Good Morning Dear Ones, On with the Dance! . . . MUSICA
Well, this is my house in the snow, but this is NOT how it looks around here. That’s why I love this blog, it can be just the way I want it to be despite what is going on in the real world.
I prayed for a long fall and got it!! It’s been gorgeous here, long walks every day, just lovely. We know it will end soon, so we are glorying while playing outside much more than normal for the middle of December.
In the meantime, inside we MAKE our own Christmas . . . We’ve had lots of snowflakes in our web store . . .
Because I love to hang them in front of mirrors this time of year and thought you might like them too . . . maybe no snow outside, but inside this house, oh yeah, it’s snowing . . .
I found this on the Internet, just in case you’d like to make your own! This works like a charm!
And Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy what ever this season means to you, because A. it’s all about respect, and B. we earth people have SO MUCH MORE IN COMMON than we have differences, but most of all, and I think Jesus would agree, Happy Love. From my folks to your folks, my heart to yours.♥
Did you get your Cookie Jar yet? You will if you’re signed up for Willard! We started sending out our Cookie 
Jar yesterday, filled with wonderful cookie recipes for your exchange parties, everything from butter cookies to Rum Balls, chocolate dipped Macaroons, and cornflake wreaths, yummy! It will be going out to everyone this week, look for it in your emails! And here are some ideas for special things you can do with them if you want to turn them into “more”~
These beauties were made by my nieces, Annie Hall’s Butter Cookies, the height of creativity!
I still have a cookie on my tree I made YEARS ago with this recipe! They last! Mine is a cookie cutter heart with a smaller heart on top of it, painted red.
We have our tree . . . that little kitty right there is sitting on my art table now . . . I just picked him up, had my arms around him, rubbing his belly and thinking he is just like a furry soft wiggly teddy bear. He is my perfect Christmas decoration.
We did it, we took out the table, put our tree in its place, because we love the twinkle in the windows. In this photo it was only wearing lights, but I discovered yesterday that talking on the phone is the perfect time to multi-task ~ I visited with both my mom and dad while I decorated the tree!
Joe made the porches twinkle too . . . When it was dark, we got in the car and drove around the block a couple of times to look at our house . . . we are LIGHT people!
And of course, some of my favorite little things are on the shelf on top of the stove . . . lamb and rocking horse, cozy Christmas houses, a stove, trees and holly, 
and a doggie and a cardinal!
City sidewalks, tiny 
sidewalks, dressed in holiday green, in the air there’s a feeling of Christmas . . .
The birds seem happy too . . .
I hung our paper angel on the tree . . .
And put on lights for the house on the stove . . .
There are so many little ways to celebrate. . .
When you go out shopping, try to be a decoration, wear something red, put on a cute hat, a spring of holly and
More than ever.
Here’s a BOOKMARK you can get elfish with, give to your friends and family, stuff a stocking! Just click there and print it out on cardstock.
MUSICA A song I learned in Sunday School as a child that I’ve sung all my life and still LOVE and believe with all my heart.
We live together on this small beautiful planet, any other way won’t work. We win, not through fear and reaction, but by deliberation and through love and the spirit of Christmas. Besame, besame mucho.❌⭕️
He drew a circle that shut me out, heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. But LOVE and I had the WIT to win, we drew a circle that took him in. ♥ Edwin Markham
Blessings on you my Girlfriends. Hope you are having a wonderful season. Please don’t forget the most important thing of all . . . the time you make for the little things, including Little YOU♥. With Love from your Girlfriend, deep breaths, Little Me.❌⭕️
Thank you for a lovely post this morning. This is exactly what I needed today! 🙂
So happy to hear that Louise! xoxo
I love your Cookies Platter!!!! Do you sell it on your webstore??
My “Grandma” name is Cookie!!!
Oh that would have been perfect . . . but no, they aren’t being made anymore and the only place you might find one would be ebay or something like that. It happens though, people are always writing and letting me know they find things. xoxo
Yes! Me too very much so. Had a beautiful day with friends then came home and found this wonderful cheerie news letter! What a treat! My mind has a tough year getting in the Christmas Spirit this year but Praise God it is all coming together.
My wish for you this beautiful season is God’s peace. Thank you for the ways you promote this most-needed gift, encouraging us to find it in the “little things!” I love and appreciate you, Susan! Your words and art are a balm to my spirit.
Thank you Martha, I have to say, it goes both ways!
I always love your posts. Happy day from my island to yours.
Same to you Gabriele!
As always, you bring us back to reality – everyone needs to calm down, breathe, decorate and enjoy the season.
Thank you for sharing all these ‘little things’ that bring so many people such joy and fun!
Love to you Rosanna! xoxo
Thank you for the reminder that this season is about love. Tree’s up… lights up…decorations are all up – now it’s time to spread love all around!
If ya got it, flaunt it! xoxo
Stopped by the blog this morning for just a peek thinking that maybe you had been busy preparing some new inspiration for us and there it was, a new Christmas post that has made my day! Thank you so much for all the holiday inspiration.
Oh my, such an inspiration!
You never fail to lift my spirits and remind me what I really believe. Today’s world can be harsh, but candles, musica, Susan Branch and love give me hope. Thanks for lighting your candle (and ours).
I felt so at peace after reading your post this morning. Thank you! Loved the American Magazine cover girl – red hat, red coat – beautiful!
Reading your post this morning truly warmed me! Thank you. Like you, my little dog Pierre and I are hoping for snow soon! We love it. Happy sweet holidays to you and your family.
