotten rid of ornaments and decorations for the holiday and now only have a limited amount so I really love seeing a beautifully decorated home. I looks so cosy. I always love a chance to win something wonderful. Happy Holidays.
I love reading your blog…it speaks to my old fashioned homemaking heart. Your wall calendar hangs in my kitchen each year and it is a treat to turn the page each month and read all the little tidbits. Your home is looking so festive and cozy this holiday season. Christmas blessings to you and yours.
Hi Susan!
As I approach my 70th birthday on 12/27, I find it hard to comprehend how quickly the years have gone by…BUT when you mentioned Jack was 16 months old, it was even harder to believe. It literally seems like yesterday he was just a kitten!
Have a wonderful holiday season. Can’t wait to see the Yankee article on your home.
Best, Kathryn
If Einstein were alive, I believe he would show us that time really is going faster…
I think Einstein would approve of us! Genius reigns here.
Oh! A handmade wreath too?! You are too too kind!
Look forward to reading your blog everyday ! I love everything you post and can’t wait for your new book ! From your choise of books to movies, food to decorating, we are soul sisters, for sure ! Happy holidays !
I love your blog. It reminds me so much of where I grew up…on the East Coast. I am now on the West Coast, the Pacific Northwest to be exact. And we have our own beauty, but I do miss the East, especially the cardinals!
Christmas is all about whimsy and tradition,,I love the quiet fire and foggy nights here in San Juan Capistrano,,All of my’ decorating the halls’ go back to my childhood memories in Buffalo,,you are too generous,,would love to to win any part of your offerings,,give Lady and Jack a hug for me,,,,Judy
oh my what a lovely giveaway…what a joy it would be to receive such gorgeous things. thank you for your continued blessings.
I LOVED your post!!!! Everything at your home is looking so festive and you’ve swept me right up into your heartfelt joy in the season! Thank you!
It would be an honor to have your special goodies gracing our home this holiday season.
Wishing you a very holly, jolly!!!
Cheryl
I love, love, love the garlands. How much fun are they?! The greenery and those little frosted trees sitting amongst every little thing. The wreath is amazing!! It’s such a good feeling to get out the holiday decorations in preparation for the big day…I just don’t like the taking down so much.
Thanks for the giving!
p.s. Can’t wait for the cookie recipe, yum xx
I couldn’t wait for my little grandbaby to take her next nap so I could finish reading this post! :-)You give us such beautiful ideas, and I plan to try some. I have begun collecting birds for my own small Christmas tree…love that idea! And, love the wreath Joe made. Yea, Joe, you made a hit with all of us with your creativity here!!! Your house is taking on great shape for the Christmas picture shoot from Yankee Magazine! Loved seeing Jack…he is a very smart boy indeed!!! Thank you for giving us all a chance to share some of your treasures by having your “give-aways”! We would all visit you even if you didn’t because you brighten our days with your lovely posts!
You all inspire me everyday … love thinking, “what would the girls like?”
The wreaths are absolutely beautiful! Your creative talent must be contagious!
So impressed by Joe’s and your beautiful wreath!! Merry Christmas!
A Merry Hello to you, Joe, Jack and Girl!
I adore your all your Christmas decor. Your home is a cup of good cheer.
Your Friends,
Deborah
>^..^^..^< Puter and Scout aka (the dog we cats tolerate)
I love all of your decorating & especially your birds. My mother loved birds, especially cardinals & her tree was all bird ornaments. When she dies we divied them up & now they are the most special ones I put on my tree. Joe did a great job on the wreaths & it would be so fun to win one.
Your blog/website is one of my favorite places to “visit.” It is so inspiring, and I can’t help but come away even happier than I was before! I’ve been a fan of yours for a very long time. Your wall calendar is a must-have for me. And your holiday flags decorate my classroom with each season. I like the personal style of your blog notes. (I feel as though you are talking directly to me!) I’m spreading the good word about you. Recently, my sister and I “oohed” and “aahed” our way back through your older posts. We love your photography and the conversations you have with us!! Keep it up! The wreath Joe made is fantastic! And the polka dot mug? Too cute for words! Thanks for everything you do. It is so enjoyable!
