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 and Joe and Jack too! Thanks for all the magic!🎄🎅🏻🤶🏻❤️
Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year from California!
Thank you for your warm wishes. I send them right back to you with a light heart. I feel sometimes all the reflecting one does this time of year can be a bit bittersweet, but just hearing from you removes it and helps remind you to make room for the present joys around you.
Thank you,
Merry Christmas
OX’s
Merry Christmas! Here’s hoping Santa will be bringing my annual wall calendar… Painted by you! Cheers!
May the Christmas 🎄 elves 🧝♀️ dance us all into the new💝
Merriest of christmases to you and Joe! You’re a blessing to us all! I look forward to opening my 2018 desktop big calendar next week! It’s still in its box as a new year present to me! 😘
Susan, thank you for putting a smile on my face the year through. You and your beautiful art and inspirational thought mean so much to me.
Merriest of Christmases to you and yours. Suzie Samoden, Tyrone,Georgia
Happy Christmas to you, Sue, and Joe and Jack 🙂 Have a bright and blessed New Year!
Merry Christmas!! Thank you for sharing with all of us. Have a beautiful and Blessed Holiday. 🎄❤
Susan~
Merry Christmas and New Year BLessings to you and Joe!
Your home looks so cozy and I bet it smells wonderful with the TeaCake baking!!
Your day sounds wonderful with a trip into the shops and lunch in your quaint little village, Im so jealous hehe.
Snowing here all day, so thankful we will have a white Christmas in northern IN.
May your Christmas day be filled with Love!
xoxo
Paula
Have a Merry Christmas and thank you sharing your artistic gift to followers all over the world. I thank you.
Happy Christmas to you, Joe, and Jack! Excited about ordering your new calendar (it’s a major deal to replace the old one on New Year’s Day and look at all the months to come). Blessings for you all this Christmas and in the coming year. Hope Santa is very good to you all — I just know y’all are at the top of his Nice list 😊🎅🏻🎄🦌
Happy Christmas Eve. Hope you had lunch out and that the carolers came by. Much love to you and Joe, and our favorite whiskered kitty. I know you all have been good so Santa will stop with little treats for all.
Pumpkin pies in the oven and now I know what to bake for breakfast. I love these reminders that come at just the right moment. A Gift for sure.
Love and bunny hugs,
Shirley
Merry Christmas and a healthy, prosperous New Year to YOU from snowy Idaho (more coming this afternoon and evening)! Thank you for spreading cheer the entire year long.–Samantha 🙂 <3 <3 <3
Merry Christmas to you both. Thank you for the love you share with us in your posts.
Merry Christmas, dear Susan and Joe!
I appreciate, so much, receiving your Christmas blog post, showing us your beautiful home, all decked out and filled with so much love! You are an inspiration to us all.
Christmas sure stirs up so many feelings, doesn’t it? Some sad, some happy, some treasured and some not so great. But, your website teaches me to find joy in everything and to make my heart soar, and I am so grateful to you, Susan.
I love opening my email and seeing your blog postings, all filled with hope, love and friendship. Thank you very much to you, for continuing to write your letters.
Hearing from you, is my greatest and most treasured gift in life.
My own “Joe” as you might remember, is long-gone from cancer, but his memory lives on in my heart. He loved the holidays and was so kind and helpful in decorating, just like your Joe is. These types of men, are very rare indeed.
Please, if I may, can I ask that if everyone out there on this planet were to reach out to someone who has lost their loved-ones, even with a little note left at their door, a smile and a wave as they drive by, perhaps an invite to coffee, or a short walk in the snow, especially around the holidays.
—Just a small gesture makes a huge world of difference as it seems some people shy away from others quite often, who have lost a loved one, like we are contagious or something! I promise we won’t completely burst into tears nor do we expect an invite to a fancy family dinner. But being shunned or ignored, like we are invisible now that we are widowed, is not right. I can’t understand it, but I hear that from so many, myself included.
It is my hope that if we all reach out, just a little bit, and it doesn’t cost anything, it would make someone else feel cared about and special. And isn’t that what Christmas is all about?
Every year, since my husband died, I make up little gift baskets and walk them downtown to the homeless people sleeping in the doorways of buildings, and to the seniors in long term care facilities…who sit by their windows praying for someone to remember them. The surprised look on their faces that turn into the biggest smiles, makes life feel good again. They hold the little gift basket like it is worth gold.