Christmas Love, Ann
I needed this post!! We lost my husbands mom a few days before Thanksgiving from a car crash. So our holidays have been a little sad this year. You have brightened up things for me today. I always look forward to your post. Thank you for spreading sunshine! Merry Christmas to you!!
Oh that is just heartbreaking, I am so sorry Arnette. Wishing you a warm and loving family Christmas. xoxoxo
Arnette, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family this Christmas-tide. Lots of hugs xoxo
Arnette,
Prayers & Blessings to you & your family. Trust, Trust, Trust & He will get you through.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, Arnette. What a hard thing to have happen. Saying a little prayer for comfort for your husband and you.
Thank you! You and the music made me cry but…… when my grandchildren get here and then I get to go visit the other set after ….. we are going to bake together. My daughter has always baked with her children. Last Christmas I baked pies with them for the homeless shelter. My daughter is a busy woman these days. She and her husband are both Presbyterian Ministers. She. however, as she says is- redirecting her ministry. She is going back to school to get her second Masters in Sociology -While in Charlotte N.C. (along with serving a church) volunteered in their very successful Urban Ministries program working with the homeless. My point… which goes with yours… in her program she is studying with a very diverse group of people. Different political views and backgrounds ( retired military. police, teachers etc.) Yet they all have the same goal. Help people get on their feet. Yes, we are more alike then different. Believing in Jesus means you believe in LOVE. We have some very confused people in our country these days. So thank you Susan for spreading the LOVE. Love, Lani
Give my love to your wonderful making-a-difference daughter. xoxo
I like the tree in the window (it is beautiful) and I love driving around looking at Christmas lights too. My parents always did with me and my sister and two brothers when we were growing up. I miss it so much, but I always tell my grandchildren about it. I have to share with you an Internet site I just found out about. I am SURE that you will LOVE it! You may have already heard about it, but it is titled: Free Old Time Radio Shows from “The Golden Age of Radio!” I am listening to the Chester Field Show 1 right now because I am from Chesterfield, not because of the cigarette. It has the Fireside Chat with Franklin D. Roosevelt, World War II News Broadcasts, The Shadow, Lights Out Radio Shows, Red Skelton, Father Knows Best, and Vintage Commercials, as well as music. I am sure that Blog Daddy will love it too. This is the website address: oldradioworld.com/
Looks wonderful, I’m sure my dad will like it too! Thank you for thinking of us Sharon!
Merry Christmas, Susan and all of the GFs! Thank you for the beautiful post and for the inspiring thoughts. “Deliberation, love, and the spirit of Christmas” is just the tonic. As often happens, this is a sad, worrisome time, especially where I live, and your thoughts are up-lifting and soothe my heart. Let’s all pray for peace.
Breathe, watch old movies, eat apple crisp, and then breathe again. A quick trip to Arrowhead for some big lake and big trees and everything will settle back into its good and natural place. Two bad apples should not ruin the entire crop. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo to you and yours.
Can’t really begin to express how your posts lift my spirits and warm my soul! Love having my day Susan-fied! Peace….always.
Happy to have you here Kathleen! Peace, always to you too. xoxo
Good Afternoon from a Wild and Windy Wales!
Such a heart warming seasonal post to read today. Thank you. Just what I need to pick me up, and looking forward to Cookie Jar Willard as the freezer has just enough space left after it’s Christmas refreshing to accommodate some extra special treats.
I can’t decorate much this year, but am loving seeing all of yours as you put them up, especially your very special little helper! I bet Jack is fun on a whole new level with a real tree in ‘his space’ 🙂 I’m so happy to see snow again! Wishing for snow, dreaming of snow ~~~ head over heels in love with Snow!
I have spent more than enough time on the computer today, so without further ado I’d better fly and get on with things before it is time for bed again! lol
~~~Waving~~~from Across the Pond~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
I know, here comes the bed again! 🙂
Dear Susan, You’ve come to my rescue! My Susan Branch Christmas Luncheon is TOMORROW and I was still undecided on a craft for our activity. I wanted it to be associated with you in some way and now, after searching on-line all morning, I’ve come back to your Blog and find you’ve posted a new post with several of the ways you decorate for Christmas….including SNOWFLAKES! So THAT’s what we’re going to make. I will do a post on my web journal about our afternoon and hope I have your permission to include some of your art work. Thx! ❤️
Snowflakes, perfect to do, and no two the same, so lots of ooohing and ahhhing!
Susan, your blog is like a pretty gift to unwrap full of beautiful things. Your tree sparkles – love the blue lights. I’ve just made 3 dozen shortbread cookies to take to our antique collectors club Christmas meeting tonight. We are having a gift exchange, too, and it must be something vintage/antique. We each get to choose a gift or we can “steal” one from someone else. It’s always lots of fun. I also made a white chocolate fudge with dried cranberries, pistachios, and orange zest. So good. Now, I’m off to finish my wrapping. Christmas cards and letters were mailed yesterday and then the tree goes up on the weekend. Keep making merry. Hugs.
I’ve played that package exchange game too, so much fun!
Oh, how your post gives a warm, fuzzy feeling. Who could not get into the Christmas spirit reading your blog. Here in Toronto we are having an extended fall season too, the weather today is fabulous, sunny and blue skies with warm temperatures. Enjoy the weather…you know what’s around the corner.
You are an inspiration!
Happy to hear from you Paula!
