Merry Merry Darling Girlfriends! MUSICA Take a deep breath everyone.🎁 
And Happy Christmas Eve!
Our halls are decked . . . twinkle lights are bouncing around, from the tree, around our doors, reflected in the windows and mirrors, and even in the reflection on the table! 
I think I even see them in Jack’s eyes! He’s being so good with the tree. Not interested in the lit up behemoth at the end of the room. Perhaps, he thinks, it might fight back! Taking no chances! Very smart kitty. 😻
Our tree is bedecked with favorite ornaments. New and old.
from near and far
From our English friend Siobhan (say it Shiv-On), she made from a seashell she found when she came to visit and dated it too, making a perfect memory. One of the must-haves on our tree.
And this little house, from one of my new embroidery kits . . . a new must-have!
And this one, marked “1982,” my first year on Martha’s Vineyard. I have dated ornaments all over this tree. If I can’t find one for the year, I make something, or get a little knitted sweater or stocking ornament and embroider the date on it!
All sparkly! Colored lights, candle light, fire crackling, Dean singing.
And I’ve been keeping busy at my day job! You should SEE all the new art I have for next year’s calendar (2019)! It’s such a gift to have time to play with my art. Another blessing to count today. And every day. Time . . . 💞 for the things and the people we love.
Like brittle making! I’ve been busy in the kitchen too . . .
To give to a BFF with the basket and lace cloth.
And this too . . . SUCH a wonderful time of year! Love is in the air! Along with cooking sugar, pine, woodsmoke, bayberry, and oranges ~ all the wonderful smells of Christmas.
The rain came a couple of days ago and took our snow away. This is a cardinal, another excellent ornament, at the feeder outside our kitchen window, swinging in the wind and snow, during the rain that took it all away! Today it’s 41 degrees ~ Joe and I are dressing up (in festive “Be-an-elf” scarves and hats) and going downtown to our little old-fashioned Main Street to say hello to shop owners, buy stocking stuffers, look for our 2017 ornament, fool around, be festive, eat lunch. I love lunch out. For me, it’s the perfect Christmas Eve thing to do.🎄I hope there will be carol singers wandering the street! I know the Fisher Farm wagon pulled by horses and filled with happy bundled people will be clip-clopping down the street ~ because it does that every year! Yay for tradition! ❤️ 
Stockings are hung by our chimney with care, but they need to be filled! Looks like a job for Santa Claus! And I wanted to remind you of this MOST wonderful recipe for the Cranberry Tea Cake, the perfect Christmas morning thing to eat. The perfect new “forever” tradition just in cases you’re needing one! 😍
I couldn’t let this moment get away without wishing you all a Beautiful and Blessed Holiday filled with Love, Joy, Peace, and Musica (sent to bless us all by the angels). Here’s to 2018 and lots of singing tea kettles!
Merry Christmas, Susan, hope it’s truly a glorious holiday for you. Thank you for the year of love and inspiration you sent out to us xo Clare
Merry Christmas Sue and Joe! Hope you have a wonderful holiday. We are taking our girls to our local zoo for a nice long walk to get them all tired out for tonight 🙂 Thank you for all the inspiration and joy you bring to my life daily.
Beautiful happy Christmas Eve blessing from you dear Susan! All good wishes to you and Joe for the holidays. Enjoy ! HAPPY CHRISTMAS 😘⛄️🍷🎄Gill N.Devon U.K. Xx
Thank You for sharing. A Merry Xmas to you and the family. Here’s to 2018!!!!
Merry Christmas Susan! Thank you for all the beautiful posts you create for us. I always get happy happy joy joy when I see a new one and wait until I can sit and enjoy every word and picture.
Love you sweet Sue!
Debbie Johnson from Southern Cali
I have been waiting and checking every day! I just knew we would have a beautiful Christmas post. Thank you so much. You just made Christmas Eve even more special. I hope your Christmas is wonderful. Merry and bright. As I know it will be. Thank you Susan for sharing so much with us. For reminding us how beautiful life really is. You truly are a bright and shining star in our lives. You help us remember what is really important in life. God Bless you and Joe and of course Jack.
With much love and appreciation for all you do.
Mary Jane
Merry Christmas Susan and Joe and thank you for all the love and beauty you share. God bless!