This year, I added brightly-coloured winter scarves…they were a hit! My own tears of joy flowed when I looked back at the facility windows from the parking lot, and I saw the scarves around the shoulders of the residents…and their hands waving at me, with smiles on their faces. My heart grew bigger that day. I am going back there later this week, to read to them. I will bake more vanilla cookies for them too. I think my late-husband would be proud.
Your website does that, Susan, you write to us with so much love. You are the best medicine.
I send you lots of love and hugs, Susan and Joe, and to your kitty cat, Jack, too.
Love always,
Carrie
xoxoxo
YOU are the best medicine Carrie. The very best of all. Merry Christmas! xoxo
Wow, what an inspiration!
This is beautiful. Merry Christmas to all- and yes it’s the little things
To remember and be thankful every day. Thank u Susan for the inspiration in our inboxes! 😊❤️🏡🎄🕊🎁
Love how I can slip into inboxes! The miracle of the Internet!
Dear Susan…you taught me HOW to apply the medicine!
And to make the medicine…universal!
Best wishes to you, all year-round.
Carrie
xoxoxo
And you teach us back. It’s spreading Carrie.😘 Thank you so much!
Dear Sweet Carrie,
You are an Earth Angel. Something tells me deep in my heart that you have always been this special, loving, giving person…even as a little girl. You not only make other people smile, you make God smile. Just think what a peaceful, happy world this would be if everyone had the same Grace as you do. God Bless you Carrie. Merry Christmas xo
Hi Kathi Ellen! Bless you too! You wrote such beautiful sentiments and I was moved to grateful tears. I truly had to leave the room for a bit, as I was overcome with emotion. The best kind of emotion. Your note, and all the other people here that also wrote such beautiful comments and thoughts for us all, are amazing people, with true-joyfulness. I appreciate what you wrote too, so very much.
I believe too, if we all reached out in any way, big or small, the “domino-affect” would keep going.
And what a world full of Grace, it will be.
Hugs to you too,
Carrie
xoxoxo
Carrie, your post made my evening …. as did Susan’s…..but somehow yours touched my heart. What you do for the homeless and the elderly is amazing and must be very fulfilling for you and a blessing for them. My brother (deceased at 64 ) had many ailments before he passed away and said many times that “‘loneliness was his worst desease”….. I’m going to bed tonight with thoughts of how I can help those people who are alone throughout the year. YOU have inspired me! ThAnk you!
Hi Ann Jane!
I agree, loneliness is the worst disease. I am sorry about your brother passing away. Death is very painful. The connections suddenly gone, hurt us right in our soul. And it rips us apart.
I decided to turn my pain of loss into something beyond my pain, so I contacted long term care facilities to inquire on their volunteer programs, and immediately went through their programs, and now I am a “regular.” The joy I receive is priceless.
When I put on plain clothes, leave my purse at home with only a bit of loose-cash in my pocket (along with my drivers license), put gift baskets and washed clothes of my late-husband, in an old army sack of his, tell a neighbour where I am headed…and trek downtown, to reach out to some of the homeless, the pain is still with me but lessens with each step. Some homeless people are receptive and grateful (Oh my, the stories I could tell you!) and with those people that were not, or I could sense danger, I would move on, as I have to keep myself safe too. But, at the end of the day, I know now that just me being me, I somehow made someone else’s life a little better. Just a little bit, does make a difference. And “giving” does feed all of our souls, you are very right. I pray that loneliness doesn’t exist in the future. Homelessness is at an all-time high now, something must change. I hope too, that spreading joy, like Susan here is teaching us, will be a normal part of everyone’s life. To feel like no one cares is so debilitating. But, we girlfriends CAN change the world. Isn’t Susans’ love powerful?
Thanks for letting me yak…I do have the gift of gab, lol.
Hugs to you too,
Carrie
xoxoxo
Could not agree with you more. We can change the world. And look at you out there, doing it. So proud to call you friend. I’m appalled by homelessness too. Such a rich country, but unfortunately there is a belief out there that being poor and homeless is no one’s problem but the poor and homeless. I think the mark of a wonderful country is that there aren’t people sleeping in the street. So much of the violence in the world can be traced back to poverty, illness, and unloved children. Seems we could do something more about that. Thank you Carrie. You are a very special person.
I appreciate your reply and your supportive comments too, Susan. You hit on some very important issues with homelessness.
Sadly, as you all know, a lot have the attitude that “someone else will take care of it all” and they ignore or wish the homeless away. Homeless people are a part of every community and the road we walk on, joins with the roads they sleep on, and try to survive each day on. We are human beings, no matter how much money each has or where we all sleep. No one is better, and no one is worse.