I’ve been sporting my Be an Elf charm since Rabbit Rabbit Day 🙂 It’s a lovely reminder when the world tries to get you down that you should just sprinkle cheer and not let others’ moanings and groanings get to you. It’s my favorite time of the year, and I’ll be durned if someone is going to take that from me without my consent. Merry Christmas!!!
That’s RIGHT dear Bethany! I like your style!
My morning is always made brighter when I see a new post from you! Morning, coffee, quiet time before day gets hectic, and SB post – love the musica, the little things which are really the big things in our hearts – all reminders of why we love to gather here 🙂
That is just the perfect spot for your Christmas tree. Our home is all decorated and lovely. I get my mom out every day in the mild weather, so good for her – so blessed to spend every day with her and blessed that she is still pretty sharp for 88. Life is good, Susan – thanks for making it brighter in this corner of Virginia ♥
And in this corner of Martha’s Vineyard!
hi susan! so happy to see your joyful post this morning…..perfect timing ..I am settled in for a bit with my second cup of coffee before having to zoom into holiday mode and finish wrapping gifts today. That’s my goal for today..the wrapping…my LEAST favorite holiday chore. Does anyone else despise this task too?….. I try to be upbeat….put on the holiday Musica, have the tools of the trade( sparkly paper, scissors, two-sided tape…((the enemy)), red candy cane pen, a zillion bows and ribbon), ready to go, wear Santa hat….nothing seems to help! But..I refuse to be beaten….even though my packages look like a four-year-olds best effort…:–) I forge forward keeping spirits high…(hot toddies help)….So..your post is my best friend this morning…I am now inspired and reinvigorated….and will tackle the beast with heightened gusto….( is 8:30AM too early for a Hot Toddy??….) I LOVE LOVE LOVE the bookmarks..thank you so much. They are adorable and I will be printing them off today…my friends just love them!!! Mother Goose has a way of making things better. I LOVE the Cookie Jar too and have used many of the recipes. what a wonderful gift….. nothing beats giving (or receiving) delicious homemade cookies….I have already baked round one for a cookie exchange and a few neighbors and plan to bake again today,,,if I survive the wrapping thing…My favorite is Annie Hall’s Butter Cookies…. Your prayer for a long fall really was answered…was 60* here yesterday and we are on track for this lovely weather for at least another week…love your tree…Jack looks like he is saying…” uh oh..here we go again!!!”…..Thank you Susan for pulling us all together and reminding us to rekindle what really matters in life…the little things (that really are the big things)…..sweetness, kindness, the spreading of joy and love….. have a splendid holiday season Susan and Joe!! and Girlfriends everywhere!!! <3 Be an Elf!!!
LOL, hot toddy sounds delicious!
love this! xox
“Let us ask ourselves what he would wish for most… and then let each put in his share. Loving kindness, warm hearts and the stretched out hand of tolerance. All the shining gifts that make peace on earth.” (From A Bishop’s Wife.) Wishing you and all the girlfriends the warmest wishes during the holidays! Thank you for the post Susan!
The Bishops Wife is so good for quotes, and the one where “Tommy gets a book” (or something like that). . . love it!
Love The Bishop’s Wife….few people know the secret to making heaven on earth – I think that was a line, too. THose old movies are the BEST !
They are good for us, like vitamin C or a good walk . . . we need to feed our psyches too!
Lori,
I love this quote from A Bishop’s Wife. It is something our whole world needs to hear this Christmas season. Thank You!
Thanks for the beautiful post. “Be an elf” is all the message this year. If we all spent our time doing kindnesses and embracing differences, our world would be incredible.
XOXO
Very glad to hear you’re getting a snow break after the ferocious winter you guys had last year. Wouldn’t it be fun to have a cookie exchange, snow flake making party with all of your bestest friends!
Yes!
Everything looks sweet and pinky. Christmasy!
Now I want a cookie. And tea.
Blessings to you, Susan!
Hump, funny you should say that, I need a cookie and tea too!
Good morning Susan! We are having an extended Fall here in Kentucky as well. I was just telling my co-workers this morning that I need a little snow in my life! When it starts getting close to Christmas, I want snowflakes! Ha! Thanks for being such a sweet elf and sending us some today. 🙂 My girls and I always like to have a good snow day before school lets out for Christmas Break though….a good day to make cookies and candies to hand out for teacher gifts.:) We love making the Iced Annie Hall Cookies, one of our favorite traditions, from YOU! Love & Hugs!
It BETTER start snowing in time for Downton Abbey!
No kidding! I have my Dowton Abbey party planned and thought I’d share… Pajamas and Pearls… My husband agreed to rent a tux and gloves and be the butler:) Champagne cocktails on an antique silver tray upon arrival, as you are led into a room lit only by candles and the christmas tree w Christmas orchestra music playing softly, angel chimes:), pots of different teas, homemade cranberry and orange scones with homemade clotted cream and brandied cranberries, Baked poppy seed ham and cheese sandwiches, French onion fondue, almond flavored petit fours and a special bourbon cocktail.
I am having 3 people, but I don’t care. It will be special and wonderful. Wish you and ALL the GFs could come!!!! Can’t wait for your recap posts:)
That is just FABULOUS! You better get duct tape to make sure no one talks over the important words!!! I wish I was there Charissa, that’s going to be so much fun. I really can’t wait for the first night!