MERRY CHRISTMAS~SUSAN, JOE & JACK! THANK YOU FOR THIS WONDERFUL BLOG & FOR BEING A BRIGHT SPOT IN THIS SOMETIMES TOO DARK WORLD. XO
Good Morning Susan and Joe!!! and Merry Christmas Eve!! Big news!!! It’s snowing here in St. Louis…a beautiful soft fluttery snow…#snowglobe….watching the joy and anticipation on my 7-year-old’s face is priceless..AND…she got a call from Santa Claus this morning reminding her to be sure to get to bed right on time tonight..🎅🏼 cute moment…
I can see from your blog post that things are Christmasy ( word?😊) at your house. I know what you mean about going out and about on Christmas Eve…. visiting friends and neighbors and spreading Christmas cheer is just the best! Enjoy your festive day!! We are headed out for a hike along the river…. so over the river and through the snow we go! Merry Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2018!!❤️❤️
Love,
Cindy
me again….to clarify.,. The 7-year-old is my GRANDDAUGHTER !!! LOL!! Whew
and I forgot to say how much I love the news print concerning the “shocking cake recipe”….😁…those firefighters are sure witty…❤️
bye-bye…👋…
Merry, merry Christmas to you and Joe and Jack and a happy and healthy New Year!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas…although it looks like you’re already there! Love all the coziness you create, and I AM going to try the cranberry tea cake for breakfast tomorrow.
Here in southern MS we had your early snow – 4″ – the most in many years! I loved every second it lasted, wish more were coming.
Lovely thoughts and wishes to you for next year. And thank you for all you do and share with us, your loyal readers.
A Glorious Merry Christmas to you!! Enjoy your trip to town, your Christmas Eve lunch, and all the festivities on Christmas day!! XOXO!!
Thank you, Susan! Merry Christmas to you, Joe, Jack — well, to us all. And wishes for a healthy and happy 2018!
Merry Christmas, Susan and Joe! Have a wonderful holiday and a prosperous and adventurous 2018.
Merry Christmas, dear Susan Branch. You have been part of our Christmas since I first purchased your Christmas Joy book, in 1995, first edition. It is worn and tattered, but much loved.
Susan,
Warmest wishes for a wonderful Christmas and peace and happiness in the New Year!
Jean 🎄🎅
Merry, Merry Christmas, Sue and Joe!🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🎄🎄
Dear Susan,
Wish you, Joe and Jack the most lovely Christmas Eve… my 8 year-old grandaughter and I recently started writing letters to each other so she can practice her cursive. I told her about being “elfs” and practice kindness all around us. I included a list of small acts of kindness she could do. My son told me she is very excited by the idea, wrote me back immediately and will give me her letter tomorrow at Christmas instead of mailing it so I can get it faster😊
I was an elf myself at Trader Joe’s and to my neighbor and other people I know. Thank you for your kindness and please give Jack a kiss from me on his adorable nose😺
Sending prayers for a blessed Christmas and New Year for you and Joe and Jack, lovely Sue💕 and thankful hugs for the years of sharing your gifts ~ you are a faithful Elf and star Santa’s helper. XOXOXO
You are too Christie! We change our little worlds! XOXO
Merry Christmas to you and Joe!!!
Dear Susan & Joe,
May your hearts be filled with the same joy and wonder as a child who has found what Santa Claus has left under their Christmas Tree….and may the light of that very first Christmas in Bethlehem shine brightly in your hearts this Christmas and always. Merry Christmas! xoxo
Merry Christmas, dear heart…Enjoy this beautiful Eve and know how much you are loved. I’m looking forward to hanging your 2018 calendar up…2017 has been a rough, tough one.
Have a Holly Jolly Christmas! Cheers!
Wishing you and Joe a joyous, fun, happy Christmas and a healthy, happy, adventurous 2018!