There are homeless women, children and dogs and cats on the streets too. I see families living out of broken down cars, eating out of garbage cans by restaurants, kids with no connections to schools or books…because the libraries turn them away as they might be a little dirty and have no fixed address. They know they can’t sign books out but as one mom told me, she wishes her kids could just sit in a library, and be able to pick up books from the shelves and read them while sitting in a comfy chair. She said being homeless strips them of their humanity and self-worth, and like you said too Susan, many end up as criminals as they have no other means of survival or hope.
The libraries here won’t let anyone inside who doesn’t have an active library card; they ask to see the card upon entering. It wasn’t like that when I was growing up, libraries used to be open to everyone and no one was refused entry then. But now, businesses and the community in general, are terrified of them…and have banned them from everything.
Yes, there are a lot of criminals living in the streets and the homeless people are robbed of their clothing, beaten and left for dead. One man in particular, every time I see him, he is missing his warm toque that I give him. I keep giving him one after another. He told me that as soon as he sits down to sleep, someone steals it off his head. He used to have a job but got laid off and lost everything. They have to keep moving from street to street as they are targets for being robbed and beaten. It is heart-breaking. The stories are endless and so sad. I was told that living in the streets, is one step before death. A lot of them see death as their only way out. A lot get hooked on drugs, get into prostitution, get abused and beaten.
They have no more fight in them, they have forgotten who they are…and they have forgotten that they are special, that they are worthy, that they deserve healthy food to eat and a safe place to sleep.
They don’t need our pity or scorn, they need our help.
Some refuse the items I give them as they worry I am the police or are going to hurt them. I spend the first few minutes trying to convince them that I just want to reach out and say hello and to give them some free clothing and food…and to talk with them. To let them know that I see them and that I care.
So many burst into tears when I tell them that; they are overwhelmed with emotion, that someone would actually just want to be kind to them, without any ulterior motive. I tell them over and over, that I want nothing from them but to see them, even for a few minutes, feel worthwhile, special and loved. I tell them it isn’t pity, it’s friendship.
Martha’s Vineyards’ shelters and warming-stations are run by and 100% funded by…volunteers. Not one penny of funding comes from the government.
The warming-station that is open for four hours a day (10 am to 2 pm) is run by one woman who started it all because she saw so many homeless people suffering in the streets in Martha’s Vineyard. Her warming-station offers food, showers, clothing and a warm place to sit, Monday to Friday, in a facility that keeps her safe too. The people who do get involved, must never put themselves in danger or jeopardize our own safety or our homes. She volunteers her time and her resources and has made it her mission. When I read up on her, I wept, as she is truly an angel. I am sure she could use some help.
Please, everyone, research in your community how the homeless and nursing homes residents are helped or not helped. It is an eye-opening experience. The more people that get involved and not just at Christmas, will change the world. I believe in Susan’s messages of hope, beauty in nature and love.
No child, man, or woman (pets too), should ever have to eat out of garbage cans, freeze, or live in terror of being robbed of their clothing, their self-esteem, and to never feel loved, just for being a human being.
You are right, Susan, we girlfriends, can change the world…and it starts with the roads that join us all together. And your beautiful website, with the most kind and generous girlfriend’s here.
Thank you all for letting me discuss these issues. The more normality and discussions of homelessness and neglected seniors, the more that helping others, will be the new “norm” for every person on this planet.
Love,
Carrie xoxoxo
You are an angel, Carrie. Bless your heart for all that you do for others.
Thank you, Carrie, I will remember what you wrote.
You are an angel on earth, sweet Carrie. Merriest of Christmases.
I wish your comment could be published in the national news Carrie. It gets to the heart of Christmas so well. Thank you. What we give away returns to us triple fold. Merry Christmas!
Do have a Merry Christmas, Carrie. You are an inspiration to all of us. You are surely loved by all of those around you.
♥Deb♥
Bkessings to you too: Jo’L, Linda, fayE in CA, Ginene P. Nagel, Peggy Willoughby, Valerie B and Deb…all of your responses here, along with the other girlfriends, warmed my heart like nothing else. You all are angels too, and us reaching out like this makes my heart soar. I wish you all the best and we must continue to believe in love and filling this world with joy, one girlfriend at a time, via Susan.
Merry Christmas, and now, Happy New Year to you all too!