I think Charissa’s husband deserves some kind of award . . . Just sayin’ 🙂
I do too, Sylvia. He is the bestest:)
Thank you. You’ll be here in spirit:) xoxo
Charissa~ Wow, this is the most creative Downton Abby party idea!! You and your friends are going to have a total blast. Like Susan said, it sure would be fun if all of us GFs could attend!!!!!!
Have you seen the program on PSB , hosted by Hugh Bonneville, that is a bit of a recap of the main themes and some subtle suggestions of things that might be in the future of Season 6? It doesn’t give anything away but it just raises all those questions we have nagging in the backs of our minds. I’ve watched it twice and just love to see all of the characters. I cannot wait until January 3!!
Thank you, that is so sweet of you to say. I am so excited. I really do wish everyone could come;) I have seen that. It was wonderful. I fast forwarded through all the clips because I didn’t want anything spoiled but now I know I can watch them. Thank you for telling me 🙂 xoxo
This is fantastic! I cannot believe you got your husband to be the butler!!! Wish we all could come. ☺
I cannot either, as I was sure he was going to say, “You are just kidding, right?”, but he didn’t… so I just went with it. 😉 Wish you were coming too xoxo
OMG….. Can I be invited???
You are so sweet. Sure, I really do wish everyone could come. xoxo
Merry Christmas Susan, Thank you for the wonderful Christmas card you
sent us today. I am so glad you put that gorgeous tree in your window.
When I was a child, I didn’t have a tree so every ride at night in my Dad’s
55 chevy enabled me to see all the lovely trees in everyone’s window. Now
I have a tree that touches the ceiling decorated with old fashioned lights
and ornaments from the 40’s and 50’s that I’ve collected for the last
50 years. Some dreams do come true. May everyone have a Holiday filled
with peace.
Inspiration! xoxo
OH! The joy you bring to my life! Your warmth, compassion and love touch so many lives. You are a bright spot in this world. Thank you, Susan. Merry Christmas!
Christy in SoTex
“Jesus Loves the Little Children”, wonderful! Thanks for the cheery post.
We are also having an extended Fall, beautiful weather. It’s Christmas card writing day for me as I sit next to our decorated tree.
No snow yet here either in upstate NY…..but inside my house it’s a winter wonderland!! LOL. Thank you for the gorgeous pictures…
We have the power! 🙂
Thank you for the beautiful post. Love the snowy photo of your house! Doesn’t seem like Christmas here in northern Ohio either, but I’m enjoying the long fall weather too. Today is my birthday–I’m 55 years young. I can hardly believe it. What a nice birthday surprise to check in and see a new posting! I’d like to think it was just for me but I’m happy to share it with all the girlfriends! LOL! Think I’ll make some of those snowflakes and see where it will “snow” in my house. Have a great day everyone! Jesus is the reason for the season!
It’s just for you Linda, happy happy Birthday!!!
What a joy filled post, thank you Susan! We in Norway are also reduced to paper snowflakes at the moment! Let’s hope for a little real snow soon;) My home is decorated for advent; lots of purple, advent wreaths and candles and a nativity crib or two (or three or four!) we don’t bring our tree in until much nearer Christmas. I have my family newsletter all written and ready to go and tomorrow I am off to England to bring my boys home from school for the holidays! Hurrah! Merry Christmas to you and Joe and all the girlfriends here.
Have a great trip Gill! Thanks for saying hello and giving us a little bit of holiday view from your part of the world!
I’ve been hit with The Worst Virus Ever this week! So much to do, and no energy what-so-ever. Sitting by our little twinkly Christmas tree, watching holiday movies in the afternoon, and crocheting a few Christmas gifts is about all I’ve managed to do! Thank you SO much for reminding me of all the blessings this season holds! Can’t wait to make snowflakes & bookmarks! 🙂
Feel better soon Maureen!
Thank you for another beautiful post………..
we too have been enjoying an extra long autumn here in ancaster.
will be getting the tree soon…a lovely tradition with son#3..
Blessings to you !
With green grass and warm temperatures here in Minnesota and Christmas decorations, ETC., in storage prior to putting our house on the market to move to a new house, it was fun to look at your pictures. Add to that the fact that we’ve been so busy, it seems impossible that Christmas is approaching. Next year will be different! 🙂 It was fun to see your Christmas tree. You mentioned having friends in to help decorate–what did you serve?
I’m kind of addicted to that crispy salmon right now, so we made that, with roasted, salted potatoes, and a green salad filled with delicious things like apples and pomegranate seeds. And for you, next year, you’ll be in your NEW HOUSE for Christmas!!!
Merriest and Brightest of Christmas’s dear Susan (and Joe and Jackie Boy and Girl Kitty) – you have blessed our days with such joy this year!
After listening to the morning news for a few minutes I turned off the television and started about my day. You popped into my mind and I thought maybe, just maybe you would post today. As I read your post and all the comments it made me realize that there are lots of wonderful people in the world. People who I would love to have a cup of tea and cookies with at my kitchen table. We are blessed to live in a wonderful country. May the holiday season bring peace and joy to all and may it last forever.
Thank you so much Betsy!♥️
why does this post make me want to cry? oh, that my heart would be a humble manger bed. thank you for the perfect inspiration and affirmation of what the season is about, not material things, but Love come down. *joy to the world! *peace and goodwill to all men! *Isaiah 9:6 (my favorite Christmas verse)
thank you again for everything!
deb in az
Happy to have you here Deb!
thank you so much for all the kind words. I know you have a busy life just like the rest of us. May you and Joe have a blessed Holiday Season, and kiss those kitties.