I want to tell you a little story about a piece of ribbon that made many people happy. Friends of mine have a shop in our town. They’re very busy this time of year and I volunteered to help out. A couple days ago, a lady came in and shopped a bit. She had a few packages from some other stores. When she was checking out, she showed us a length of ribbon that was rolled up in a smallish bag that the shop owner of a nearby store gave her. The shop owner had decorated a tree with it, and originally had some to sell, but she had sold it all except the piece on the tree. So when the customer asked if she had any more, and there was none, the shop owner took it off the tree, rolled it up, and gave it to her. It was a small thing to do but this customer was so touched by her kindness that she had to tell us about it. It made us all happy for her – and I’m sure she shared her story with many others. I “like” the store on FB and know the owner. I sent her a message and told her how happy she made her customer. She replied back and thanked me for letting know, and said it made her happy too. Sooooo, that’s a long-winded little story to show you how a piece of Christmas ribbon, and an unselfish act of giving, made several people happy. A nice reminder that a little kindness really does have a ripple effect.
Peace to all. (PS – the cranberry tea cake looks amazing and might be just the thing I need for Christmas brunch. Thank you very much!)
Merry Christmas dear Susan and Joe. 🎄🎁🍷
Hello dear Susan – I have followed you around the UK from your blogs, your book….last spring you were in my pocket in London for a week….this spring, 3 of us friends all (one in their 20’s, and two of us in our 60’s!!!!) will go to Scotland and Ireland! I am ready to get Rick Steves’ Scotland book…I know I want to see the museums in Edinburugh, and hear Irish music in pubs, see the hills, meet the people….my friend has a niece in Galway, so we shall visit ….. any place you adore there? And…and….the royal wedding will be happening while we are there – I loved seeing all your photo’s of bunting for the jubilee!
I have vowed, lucky I have been to have travelled to many countries, that from now on it is the UK to explore….will you be there at the same time?
thanks for all the education about the beauty of the UK!
Regina, Seattle
Reply
We’ll be there all spring… Going to Ireland for the first time . . . having our picnic in the Lake District in Beatrix’s Garden on May 11! Maybe we’ll see you there!
Thanks for being you, Susan. Merry Christmas to you, Joe, and Jack! 🎄🎅❤
Tis the Season
Warm thoughts,
cold nights,
children’s laughter
adults delight
carolers singing
a song so bright
tis the season
to wish you and yours
a very Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year
Nadolig Llawen ~ Happy Christmas ~ Dear Susan, Joe, and Jack.
~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
A Merry Christmas to you and Joe. Are family will be together and I am so happy on this Blessed Day!!
Jack and the fire chief gave me a good chuckle. All is beautiful at your place. Have a blessed and cozy Christmas!
Ha! re: the fire chief. 🙂 I’d enlarge that and frame it for a wall of your kitchen. 🙂
Merry Christmas, Susan. ♥
Wishing y’all a very Merry Christmas and a most blessed New Year!!!!!
Merry Christmas Susan from very cold Minnesota🎄
Snow’s on its way here in Ohio! I hope you and Joe have a wonderful Christmas and may the new year be good to all of us.
A very Happy Christmas to you, also! Your home looks so inviting; I love, love love your stockings!
Have a very merry Christmas and all the best blessings in the new year!🧣🎄☃️❤️🎅🏻🌨
Merry Christmas to you and Joe, and Jack.
I received my teapot plate a few days ago and I just love it. Thank you so much. Wishing you a very happy, healthy new year too.
Merry Christmas Sue and Joe ( Jack too!)
Have an enchanted holiday season.
So looking forward to the trip next year!
Wish you a happy and healthy 2018.
Claire
Susan,
Warmest wishes for a wonderful Christmas and peace and happiness in the New Year!
with lots of love from Holland, from Nicoline & family
xxxx
Looking forward to May, yeah!!
Blessed Christmas to you, Sue!
Merry merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2018! I read this post with JOY in my heart. Thank you for your timely messages of Love, Peace, Goodwill toward others. We’re off to church this morning for a delightful children’s Christmas play! See you next year!!
Lovely sentiments, Susan! Thank you for taking the time…for sharing…for understanding so many of us. Merry Christmas to you and yours (meow!) from me and mine (another meow here, another meow there!) A wonderful time will be had by all! :^) May Santa bring you everything your little hearts desire!
Merry, merry Christmas to you, Joe, and Jack, and all your loved ones! It’s been a joy all year to read your blogs and I look forward to all the ones to come, especially your blogs while you’re on your adventure in England next year. Thanks for making my years a little merrier!
Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year to you and Joe!!
From our home to yours,
Carol M
Merry Christmas Sue, Joe, Jack and all the Girlfriends! Wishing everyone a lovely holiday season and all wonderful things in the New Year!
Barb
Merry Christmas Eve Susan & Joe!!!! May God bless you!!
Laura in Illinois
Thank you Susan, for the wonderful Christmas gift of your creative blog.
Jack’s painting shows off his cute chin with what has to be vanilla cream left from helping his best girlfriend/mama make cranberry cake for Christmas morning. He has such a great black mustache and white cream chin .
May your year be as special as possible. We celebrated Christmas Eve morning by listening to The Nine Lessons and Carols radio broadcast from King’s College, Cambridge, drinking tea and eating scones and Devonshire cream with currant jelly. We have kept that tradition for 40 years, since we bought the tea set at the Army and Navy Store in London, 1977. Dressing up like an elf and visiting the shops would be a great tradition, too. I know you will enjoy the day.
Jeanne of Iowa
PS We had snow here in Iowa, giving us a White Christmas!
Merry Christmas Susan and Joe! You make this world a better place 💜🎄⛄
Thank you for being such a positive voice to me and to the world, Susan! Merry Christmas to you and Joe, and God bless us everyone! Peace on earth! 🎅❄️🎄💞
A perfect recipe, Cranberry Tea Cake, as I have fresh cranberries waiting to be used. You read my mind, Susan! May you, Joe and Jack have a wonderful holiday season with family and friends enjoying warm and wonderous time together. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas to one and all!
A very Merry Christmas to You Susan, Joe and Kitty! We have snow predicted for Tomorrow…Yay. Gonna have a lovely Christmas eve Dinner with my Hubby and two Darling daughters. Just us, quiet and snuggly..perfect. Thank you for a wonderful year of posts and sharing a piece of your world with us. Lot’s to look forward to in the coming year as my oldest daughter, Jessie, is getting married in July. With much Love, your girlfriend in up-state NY <3
Wishing you and Joe a wonderful Christmas and good health, safe travels, and happiness in the coming year. Your blog posts, as do your books, bring me much pleasure and I look forward to more, more, more.
Merry-merry to your happy home, too.
I have the red ice skates on my tree, too! Bought them at Girvasoni’s (sp?) in Santa Barbara. It was a FABulous florist shop and during the Christmas season. it displayed several TALL Christmas trees that were all decorated in themes. They were beautiful in the TALL, paned windows that adorned the shop. A tradition was to go there after a performance of The Nutcracker at the Arlington Theater…Girvasoni’s was a couple of doors up from there. I would take my daughter and a friend of hers and they would pick out an ornament. The red ice skates have been on my tree for years…a treasure that brings smiles.
Wondering…does the Cranberry Tea Cake do OK if baked the day before and then heated up in the microwave or oven? Just wondering if it dries out and is not as delish as when served the day it is baked.
Sending peace/contentment, health/healing, rebuilding/nesting, old memories/new ones in the making, friendship/loyalty, kindness and a softer/gentler 2018 to all the girlfriends.
Thanks, Susan, and may guardian angels watch over your home and those you love in the new year.
FayE in CA! ❤️❤️❤️
PS: I am surprised that the painting of Jack does not have his signature ROUND eyes? He must be sleepy in your current watercolor of him. Hope Santa has wrapped some new ponytail bands and catnip to put under the tree!! 🐱🌿
So pretty…Merry Christmas
Your home looks lovely, all be-jeweled for Christmas! My family’s traditional Christmas morning breakfast is Scotch Eggs, from your Christmas book. They’re in the fridge all set to bake tomorrow – my husband and kids devour them! Merry Christmas to you and Joe. 💜🎄
Merry, merry Christmas to you, Joe, Jack and all of your friends and family!
Thank you, Susan, for bringing so much love, joy and happiness into our lives!
Merry Christmas to you and Joe. May we be blessed by angels looking over us in 2018. It’s been a Susan Branch Christmas so far. My girlfriends showered me with some of your new dishes, a mug, books and a calendar.