Hugs to you all,
Carrie
xoxoxo
ps. My greatest joy and treat is to read through each and everyone’s comments. Everyone shares such incredible and beautiful insights!
…oops, I meant to type the word “Blessings” in the start of my note above. But, I hit the k-key instead, sorry about that.
Carrie
Your email brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful soul you have and what joy you are bringing to ofhers. I know your husband would be proud. We need more people like you in the world who personify the true meaning of Christmas. Thank you for all you do to bring happiness to others. May God bless you in the New Year.m.
Sue in Fl
Sending hugs and a Merry Christmas to you, Joe and Jack, as well as a wish for a happy and healthy new year!
Merry and Happy Christmas dear Susan and Joe and Jack! You have warmed our hearts all this year. Looking forward to what comes in this next year. Peace, joy and love reign in your hearts and home this most precious of seasons.
Stay warm and be blessed of God,
Beckie
Merriest Christmas to you and Joe. Your posts add so much to my Christmas spirit. Wishing you both a very happy and healthy New Year from your hometown of San Luis Obispo.
A Very Blessed and Happy Christmas to you Susan, and Joe and Jack of course! I love seeing your tree and home all decorated. Much to be thankful for as I think of the past year, which has not always been a great one for much of the world and here in this country, but still if we’ve come through it we are blessed. And we are certainly blessed to have you cheering us on and giving encouragement, brightening our day, reminding us that there are so many really wonderful people out there. I’ve met quite a few because of you, mutual “girlfriends” via twitter, and I have to say all our lives are the richer because of our friendships. Have a wonderful Christmas and the happiest of New Years!
Merry Christmas, Susan and Joe! We had an unprecedented six inches of snow a few weeks ago here in Alabama but it is just cold and rainy today! My husband Andrew is programming on the computer and I am playing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. Who knew the co-writer “Hugh Martin” wrote it while in Birmingham, Alabama (my hometown)! The things you learn when you have all the time in the world on your hands! Your home looks so beautiful and cozy. Thank you for reminding me about the almond bark- I have been meaning to try your recipe! Love the cranberry tea cake- it has a delicious brown sugar crunch that mixes so well with the tartness of the cranberries. I have been trying family recipes my cousin wrote down for me in your gorgeous recipe book “For My Daughter”! Thank you for all the joy you spread and have a lovely Christmas Eve!
Hello Susan,
We got 5 inches of snow today and it is still snowing!!! I love a white Christmas! I have my Christmas book next to me on the couch. It is very worn and well loved. Purchased on the Vineyard in ’94 by my Mom and signed by you. I am sending Christmas blessing your way and thank you for all you do;)
Enjoy your snow Stephanie!
Merry Christmas Sue and Joe….wishing you all good things in 2018. I just put an apple pie in to bake for tomorrow and will start on the cookies next. Thank you for all of the wonderful books, blogs and beautiful writings you have given us over the years. You have made our everyday happenings and celebrations extra special.
xoxo
Pam
I feel lucky to be here, connecting with so many wonderful people. Thank you Pamela!
Your blog is Christmas all year long😊
😘
Merry Christmas, Susan! Thank you for the musica…a new Gene Autry song for me.
I have enjoyed drinking my coffee from my Santa mug….my sister and I gave each other your Christmas mug for Christmas. Also look forward to hanging my new calendar. Thanks for adding whimsy to my life.
Thanks for being here Martha!
Greetings from Fullerton, CA…. I love you, Susan Branch!! You have brightened my life for many, many years! Merry Christmas Eve to you and dear Joe ~ and here’s to PEACE and LOVE for planet Earth… in 2018…. and forever more!
And forever more! xoxo
Dear Susan,
You have brought much joy to me for many years. Wishing you, Joe and Jack a wonderful and merry Christmas and New Year, full of new adventures.
xoxo
PS ~ I love darling Jack, too!!! What a cat!!! 🙂
Merry Christmas to you, Joe and Jack! What fun we will have in the New Year. England in May! Let the celebrating begin. Soon I am off for an early Christmas Eve service at a church that is 150 years young in Sacramento, CA. 🎅🏻🙏🏻🎄⛄️
Blessings,
Melin
xoxo
Blessings to you and yours, what a wonderful thing to be doing!
Susan…I’m a brand new blog recipient, and am so happy to be part of your world! But I first “met” you when you came to Rainy Day Books in Fairway, Ks. some years ago…and now after devouring your three memoirs….slooowly and appreciatively…I feel as if I’ve connected with an old friend . Just love being able to glimpse your happy life in the present, since I really only knew about your past life. Just had to tell you all that, and PLEASE …you don’t need to respond…especially at this busy time. But it’s fun to be able to make contact.