Happy to do it, thank you Jamie!
Thank you for a beautiful post. When the world starts getting to me and I think why even bother… I think we have to make a life for our children and grandchildren. Our lives have to go on and we should make the lives of our loved ones as beautiful as possible. We owe that to them. Thank you so much for always being a positive and uplifting spirit, Susan. You certainly have many gifts and generosity of spirit is one of your best!
Thank you Jude!
Your house looks lovely! So far, in the Netherlands we haven’t had any winter either… it is way too warm for the time of year and November was the warmest on record 🙁 And it doesn’t look good for the rest of the month. It is really getting to me, especially when we didn’t have any winter for the last couple of years. I’m longing for some freezing weather! I guess we’ll just have to pretend, like you said 🙂 Merry Christmas to you and yours, dear Susan!
It does seem especially wrong that you don’t have snow! Even your name sounds like snow! xoxo
Thank you, Susan, for your lovely blog and Musica from one of my favorite Holidaytime movies (favorite partly because of Colin Firth)!! I’m baking chocolate chip cookies (your recipe from a Dec. 2012 blog – with ground ginger snaps and coconut) and listening to my (very) old Goodyear Christmas albums. First batch of cookies is in the oven so I haven’t tasted one yet -but smells heavenly! Have a lovely day.
Beautiful, inspiring post in every way. Happiest Christmas to you, Joe and the kitties from Vicki south of Arroyo (it was 94 degrees here yesterday but we’re trying, in more ways than one, to get Christmas-y!)!
Thank you for the cookie jar Willard. What a treat (of treats)!!
Hi Susan – I’ve been a fan of you, your recipes, your decorating since the 1980’s. Just love
reading your blog and shopping on the web site store. Your post today was so beautiful as were all the wonderful comments from my fellow “girlfriends”. Yesterday I had a kidney transplant (my donor was my brave and selfless little brother) and your post was the best medicine ever! Thank you for sharing your life with us – you are indeed a blessing in my world!💜
Miracles all around. Patricia! Your brother! Pure love. I’m so happy for you. xoxo
I’ve been looking everyday for a new Christmas post and Voila! Your posts always make me feel like the world is going to be OK and we can still have that Christmas filled with memories and family. Nothing could be more needed at the moment!! You know, even with a warmer than average December, there is always magic when you put up the Christmas tree, isn’t there? Somehow, the power of those lovely green boughs, sweet pine fragrance, and colorful lights never disappoint.
A cookie jar for those of us who get a Willard? Really? I missed that surprise notice. It was a wonderful Willard and I have them all saved in a folder on my computer so I can re-read them when I feel like it.
Hi Sue! Your blog post came at such a great time…I have been home from school with pneumonia and my son has the flu. Needless to say, we’re living in an incubus of germs here! I have half my tree decorated with lights only and little decorating around the house but that’s ok. It’s more important to rest and get well at this point. I did get my cards out and have my ingredients for your Butter Cookies which I make every Christmas for friends. We’ll see if I feel well enough for that. I am still in the spirit though and looking forward to the holiday. Bought some nice Christmas napkins by Ralph Lauren and a lovely green tablecloth this year. Still looking for painted water glasses for the table on Ebay. Thanks for all your inspiration…
Stay quiet Tracy, you have a tree and lights, just a little Dean Martin singing Marshmallow World, and that’s all you need! Get well soon!
Thank you Sue…
Thank you for the wonderful post. I love your snowflakes. Paper snowflakes, the best kind. I may have to make a few…Glad to see Jack helping you decorate for the holidays. He is in charge, after all.
Dearest Susan,
You never fail to inspire me and this blog has given me a really good shove right into the Christmas Spirit! It has been a trying 6 weeks recuperating from knee replacement surgery and I have to prepare myself each morning to have a positive outlook and get on with life and…..the dreaded….Physical Therapy! I am slowly making progress it is just very slow. So reading your words and gazing at all of your lovely photos that you share makes me feel so much better!! Thank you for sharing your lovely home and all of your cozy ideas!! Merry Christmas and many Blessings for the New Year to you, Joe and the kitties!! XOXO
Happy to hear you’re getting your life back, slowly but SURELY!!! xoxo
I had knee replacements on both knees – 2009 & 2011 and am
ever so grateful. Keep up the therapy, it will help in the end.
Thinking of you and sending good wishes.
Merry merry Susan! Your home is lovely…your message perfect…love, love, love!!! We are light people too…love to come down my street and see our home all sparkly and bright! Spent hours on the lights, all was working well,until the end when I went to admire my hard work, only to see two different strands of lights dead….my normally happy gene kindof ran away and I said a few bad words…but the next day I fixed it with a new strand and life is good again…if all the world’s problems were as easily fixed it would be a wonderful world…so no more dead bulbs…lets sparkle and shine….and your best advice…..Be an Elf!!!!
So wonderfully Christmassy! I love the paper snowflakes, thank you for sharing! I’m going to London before Christmas this year and will listen to the King’s College boy’s choir sing Christmas Carols in the Royal Albert Hall! It’s so exciting! Here’s a link: kings.cam.ac.uk/choir/
Here you can hear them sing: youtube.com/watch?v=U0aL9rKJPr4
So we can all get in the mood!
So lovely Sandra, thank you!!! Have a wonderful trip!