Merry Christmas Susan, Joe and Jack! Enjoy all your Christmas eve festivities about town. Looking forward to a wonderful “Branch” filled New Year. xo
Susan, your home looks so festive and welcoming. Wishing you and Joe and wonderful Christmas and all the best for 2018.
Thank you for the past year of laughs, tears and stories. I look forward to another year of you sharing your adventures.
Merry Christmas
Paula
Oops! I forgot to let you know I am making your Brownies from the Autumn book. Best ever!
Merry Christmas Susan & Joe…. we’ve been enjoying our Santa mugs
A very Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad and Joyeux Noel (not sure of the spelling of Joyeux but you get my drift, oui?) and Happy 2018 to you, Joe, Jack, all the girlfriends and all of the people in the world!
I started to do a bit of entertaining this holiday season as you have either 1) showed me how fun and glorious it can be, or 2) made me see what a curmudgeon I have been as I see all of the wonderful things you do for your family and friends. I have actually enjoyed it and tonight I am having a friend and her husband over for oyster stew, a Christmas Eve tradition for my family. He’s excited, she, not so much,but said she would try it. My dad made it very simply but deliciously: drain the oyster juice from the oysters (but remember to save it – just don’t look at it cuz it’s kind of gross looking); on low, melt butter in a biggish pot and add the oysters; let them simmer and curl up; add the juice and milk, your choice – truly decadent, heavy cream and half and half; down a notch, half and half and whole milk; hmmmmm, whole milk and 2%; why bother, 2% and skim; let simmer on low for a couple of hours and then ladle it into a big bowl with lots and lots of oyster crackers. I like my crackers mushy while others like theirs crisp – whatever floats your boat (or sleigh). Please forgive all of the punctuation errors. I was an English major but unfortunately correct punctuation was obviously not my thing, I was a reader and still am. If I don’t have a book awaiting me at all times, I think life would lose it’s shimmer.
Anyway, a hand throw of kisses and love to y’all.
PS I don’t want to spoil the moment but next year I think we might have to get a little serious and talk about what is happening to our democracy, a bit scary that, but for now baubles, twinklies, starlight and moonlight, deliciousness, tight hugs, warm slippers, “A Christmas Story”, caroling (even if you sing a bit off key), children’s laughter and a wet kiss from your dog, cat, horse, gerbil, armadillo or whichever of God’s furry creatures you may have. May God bless us everyone.
AND, thanks for taking the time, once again, to plow through my ramblings Susan.
dearest Susan, Joe & ALL the wonderful folks who share this heart-warming, heart-healing space. what a UNIVERSE you have brought together. soooooo much to say….can hardly see thru the fine, gauze-y mist of tears welling up…..so, i’ll just say ( as you know, I NEVER “just say”….I usually go on & on & on) a big thank you!! most of all…for being you!!!!! have a very merry, merry and a happpppy, healthy new year!! your blog-visit….JUST what I needed today. xoxo
So glad to receive your beautiful blog on Christmas Eve.
Blessings to you and yours throughout this holiday season and the coming new year❤️
Robin C
I just took out your little Christmas Joy book that I’ve had for so many years…and here you are in my email. Love your Christmas spirit. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Happy Christmas, Susan and Joe!🎄
Sending love ❤️
Merry Christmas, Susan and Joe and Jack!!
Merry Christmas Susan and Joe! Your home looks cozy and beautiful… snow all melted here, but we may get a snow/rain/icy mix later tonight and the possibility of some morning snow showers for Christmas Day. Oh, I hope so – would love to wake up in the morning to a white coating!
Lunch out on Christmas Eve in town sounds wonderful. Enjoy every minute of it! Going to make a nice cup of hot chocolate and watch TCM ‘s wonderful Christmas movies…
Happy Holidays! 🎅🏻🎄🎁
Jesus is the reason for the Season. From the Cradle to the Cross to the Throne.
Merry CHRISTmas and a Happy New Year.
Merriest of Christmases to you, Joe and Jack.
May your Christmas be all you wish!
Dear Susan, thank you for all the joy, music, photos, stories, recipes, and opinions! Yes opinions too. When more people talk about things the more they can understand one another. My opinion anyway! Have a merry, blessed Christmas and a very happy, healthy, and love-filled New Year!