Merry and Happy to all❣️
PS.. This is the very first “fan” letter I’ve EVER written!!
I’m honored! Thank you Bonny! xoxo
Merry Christmas to all- from Auckland New Zealand. Its a warm sunny summers day and Christmas lunch is only an hour away.
Happy Summer Gillian! Another world! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Happy Holidays to you both and all your ”friends” and “girlfriends” our “critters” ..and to anyone who just found Susan …it’s a win~win!!!
Merry Christmas Susan and Joe. You have brought such a happiness and moments of pause and reflection to my life.
Thank you for making this world a better place because of you.
Colleen
P.S. Oh my goodness Jack!!!! I forgot Jack…..please forgive me sir.
💞
Merry Christmas to you and Joe and all the Girlfriends!
Merry Christmas Pat 🎄
I plated Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons as gifts for neighbors and friends … a tradition since receiving a copy of CHRISTMAS JOY, 1995. Thank you for being part of my history!
Happy Christmas to all and to all a goodnight
Happy Holidays to you dear Susan…dear Joe and all my SB girlfriends all over the globe
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🍷🍷🍷🎊🎊🎊
Thank you Susan for making my world merry and bright all year long. ❤️
Merry Christmas Wishes from Canada! Just sat down after my last little errand. The topping to the afternoon was seeing your mail in the Inbox! All is well with the world! The teapot is singing, a wonderful program playing in background, —-CBC going across country telling of favourite Christmas Eve traditions. The best feeling, when all is done and all is calm! Thank you for all the happiness and joy you spread throughout the year! ❤️😂
Merry Christmas to you, Joe, and Jack! Stay warm and cozy in your wonderful house. Blessing to you and Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas to you, Susan, and Joe too!
Susan Branch, you are one in 10 million. I just LOVE getting your lovely blogs and enjoy all the wonderful talent and love that are in you and coming out to share with others. Poor grammar? I don’t care, it’s just my way of saying, “I love you”. Thank you a zillion times.
Love, Fran Patten, N.J.
Wishing you and Joe a most wonderful Christmas and an abundance of blessings in the new year.
Merry Christmas Susan, Joe and Jack too !
I so enjoy your beautiful blog. When a new arrives it makes for a happier day
Thank you Susan
Merry Christmas and a healthy 2018 to you and Joe (and Jack) and all the girlfriends!
And to Carrie from Canada I wish you were my neighbor because I would love to spend time
With a wonderful person like you. I’m sure there are lots of people that would love your company.
Happy New Year to you too, Pam!…and all the best of the season to you also.
I appreciate your warm comments so much. Reading your kind comments, along with the others, is so good for my circulation…as all this outpouring of love gets my “ticker” going! Nothing makes me happier than spreading joy and reaching out. I understand it now…when we care about other people, we get so much more back.
And if some aren’t receptive, I see it as they just aren’t ready, and I don’t take it personally. I won’t let anyone rain on my parade!
I do believe through Susans’ blog, we all are neighbours. Forever and always.
Distance doesn’t affect spreading joy and peace.
Hugs to you too,
Carrie xoxo
Thank you, dear Susan, for your Christmas blog. Sending love and good wishes to you, Joe, and Jack 💕⛄️💕
Diana
🌠🎄Merriest Christmas, Susan & Joe…Jack too! “Touch hands, touch hands…” These beautiful moments fly too quickly! 💞 Love to all, mari 💞🌠
Merry Christmas to you and Joe and of course Jack, he of the cute mustache.
May you have a joyfilled Christmas and a bright and wonderful New Year!
Greetings Susan. I was hoping I’d hear from you today partly because it would be full of lovely, warm words; a picture of your beautiful house w/snow and Jack!
I hope you are doing well, and I wish you a blessed Christmas.
Merry Christmas wishes from Canada! And thank you for all the happiness and joy you bring to us girlfriends! Your blog is the topping to the afternoon! Again a wonderful read! The kettle is singing, and a great CBC program is delivering the traditions of Canadians across the country in my background. The bustle is over and all is calm! Let the festivities begin!
Hi Susan
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. Thank you for your lovely posts this year. Very best wishes from Ockbrook England.
Merry Christmas! We will be using many of your recipes this holiday season…as we have for soooo many years!