Such a lovely message for us today, Sue! Such a simple thing ~ a few deep breaths ~ I can literally feel my heart expanding and Christmas love washing over me. The thing is to remember to do it! Life gets pretty busy this month and sometimes we need the reminder to take care of our little old selves as well as everyone else on our list 🙂
I just wanted to tell you a cute story: Even though the thermometer says near 50 degrees here, the children in my daycare have been going down for their naps for the past few days, with a gentle suggestion from me to “dream about the snow falling and let’s see if our dreams will come true”.
It all started when we were making some paper Christmas decorations. I decided to make a snowflake while they watched in wonder. (They range in age from 11 mos. – 3 1/2 yrs. old) As I unfolded the paper to reveal my humble little snowflake, the oldest said “Debbie! I think you are magic!”
Wishing you and all the girlfriends a joyous Christmas with moments of child-like wonder to warm your hearts.
xoDebbie
OH my, didn’t that just about do you in? SO sweet!
It did! I’ve been caring for children for 32 yrs. and moments like that always do me in! I should have started writing down the sweet, funny, adorable things the kids have said over the years…could have a whole book by now!
I’m sure . . . kids do say the darndest things!
Oh Susan your post was just what I and so many others needed. You have a way of making me remember what is right and true. Its been such a sad time here in San Bernardino, can hardly stand it sometimes. But I know as I know you do, we need to continue on and pray and love one another. I love the way you encourage and brighten our days. God Bless You! As the Beatles say so beautifully, “All you need is Love”. Have a wonderful Christmas, you and Joe and the cute kitties.
I can hardly stand it either Paula, you are not alone. The whole country and the world is behind you. Sending warm hugs and wishing you peace and joy of Christmas.
Oh thank you Susan for this inspirational post. LOVE your Christmas tree and Jack beneath it looking as if to say “You need Ornaments!?” 🙂 I’m baking cookies today for our annual decorating party on Sunday. Think I’ll just ban everything but Christmas music and movies, and take in tea and reject cookies for sustenance. MERRY CHRISTMAS to all.
Thank you for such a beautiful message in your blog today. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas full of all the things you love and cherish. And maybe SNOW.
XOXOXO You always manage to lift the spirits and bring sunshine back into a world constantly hit with rain. I think sorrow is magnified during this month that is suppose to be so cheerful and merry. So let’s get back to celebrating–no one should be allowed to ruin our Christmas party! We are celebrating the birth of Jesus–truely a messanger for LOVE! XOXOXO
Your post for today is very Christmasy, as it should be. Your home looks so wonderful covered with all that snow. Like you said, it’s not here yet but it is coming soon. I am finished with my cards finally. Not sending out a ton of them as it’s too expensive anymore. I did send an e-card for those that will not be receiving the real thing. For my close girlfriends, I’m writing a long letter like I do each year.
We’re experiencing high winds today. Poured down rain for a bit earlier, but you’d never know as the wind dried it all up. Would you believe that yesterday was 67 degrees. This crazy weather, lol.
I have been doing a lot of baking so that I can start giving our friends a plate of goodies when we see them. I just love this season of joy and giving from the heart. I do try to carry on this thorough out the year.
Here is hoping that all girlfriends everywhere have a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year. God bless us all!!!
Carol M
My fav time of year for your magical Christmas postings…the cookies made by your nieces are adorable..a l m o s t…too adorable to eat….I spotted one or two with a huge gob of frosting on them and those would have to be devoured immediately!
Oh, how I love your cozy posts like this! Thank you for inspiring me everyday and sharing your beautiful world.
I love you, Susan!! Merry Christmas to you, Joe, and your whole family! From Mary S. in Fresno, CA
Oh Susan, my Willard cookie jar came today and it’s just lovely. I can’t wait to try some of the recipes. What a great idea to have the recipes all in one place. And I plan to print out the bookmarks for friends’ Christmas presents as part of the wrapping.
Thank for you these early Christmas presents!
Diane
Merry Christmas from our house to yours!
Thank you for your beautiful love-filled message. Our daughter’s family wants to have Christmas in their own home (of course!) in Phoenix, and my husband’s health doesn’t allow for travel – but being the world’s best elf, our wonderful girl surprised us this past weekend by flying in with the grandkids for a whirlwind weekend of Christmas fun – putting up the tree (the 2 year old belting out jingle bells every time he hung an ornament!), decorating cookies (lots of sprinkles everywhere, but who cares), snuggled in our jammies watching holiday movies, a trip to the carousel and to see Santa, me sitting in the back seat singing Christmas songs with the kids on the way to the airport, the bittersweet goodbye with my 8 year old granddaughter crying. What a fabulous Christmas memory to hold in my heart for all time. Joy to the world! Joy to you, Susan, for spreading love at Christmas, and all year long.
That was so sweet. You raised a very good girl! Pure elf!
Thank you for the important reminder that we CAN all get along with the right attitude. Just what we need today. I just love your front porch! About to bring out the Christmas dishes. Enjoy the crazy weather girlfriends!
With all our busy-ness, thanks for the reminder to take time to just appreciate all our blessings.
I love the bookmarks. Thank ye, ma’am. I’ve got a cold but I don’t time to be sick! Xo
Your blog is so comforting to read and look at…your home is like eye candy…and Jack…what can I say about Jack…I’m a cat lover…he’s so handsome….and Girl Kitty is a cute one too….
Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year. May God richly bless you with good health, honest friends and the grace to take each day as it comes.