Thank you Linda!
Hi Susan! Brownie and I just got back from a long week-end in Willamsburg VA and boy, oh boy…talk about whimsy! It was wonderful on every level. The sights and sounds of the Grand Illumination, the smell of the crescents burning, the taste of the very delicious Tavern food – we ate at Shields and Christiana Campbell’s – and the feel of my cozy wool cape as we walked and walked and walked in the chill of each night was just what we needed to get in the Christmas mood. I, like you, have been decorating with a purpose today. L*O*N*G way to go but savoring each joyful moment. My three kitties are helping me as we’ll and seem to anticipate the tree coming in the house! Oh dear!!
One other thing-I made the fun banner you shared with us but I loved the idea so much that I knew I wouldn’t want to take it down after Christmas soooo on the reverse side I wrote “Bring On The Snow” and it works perfectly. Only problem…..I shared the picture with my daughters and two daughters in law and “Oh yes please, I’d like one too!” Back to the craft room I go! Thank you for all the lovely ideas and beautiful pictures!!
Willa
Good Idea Willa!
Merry Christmas, Susan!!!
I adore your blog – such a happy place!
Yes!!! Please!!! Thank you!!!! Here’s my address…..what a wonderful giveaway and what a wonderful blog….and wonderful you, wonderful Joe, wonderful kitties, wonderful home!! Thank you for another episode of the “Life of Jack”….he always makes me laugh!! Joy to you all!!
My Fiona also gave up on fetching balls – she liked the little rubber bouncy ones – then one day – nope – no more for her! Funny every once in a while a tennis ball (I don’t know why I have a tennis ball in my house – nobody here plays tennis and we don’t have a dog) will appear in my room, next to the bed – maybe she just wanted a bigger bouncy ball?! Just wanted to remind you to be careful with the rubberbands – don’t let Jack eat them – they can do bad things in their stomachs.
P.S. I remember now – tennis balls for juggling – taught at my sons’ high school.
They do seem to do the same things every day, then suddenly they up and change with no rhyme nor reason!
Susan, Joe, Girl Kitty and Jack,
Wow, you all know how to get us in the feel of the Season!
Joe appears to have a natural aptitude for making wreaths. Just. Beautiful!
With your decorations added you guys can start a cottage industry!
Love to you all!
Angie Scott-Chavez
Susan; your blog today was so wonderful. I am so jealous. I started to wash windows last Thurs in preparation for decorating I fell and fractured my tibia. Now sitting in my living room with brace on leg walker at my side and kindle to keep track of fun things like your blog .Thank you for all the wonderful inspiration. I will decorate just not for a while.
I’m sure, now you get to watch all the best old movies and read Christmas stories! xo
Merry Christmas and blessed tidings to you and Joe and the kids! Thanks for sharing your endless inspiration and joyful spirit. You inspire me 🙂
The wreaths are beautiful. I love my bird tea cup that I bought at your online store too. Thanks for the opportunity to have another chance at winning!
When I saw that last photo of Jack, the song that immediately popped into my head was, “Look at that face, just look at it….”
Your decorating so inspired me, I did some of my own. Got two bunches of very mixed seasonal greens at the market, and made one big arrangement in the gold glass Christmas vase, and put a little pottery vase filled with candy canes nearby for some color, and then out came the tiny round Americana Santa, and the angel of wonder, the wonderful little snowman with the umbrella to protect him from the sun as he skeptically looks upward…the flying Santa with the trumpet from which out pour golden spirals with stars on them that hangs in the window from a bright red ribbon and announces “You better not shout, you better not cry….” The wonderful cinnamony scented big red pillars in the hurricanes…so much wonderful Christmas/Winter Solstace joy. Soon out will come the Littlest Angel collection. When my oldest sister was a teen, she loved The Littlest Angel. When she got married, the first Christmas, my mother got her the tiniest angel she could find. Then every year thereafter, there was an angel for Christmas, and often several. When ceased to be on the planet six years ago, the wonderful collection was divided up among family. I had my own little collection, and they were merged. I also have a fancy Christmas box where I keep all the Christmas cards and letters from family and friends through all the years. After I make the first batch of Spritz, I have those and some tea, put on carols, and go through the box, and, oh, the memories that spring to life! Later, I go celebrate with friends. The most wonderful time of the year, indeed! (Except for summer, because I am, after all, a summer girl.)