Joy and blessings to Joe and you, Susan. Your beautiful home looks ready! Here in Northern Massachuseets we await our white Christmas with hope that there won’t be too much snow so we may celebrate with the three grandsons and family.
Peace and Joy!
May you know the true peace of our Saviour, Jesus, whose birth we are celebrating. Blessed and Merry Christmas!
Thank you for taking time for a Christmas Eve blog! House looks so lovely and cozy. Sounds like a good way you two are spending Christmas Eve, sounds perfect. Have a blessed Christmas, Sue, Joe and sweet Jack! xoxo
Dearest Susan, Joe and little Jack, We have so enjoyed this past year with you and your adventures. It is snowing here in the Chicago area, so we are not venturing outdoors. Your home is charming, warm and beautifully shared. Happy Christmas and a Joyous New Year.
Joyeaux Noel, Mes cheres amies, Joe et Susan!
Happy Christmas Susan & Joe! A healthy, Happy New Year too!
Merry Christmas and a Happy 2018, Susan! Thank you for the beauty you bring to the world! I have your 2018 calendar all ready to hang up in a week. 🙂
Wishing you and Joe (and of couse, Jack!) and all the sister-friends here, a very merry Christmas. Thank you for your continual friendship, wisdom and spreading joy throughout the year.
ShellEy S in Texas
“When we remember a special Christmas, it is not the presents that made it special, but the laughter, the feeling of love, and the togetherness of friends and family that made that Christmas special.” –Catherine Pulsifer
Susan,
Merry Christmas! Thank you for a wonderful year! You spread joy, happiness and contentedness around my little and peaceful world! It was a pleasure to have met you and your Joe in Prescott, AZ; a memory I will always treasure! I look forward to the New Year, praying for more love and peace in the world. Wishing you and your Joe the same!
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Susan! I hope you have a wonderful New Year, too. Thank you for all the loveliness you share throughout the year!
Sounds like a wonderful Christmas Eve! I hope you are spared any shocking new recipes this year 🙂 Thank you for all the gifts you give all year in the form of your beautiful column, and for the precious treasure of one of your books you sent me. You and Joe and Jack have a wonderful Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas from Vancouver Island, Canada. It is snowing as I write this. Thank you
for your wonderful blog, wishing you a happy Christmas & everything wonderful in the
New Year.
Christmas Wishes, Barb
Happy Christmas!God bless you and Joe.May Santa full those stockings with wonderful things.
Merry Christmas! We have our first white Christmas in 7 years. Stay warm! I still use the Be An Elf bookmark you sent in a snail mail Willard a longgg time ago.
Oh, I was so hoping you’d post something today; just knew you would. So cheery, so fun; thank you for sharing photos of some of your Christmas loves. Have a wonderful time tonight and tomorrow; so glad you’re YOU and that you are our friend. Best to you and Jack and Joe!
Thank you for your festive and joyful Christmas greetings. Wishing you and yours the merriest day tomorrow.
🎄❄️🎄🎅 Merry Christmas Susan! 🎄❄️🎄🎅
Dear Susan and Joe,
Warm wishes from Connecticut from Christopher and I for a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!
Janice and Christopher
Merry Christmas Susan Branch! I was hoping for a blog from you today and there it was, A true Christmas miracle! I want you to know I have all your books and I take out the Christmas book every year and read it through! What I didn’t know was that I have the first edition ! My sister gave it to me as a Christmas gift over 30 years ago! I was thrilled when I saw that! I also make something new out of it every year. This year it’s going to be cream spinach! Thank you so much for adding romance and nostalgia to my life! Have a very merry Christmas and blessings for the new year!
Sweet to hear from you Darlene, we are making Christmas Oysters from that same book … taking them across the street in a few minutes. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Merry Christmas from snow and icy Norway! Looks like I know what to do with my leftover package of cranberries on Boxing Day now😊
Gill did you see that you now have 20 followers on Twitter? Maybe more by now, all the Twitter Girls followed you! xoxo Merry Christmas in snow and icy Norway, how heavenly!
May you and Joe (and Jack) have a most Blessed Christmas, and wishing us all a better future in the New Year. Thank you for being such a dear blessing to me and I’m sure all of “The Girlfriends”, you are the most beautiful bright star shining so bright always reminding us of all the good we have, our homes and friends and family. Well I must head back to the kitchen now and make your lemon sauce for the gingerbread cake, yum. Merry Christmas….love from me to you ♥
Susan,Joe & cute cuddly Jack
Merry Christmas and Happy New 2018.