Peace and Joy
Susan, What a snowy photo. I am so glad we aren’t having any snow right now. I am loving the milder days. I see you put the tree by the windows. So pretty. You made me laugh about the drive you took to see your house lit up. Our mother used to drive all of us around to look at lights and trees. Blessings to you and yours, be safe. xoxo,Susie
Thank you Susan. I just love the little infusions of Christmas that come in the mail. I am working on my cookies today.
Merry Christmas to you, Susan! Thank you for spreading merry, cheering loveliness. We have a wild, windy day out west today with the hope of snow tonight! I love fresh snow on the bare trees and the twinkly lights shining through the blanket of white after dark. The pictures of your home snow-covered and of your porch lights are wonderful. Ahhh…Christmas time!!! Have a blessed season!
good afternoon Susan, and good afternoon girlfriends. what a wonderful post, so full of Christmas spirit, love and fun. we are busy getting up the last of the decorations, and the lights. I still have the kitchen tree to decorate and hubby has the indoor lights to set up. I love making snowflakes and hanging them up, I hang them up in the windows and make the windows come alive with snowflakes, along with the winter people I paint in the window.. mostly snowmen. but it looks snowy and fun. for now its pouring rain by the buckets here, its good we need it and if along the way we get some snow to add to it on the mountain tops, well that’s a bonus. with all the sadness and anger from last week’s shooting going on in the news, its nice to come here for some sanity. thank you Susan, and I love your purrfect ornament, got 5 of my own to hold and love, and they love sitting by the fire in their baskets. talk about spoiled, 5 baskets for 5 cats, life doesn’t get any better. have a wonderful holiday season everyone….. hugs….. 🙂
Five baskets for five cats in front of the fire would make a wonderful painting!
i guess it would, but my biggest problem is getting them out of the baskets, they love napping in them especially nowadays with the cold weather and all the rain.
Susan, I just love how you send us off with marching orders, “Go. Be. Love. The world needs you”. You’re right. We have an opportunity every day to choose how we can be a blessing to those that we come into contact with. I am being more purposeful when I shop to be extra kind. Ya never know who is going through something hard and all they need is a smile. Thank you for making me smile! Love to you and Joe and kitties.
Tears in my eyes to hear that, it is SO true. Such a little thing can go a very long way. xoxo
Loved this Christmas post! Just what we need in these grim days; it is a real day brightener!
I love making those flour and salt ornaments. I add instant coffee to the water and they come out looking like Gingerbread. My Mom and I made a big batch of them long ago, and I still have quite a few of them. (Keeping them in a dry cool place is helpful)
Thank you for an inspiring post! I’m going to bake cookies tomorrow!
Love the instant coffee idea! Thanks Ann!
Thanks for the Cookie Jar!!! I love your little angel ornament. I hope it doesn’t snow until I make it home in two weeks…sorry girlfriends.
Don’t worry, just bring your bathing suit!
Stopped for a “spot of tea”…checked my email…and here it is!…
“On with the Dance!”…whilst I sip away my tea!
Thank you for a lovely post this dreary day in California! (no complaints though…it’s raining!)
AMEN, Susan ! The season of love….”God bless us, EVERYONE” ! Got your Cookie Jar today and shared it with everyone in my school. Now heading out to a Christmas concert…wearing red, have my pin, being an elf. House is decorated, cookies are in the works ( cut out, snowmen, gingerbread are done….have to make the choc. chip and Annie Hall because they are the best!), Santa’s workshop ( aka our spare bedroom) is a mess – all the surprises in there. It is SUCH a wonderful time of the year…we need it…we need peace on earth. Thanks for spreading the message in everything you do !
Thank you for the post, the calming images, and getting so many wonderful women, and a few men, together. Always makes for a better day.
I love your newsletter! May you and yours have a blessed and the merriest ever Christmas! Your wonderful spirit is fabulous! I thank you!
Oh, Sue! Thank you for your uplifting, let’s get decorating blog post! Everything looks wonderful! Joe did a great job on the little twinkles! Reminds me of the set of little white twinkle lights my grandmother brought us when we were small. Teeny tiny lights and they twinkled like stars! (not like the ones today that ‘flash’)! That set of lights lasted years (I’m sure Dad replaced the bulbs when they went out) ~ there was a transformer box on the strand that made the lights twinkle. Pure magic! Absolute magic. We found a tree farm in Santa Paula so we are heading out early Friday morning to harvest a tree! I can’t wait! Delicious anticipation! xo peg
Sounds like the Eiffel Tower twinkles! 🙂
My Willard Cookie Jar just arrived!! Whoop!!So fun to have all those recipes in one adorable online reference. Thank-you Susan!!
Love the music in today’s post! Thanks!
Thank you for the pretty book markers. Now I’ll have book marks for my wintertime reads. 📚
Looking forward to the cookie recipes. 🍪🍶
You are a gem Susan. You have to be as busy, even busier with your writing, as the rest of us, and you take the time for the sweetest, most fun post to remind us to enjoy! (now I want to go watch Love Actually) Thank you so much! Deep breaths are much needed, and this post is what I needed today. Much love and many blessings to you! ♥
I have probably seen that movie 400 times and cry every time when everyone is hugging at the end. Love it! I honestly (and I know it’s odd considering all the wonderful movies there are) think that this is the best movie ever made. The subject is brilliant. xoxo
Me too! I cry at the beginning too, when all the “ordinary” people are hugging at the airport. What a feel good movie! Wonderful that it shows love in its many forms, and Hugh Grant dancing through No. 10 is too funny!