Dear Susan,
You wrote in Martha’s Vineyard: Isle of Dreams that you “wanted more than anything to be an echo, “a cheerer of men’s hearts”, to “lift up in the same way I was being lifted.” Girlfriend, you should feel great at the close of this year and this Merry Christmas 2017, that you have cheered many hearts (mine since your first book and calendar way back when) for many years and inspired us all with your love of life, your appreciation of all things homemade with heart, and your noticing of simple pleasures. Merry Christmas, and a wonderful Happy New Year to you, Joe, and Jack!
Merry Christmas from Texas !!
Merry Christmas to all from Sunny California. Picking big bright red Dolly Parton roses for a Christmas centerpiece. Dolly’s are perfect for Christmas even tho the tag indicates, “Big bloom, thin stems”. Arline in So. Cal.
I just sat down to have a cup of tea and gingerbread cookies before everyone starts arriving. Your post was a lovely way to start off the festivities down here in Maryland. Wishing you and Joe a very Merry Christmas and a wonderfully Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas all!!!!!
Merry Christmas Susan, Joe, Jack and all the girlfriends! May 2018 bring joy and good health xoxo
Donna
Hope the elves have fun tonight. Wish I had waited for your Cranberry Tea Cake, I used an old Woods Hole cookbook. I made Nantucket Cranberry pie this afternoon, you have more eggs and added ingredients in your recipe, but they are very similar ♥️ and easy to make. Since we don’t have snow I made some meringue snowballs. Another easy and delicious thing to make. The candy canes are on the tree 🎄. I am making a small turkey and will make the dressing tonight. Merry Merry Christmas Eve. Hope you get some snow! We have our snow flags out, but nonone is listening! ☃️
Happy Christmas to you both and A blessed New Year !!!
Merry Christmas and thank you for the beauty you bring to your readers! Happy 2018! (can you believe it?)
Your post brought tears welling up in my eyes… Gave me the strength to carry on and do this beautiful thing. To be Love in Action:) God bless All Girlfriends all the World over! Thank You Susan and Merriest Christmas!
Merry, Merry Christmas! And God Bless Us, Everyone!
Susan and Joe, thank you for all the love, creativity, thoughtfulness, and caring you send out to us. Wishing you the Merriest of Christmas and all things wonderful in 2018!
So sweet to get this new Christmas Eve post Such a nostalgic day I am filled with joy and many memories of Christmases past as I look forward to celebrating with our family tonight.
Merry Christmas dear Susan and Joe
So nice to see your lovely post on Christmas Eve. Thank you ! Merry Christmas to you and yours !
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to both of you! Thanks for all the goodies you write for us! I enjoy it all.
…..and God bless us, everyone!
Warmest Christmas wishes from Prince Edward Island. The rain washed away all of our snow too, but we are expecting a winter storm tomorrow, so I’ll have the kettle on. Merry Christmas!
Sending prayers for a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year to you and Joe!!! Jesus is the reason for the season!
Merry Christmas to you and Joe! And the fur babies too.
Merry Christmas, Susan and Joe!
We are spending Christmas with our daughter in Arizona and will soon return to the cold in Missouri. It is different here with constant sun and 🌴 trees and we are having a great time.
Thanks for the photos of your beautiful home.
Looks lovely!
Merry Christmas Susan! We are sunny and 45 today here in fredericksburg Texas. Having an early dinner and then off to church.
What a Joy it is to receive this Merry Christmas greeting Susan! Norm and I are coming to the Vineyard in May. Can’t wait.
Merry Christmas to you and Joe with love.
Your wonderful word pictures create magical thoughts for all of us at this most precious time of the year. Be assured that you and yours are greatly appreciated and loved by many friends, most of whom you will never meet.
Merry Christmas to you, Joe, and Jack!! Your emails bring a dose of coziness into my world. ☺ Sun is shining here in Houston. In the low 60s, but back down to high 30s overnight. Just in time for Christmas morn! 🎄😃
Merry, MERRY Christmas, dear Sue! 🎄🎅🏻🍷❤️
From a New Englander currently living in Mexico:
Merry Christmas to you and Joe and Jack and all your family. We are blessed and thankful and happy at the Holidays no matter where we are living. Going to a friend’s house tonight to celebrate!!