Thanks for giving hope on all those days this year
That has been a rollercoaster ride. GOD BLESS
Same to you Yvonne! xoxo
Thank you Susan, you bless my life. Merry Christmas to you and Joe!
And you all bless mine. Thank you Jackie. xoxo
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2018!
“Hope does not disappoint”
Merry Chrustmas and Happy New Year to you and Joe from CAPE COD
I really look forward to reading your blog..it is like getting a hand written letter from a close friend.
We love the holidays at our house too. ANN
Merry Christmas to you, Joe and Jack! You bring such joy to our world, thank you for that!
Merry Christmas, Susan! You bring such joy to the world.
Merry Christmas! The best advice you gave us in your Christmas book, page 106, Christmas shop all year long. This changes Christmas. I am usually done with my shopping by December 1. I just bought a big Tote bag from Scout in the gold Christmas tree pattern to keep my gifts in. ( The biggest problem with shopping year round is forgetting where you hid the gifts🙄) I just saw a piece on the news about last minute shopping on Christmas Eve. Madness. Happy New Year girlfriends 🎉🥂
Thank you Susan, for publishing Carrie’s writings. What an inspiration of giving she is!
I would like in even a small way contribute as she does. As she says you are giving and you and Joe show how to give love. As we all know all those deeds and even good thoughts
Are not wasted….
June Emmert
Hi June…you are so right; even good thoughts are giving…and are never wasted.
Long time ago, I was told to smile when answering the telephone, as the caller could “hear me smiling” in my voice, and then my sentiments would be more sincere. I feel that is so true, don’t you? The same goes for when we are caring for someone else and reaching out, our sincerity and love shines through. Your kind comments rang through to my heart and in turn, I send you big hugs right back.
That’s why I so adore Susan…she is truly sincere, forever-genuine, and even though she is a celebrity, she writes to us all, and includes us in her circle of life. Now, she is true love and kindness.
Hugs to you too,
Carrie xoxoxo
Thanks for lifting spirits all around, hope doing it raises yours as well! Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year to you and Joe and your elves in California.
Merry Christmas Susan! I also was wondering today if we would get a Christmas blog post from you, and lo and behold, we did! It made me do a small happy dance 😄 I made your homemade blue cheese dressing for a delicious salad with pecans and pomegranate seeds to go with our Christmas Eve dinner. It was fabulous. We had Christmas crackers to open when we started dinner, they were fun! Have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!
wishing you, Joe, Jack, Petey and all the girlfriends in here a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years, may it be a bright and sparkling new year filled with peace. we have had a little snow here, but the rain melted most of it, expecting more by tonight… someone had better tell Santa to bundle up, will leave him hot cocoa and cookies tonight. Merry, Merry Christmas everyone….. holiday hugs….. 😀
You are a blessing to us all Susan. Have a Merry Christmas & a Happy, Healthy 2018.
Merry Christmas, health and happiness! You bring so much joy. Thank you…
Dear Susan,
What fun to open my mail and there was your Blog. It is always the big highlight of the day when I hear from you. I have been busy all day getting ready for noon dinner tomorrow. We will have 20 people. Luckily it is Potluck ,since my husband is ill and is not able to do too much it has left the decorating, shopping for groceries, doing Christmas Cards and lots of other things to get ready for this Christmas. This year we have a new Great-Grandson and we are waiting for a Great-Granddaughter, expected January 5. We have so much to be thankful for. We don’t have any snow, but had a few flurries at supper time. It was so beautiful, as we live on Main Street and with the snow and all the lights on the peoples houses it looked like a picture from a Christmas card. I ordered your Roses cross stitch picture & the Cups and have
completed them. Now I ordered your 2 latest ones & am waiting for them to come. They are beautiful. Keep making us more!!!
Your blog is my among my first gifts this Christmas Eve. Earlier today 2 of our 4 children came for dinner with their children. I also invited a new friend. These were my first gifts. We ate , drank, chatted, hugged, and enjoyed the afternoon and evening. They live nearby. Our other 2 and their children live too far away, but are always in our hearts and texts and calls. We love them all.
I love how you and Joe spent the afternoon. I love simple, living traditions.
Thank you, Susan, for making yet another year so special for us all.