The music too, is just fabulous. Even the song about sing-sing, before he got the bling-bling. I love it all.
“On with the dance…Let joy be unconfined”! Oh yes! My new form of exercise is none other than ‘tap dancing’. When my tap shoes are on, I am unconfined ! This is my FAVORITE form of exercise. The masonite floor goes down. On go the shoes then on goes the music (walking or whatever, dixieland or rock) and my feet go crazy making it up as I go along. How aerobic can you get ! Love those endorphins. Highly recommend to girlfriends no matter what your age. It’s habit forming. Susan, I wonder if you have seen the movie, ‘Look for the Silver Lining'(1949), starring June Haver and Ray Bolger. See Ray out of his scarecrow costume and in his finery and spats tap dancing up a storm both alone and with June Haver. This is the story of Marilyn Miller the 1920’s Broadway star. Enjoy the music of Jerome Kern. Bright blessings to all who are celebrating the lovely candlelight of Hannukkah.
Love, Carol … tra la and a tapitty-tap-tap !
Carol, you are a bright light!
Susan
I would like to Thank You for being you and sharing so much with all of us. I enjoy every minute I have with you and your inspirations. You truly make me a better person. I look forward to every blog, or Willard, or book……whatever it maybe. You said some things in this blog that need to be repeated over and over. We need to love one another no matter what our differences. I am looking so forward to the possibility that you are going to be in St. Louis for the book signing. I can’t wait to meet you. I wish you and yours a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Chris Morgan
The comforting thing to know is that most people in the world think the way we do. It’s just those others that make the news, and kind of ruin things for everyone. We need converts!!!
“LOOK FOR THE SILVER LINING” movie on Amazon: amazon.com/Silver-Lining-Bolger-Gordon-Mcrae/dp/B0026ZQJB6/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1449699001&sr=1-1&keywords=look+for+the+silver+lining
Love, Carol … tra la and a tappity-tap-tap again
Never snow here at Christmas but it didn’t snow in Bethlehem so we are fine with it! Love your post and all the wonderful quotes especially those from dear Gladys Taber. Thank you for sharing them! Family is so important! My Granddaughter lives in San Bernadino and her husband works for the county. We are so blessed they are all safe. We think of their community with loving Thoughts daily! Love is what we need to heal the nations! Thanks again Susan!
Oh my goodness, please give them our loving thoughts Christine. xoxo
Super lovely post; Merry Christmas, Susan, to you and Joe.
oops…p.s. it’s brilliant how each cookie links to the recipe on this month’s Willard cookie newsletter!
Isn’t that FUN? How I love the possibilities with the Internet. xoxo
I love that Willard cookie jar. I got mine yesterday. I look forward to it every year. 🙂 Thank you!
This blog is full of sweetness, love, and kindliness. Thank you for all the joyful, uplifting messages of hope and inclusion.
How absolutely fabulous it would be if the Cookies tray pictured could be produced and made available again for those of us who missed out the first time.
Would be great, we need a Girlfriend who is also a good little dish maker! 🙂
Oh Susan! Thank you for yet another joyful group of ideas and beautiful things to enjoy… I can’t wait to make creative cookies from your recipes with two of my grandchildren next week.
It isn’t snowing in Vermont yet, we are taking the train at Christmas to celebrate with my new baby grand daughter, what fun. I love trains. Perhaps it will be snowing by then or when we return to the Northern Kingdom? So nice when you don’t have to drive in it.
Thank you especially for Gladys Taber’s quote about the ancient house being like a ship anchored in a still, white sea. Love that! Sally
Watch out the train windows for all the Christmas lights! My favorite part of the train ride this time of year!
Like all of your friends, I feel blessed that you are there for us, loving encouragement at the ready, to say nothing of cookies and snowflakes.
Thanks, too, for reminding us of the meaning of the season: love for all.
Your posts fill me with joy!
xo,
Karen
:::::thank you, darling Susan::::::
I printed out the bookmarks; one for me + one for my granddaughter.
Once again, you grace our lives.
kiss
kiss
Another lovely post. We are part way through our decorating. We have the inside lights done but still need to do the outside ones. I am going into town tomorrow to do some Christmas shopping and you have inspired me. I am going to wear red! 🙂
See? And you will be a secret elf. Making people smile. xoxo
Merry Christmas Susan and Joe. I hope you are continuing to enjoy decorating and baking for Christmas entertaining. All is well with me and my little (big) family and we are about ready here too. Have a grand Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Marilyn
So much loving kindness here! Blessings on you, dear Susan! Thank you so much for sending your wonderful words of love out into the world today. Can’t wait to peek into the Cookie Jar and share some sweet, homemade happiness with some friends who need a little lift this holiday season.
Your porch looks so nice all a-twinkle with lights and greenery. Great work, Joe! Trimming the tree is one of my favorite holiday traditions, too. Oh the stories those treasured ornaments hold! Cherish the moments. Be merry!
Warm hugs!
Much love,
Dawn (in Illinois)
♡♡
~Good Evening~ What a sweet post today and every word so true! ~ our tree will only have lights on it this year because a 1 year old puppy and 2 two year old grandsons means 8 busy feet and 4 rambunctious hands! ~the older 4 will just look and touch a bit which is ok~ it’s pretty with just sparkly white lights ~
~Happy Merry Everything~
Lynn