I always enjoy seeing what decorations and “cozyfying” of your home is under way…thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas!!! 🙂
Happy Holidays Susan,
Your house is beautiful just like you. You are such an inspiration. I just love all the decoration and the fact that you make so many yourself, with Joes help too.
Take Care, Janet
Hi Susan, my mother-in-law Charlotte Malsberger was visiting us recently and we were talking about your very, very cute blog and she reminded me that years ago you stayed in one of her cabins in Big Bear. She said you were visiting your brother who worked in Big Bear. Your brother was (is) a friend of her daughter Karyn. She also said she met you at a book signing. Before she left to return to Southern California I told her I would share this information with you. She said to tell you how much she enjoyed meeting you. She also said that she has each and every one of your cookbooks (so do I!), and she is planning to pass these along to my daughter and daughter-in-law. We know that they would enjoy your books as much as we have throughout the years. As a matter of fact, your Christmas cookbook is on my kitchen counter right now open and ready for “Christmas business.” Have a wonderful Christmas and thank you for putting a smile on my face when I read your very entertaining and adorable blog.
I do believe that Charlotte wrote me a letter, about her husband? Could that be? If so, it has been hanging on my studio door for all these years, it was a very touching letter.
Yes, she lost her husband over 20 years ago. It is absolutely unbelievable (but so like you) that you would still have her letter. Thank you so much for sharing this with me and she will be so touched that you saved her letter. She is 89 years old now and going strong. She visited us for 3 weeks here in Orlando to see her 14th great grandchild and her 15th is on the way! She plans to return when that baby is born. Again, thank you for sharing this information and I will pass this along to her.
Her letter was so touching, and a great inspiration to me to live every day. I won’t ever forget it. Tell her next time you see her, OK? ♥
Yes, I most certainly will tell her. Thank you again.
Lovely Post! Thanks so much for MORE inspiration!
You have inspired me to continue on with my decorating…so unusually warm in this part of the country I’ve had a hard time getting in the mood. Love all your handmade things and how you like the traditions of your childhood. Merry Christmas, Susan and Joe.
I wish you knew how much I love to read your blog. I can sit and dream for awhile about what it’s like on Martha’s Vineyard. Maybe someday I’ll even get there. Your giveaway is wonderful. Thanks for the chance to win.
This particular giveaway has sparked something given your inclusive messages of greetings of the season which just so happens to echo fairly exactly the post I made on another site just moments ago. I have become so tired of the us vs them thing which rears its head close to this holiday — it’s Merry Christmas NOT Happy Holidays — etc, etc. Why does it have to be just one way? The idea of Christmas centers upon the arrival of a Savior one of whose names is Prince of Peace — so why must there be a war of words over what greeting is used to celebrate the season? Loved your decor thus far.
That’s just a media game, real people think the way you do about it … we are all in this together! xo
All your special projects have had me in augh for years. I just wish I was as talented.
I have been in augh for years, keep that imagination comming.
What wonderful prizes to win! I’m so impressed with the wreaths that Joe is making. If he tires of the winter island weather, box him up and ship him to Tennessee. I’ll put him to work! ;p Your home looks beautiful with the holiday decorations (and without!). I always enjoy the cat photos. Thanks for sharing.
LOL “Box him up!”