🎄 Merriest of Christmases to you and to Joe. 🎄 Love you! 🐩🐩
Hi there Susan…..I am curled up watching Christmas movies. All preparations have been made for our meal and celebration of the day tomorrow. I will fall asleep tonight with the background of CHRISTMAS MOVIES AND LIGHTS. We woke up to snow this morning and it has been snowing all day like a Currier and Ives painting. So tonight I will pray for the safety of all those who must take to the roads to reach their loved ones. Here the three of us are safely together. You have an absolutely wonderful day tomorrow. I hope my Annual Christmas card and letter has made its way to you safely. Love and may Santa bring all you dream of. Love Gayle Hall
A very Merry Christmas is wished to you and yours . . . love the cat!!!
Susan, Joe & sweet Jack, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year “2018”…wow…thank you for everything you share, love looking at your house, Enjoy Christmas all the girlfriends out there.
Merry Christmas, Susan & Joe! Looks like we will have white Christmas in Washington State!
Merry Christmas to Susan and Joe ! Hope you are having the best Christmas ever! We are on our way to midnight services after having 6 new friend in our new building at our home for our traditional Eastern European ( Slovak and Ukrainian) Holy Supper or Velijah. Oplatki wafers with Christmas Nativity scenes on to share and wish each other well, cabbage soup, pierogies, fish, peas, applesauce, rye bread, lots to “drink”, COOKIES, and a birthday cake for my dear husband…the best gift Santa ever brought. I sent everyone home with a little gift bag of scones and tea and cute Christmas napkins for breakfast tomorrow. One friend said “you are SO domestic” and I said “I am taking that as a BIG compliment”. So much fun to share our traditions with new friends, blessed to be together in our new home, blessed to have food, warmth, love….so many blessings. Thank you for teaching us to share and enjoy life ! Hugs !!!
Thank you Susan, for all you share with us throughout the year, Your postings help bring together the numbers of us who share so many of the same values in life, Often, even during unhappy times, your blog and the replies is a salve to the soul, and reminds us that there is love and hope still out there in the world. It is a beautiful world out there to share. Merry Christmas to all, and wishing all things good to all in this coming year. We Can Do Anything Together!
To take time,think of all us girlfriends, and send good tidings on Christmas Eve is very special, Susan! As are all of you reading this post! Best wishes to all for a
beautifully miraculous 2018 where you dream big, and even just one may come true! Happiest of holidays!
Happy Christmas Susan, Joe and Jack !
May 2018 bring you good health and many blessings.
Susan,
Thank you so much, I loved reading all your delight in Christmas Eve! I agree, lunch out on Christmas Eve is a real treat.
I was too busy all day, with my whole family coming for dinner at my new home in snowy Vermont. I wanted it to be elegant, inspired by you and my English family, so we all dressed up (ages 2 to 77) and out came the good china and good food and good fun!
Happy Christmas to you and Joe, and Jack. Peace on earth to all of us in the New Year and always…
Love and gratitude, Sally
Merry Christmas Susan and Joe and Happy 2018!
May the joy and magic of Christmas stay in your hearts all year. Much happiness to you and gratitude for your creativity and inspiration. Have a blessed Christmas XO
Merry Christmas, dear Susan and Joe! I thought of you this morning as I made two of your recipes for our Christmas Eve dinner. It was such fun to peek at all of the holiday hygge in your home today! Tiny snowflakes danced down all day here, so we will enjoy a good, old-fashioned white Christmas tomorrow.
May blessings fall upon you like snowflakes throughout the New Year!
Hugs to all of our Girlfriends!
Dawn (in Illinois)
💗💗
Merry Christmas Eve, my favorite part of Christmas. Best wishes for a wonderful Eve to you and Joe and Jack. Merry, Merry.
Thank you for the post. I was so happy to see it.
Merry Christmas Susan!!!And to Joe and Jack. Thank you Susan for making our world brighter. A glance at your calendar always makes me smile and lifts my spirits.
Merry Christmas to Carrie in Canada from one widow to another.I really appreciated your words. Loved hearing about the sweet things you do for others!!!
Merry Christmas to all!
Hi Bridget! I appreciate your kind comments so much. Yes, from a widow to another…we are in this together. I am sorry for your loss too. People used to tell me that time heals it all, but to tell you the truth…it doesn’t. I miss him as much now, as I did the day he died.
The only thing time has done, and I imagine maybe for you too, is how to cope, and face each day…head-on and straight through the horror. The pain is still there because we loved so very much. And no one can take away that love. But we need to keep adding to it, so our heart is always full. Helping others, keeps our hearts “topped-up.”
This I learned the hard way, but am so grateful for that lesson. Susan showed me the way. And now I am a believer.
Hugs to you too,
Carrie xoxoxo