Oh I am so inspired to decorate now!! Would love to win your give away. You and Joe have yourselves a merry little Christmas with all the ones you love the most.
Love the banner and how creative Joe is
Hi Susan and Joe! You really made me think of my Daddy with this post, because he makes lovely wreaths and swags every year. But wow! What you’ve done with these branches as a first time try is amazing! And reading your blog and seeing the pictures of your charming home…it really does reflect what the holidays season is about. I live in Malaysia, so Christmas is a bit different here 😉 Thank you for reminding me of the warmth and tradition of the season. Love and hugs!
The same to you Shannon, so far away!
Not until I read this blog and looked at all the whimsy did I get the REAL Christmas spirit. Here in Texas is has been 80 degrees but your photos took me to a cooler, Christmas spot. Thank you so very much for the inspiration and the motivation. Will be getting the decorations out tonight!!! Love it!
I was feeling a little in a rut about decorating for Christmas and your blog today inspired me to see the joy and I’m going outside right now to see what greens I can find. Thanks you for always brightening my inbox AND I LOVE your kitty.
What a wonderful give-away! It was a treat to read your post today and see your lovely greens! I have been busy decorating and love taking out old items and remembering good times from Christmas years ago. Enjoy the Christmas season!
I love the way you decorate with natural elements! Jack is so funny, too. I’m sure he wants me to win a giveaway!
Thanks for posting such wonderful ideas in your blog! I love seeing what other people do in their homes. I took in a feral cat almost 2 years ago, his name is Peaches. You are probably wondering why a male cat has such a girly name, well when I named him, I didn’t know he was a him! He was living on my front porch with his mother Monkey and he was soooo friendly, the only feral cat that didn’t run the minute we opened the door. In fact, he wanted to come in, so after I found out I was not allergic to him, in he came and I absolutely love him. Well back to my point,I never had a cat before due to allergies and mine is fascinated with the fireplace also. I thought this was odd until now. We now know another kitty that loves the fireplace! I have to watch mine too. I am afraid he may get too close! Well keep the beautiful pictures coming, Peachy always choins me to look at your kittys too!
Your blog is the highlight of my morning! I am ready to experience the peace and love of the Christmas season. Have a blessed Christmas and a great New Year…Susan and Joe
Christmas as it should be..Thank you for all the lovely pictures.
Thanks for the inspiration! I’ve been trying to get myself in the mood to bring out the holiday decorations and seeing yours has really helped bring on the spirit! I worry about Girl though–she looks a little down in the dumps.
Every blog entry brightens my day.
Great post!! Love it all! Thanks for posting your Christmas computer screen wallpapers–I look forward to it brightening up my work & home computers. 😉
Susan, that Jack is the CUTEST cat I have ever seen. I was raised only with dogs but Jack makes me want to go out and get a kitten (even though I am highly allergic – achoo!). What a beautiful person you are inside and out to offer such thoughtful gifts for Christmas to your readers. I especially love homemade things – I made homemade rosemary/cherry pecans (delish!), homemade hot chocolate mix with cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger and we grew raspberries which I made jam out of for my Christmas gifts. I think homemade is the best because it comes from our hearts and warms the souls of others.
Thank you for thinking of all of us.
Cate <
Merry Christmas Susan! You are such an inspiration with your love for all things HOME! Can hardly wait to get my decorating started. Would love to have my name drawn for the goodies. Love your blog and books! I know you are enjoying this Christmas season.
Merry Christmas Susan
I just love your bird tree! I can’t wait to see pictures of your tree all decked out! (hint, hint) Thank you for this wonderful give-away! You are so sweet to think of us “girlfriends” all the time!
Oh you will! 🙂
hello…..i, too am decorating for christmas…..your books and ideas have always been a part of my holiday joy……i cannot put up as many decorations as usual for my kitty has too much fun with everything…..his name….scamp……imagine that!……i would love to be entered into the drawing……thank you for your inspiration……peace and joy to you and yours…..phylicia