Hello!!! Yes, it’s getting frosty around here, icy mornings, but no snow for us yet! That’s okay, we make our own here on Christmas Island! MUSICA
Making magic with shiny glass things, snowy things, lacy things, and glitter things ~ sparkly star bobeche candles, paper-cut scherenschnitte trees, snowflakes and angel chimes. And my favorite pure white Swedish candles. And Christmas musica!
Before the tree, before anything, my favorite place to decorate is the sideboard in our dining room. This wonderful old thing was in the house when we bought it. I think it’s been here forever . . . too heavy to move!
I tied the snowflakes to the lace on the runner.
And voila, I’m singing Snow, Snow Snow 🎵 with Bing . . . Holiday Inn was on TV and I was in my wee winter wonderland!
More decorating, out with the regular stuff, in with the red!
Little Christmas chocolate bars . . .
And wrapping presents no matter how small!
I don’t have linoleum, I scuff across the wood floor in my lambie slippers waiting for the kettle to boil. It’s almost the same thing.
Yup, time to oil the table again. Here it is, soaking in mineral oil I slathered on with a pastry brush. I kept waiting for Jack to jump up, but somehow he senses the danger! Note the letters J O Y in the window? Note the E? Yup, Joe’s handiwork! He cut it out of cardboard and added it. I love it so much it stays forever.
I’ve been cleaning and organizing . . . it’s about as good as it gets, clean as a whistle ~ only job now is to stand and stare lovingly.
My love in action! Time to get the tree and some roping!
Went to the farmstand down the street called Eden . . . look how cute the wreaths are. Love the one shaped like a tree, especially the base, like a trunk! Cute!
But this is what Joe makes! He finds all the holly and boxwood and pine in our backyard and makes my very favorite wreaths . . . I get to add the birds and pears.
Here’s his little workshop!
Our tree is up and decorated!
We usually have a table where the tree goes, which we love because it means we can eat in front of the fire . . . usually we take it out, but this time we decided to keep it for present wrapping! (And eating in front of the fire!)
XOXAs we put the tree up we traced back all the old ornaments . . . such memories!
This doesn’t go on the tree, it hangs in the “wood room” (handily named because it’s a completely paneled room that my girlfriend Lowely calls “the snug”), it’s Joe’s red-felt stocking, the one his family used for their pets’ Christmas presents, which is why there are many cross-outs . . . I recognize all the names from Joe’s “God Bless Mommy and Daddy . . .” prayer ~ they’re all included on this stocking: “Susie, Nosey, Inky, Puddikins, Sammy, Georgia, and Trisket.” Mas MUSICA?
The ornaments have all the memories attached . . . ornaments that were at Holly Oak too!
And this is our house, way back when . . . It was built in 1849. There was some sort of Victorian tower added on at one time, you can just barely see it there. Rather an interesting mix of architectural styles . . . it’s long gone, and no diary has been found to tell me what they must have been thinking! That doesn’t stop me from imagining. Look there’s our barn too . . . And the people who lived here grouped on the front porch. I’ve always wondered about their Christmases, if they put their tree in the bay window like we do. My studio is in a room off the living room ~ it used to be called the Music Room . . . maybe they put it there. 🎄
This is a souvenir of Christmas 2005 at our house in California . . . I guess we were short on paper because anyone who wanted to say anything, as we were all running in and out, left their message here! Notes are from my brother Chuck and his wife Judy, my niece Heidi, Joe, me, my mom, my sister Shelly, my brother Brad. Not easy to get serendipitous interaction of family members on a piece of paper . . . snatched up and kept forever. We remind me of The Waltons! 💞
Here are the first four of us . . . Me, in the back, my brother Jim on the left, then Stephen, and the baby is Chuck. Who we called “Butterball” … who soon would be trained by moi to answer a knock on the wall by climbing out of his crib and toddling in to sleep with me! Wouldn’t you? Such a doll!
Me, and my four brothers, Jim, Chuck, Brad (looking at camera), Steve, and on the right, my girlfriend (because I needed one and always had one from the beginning of time) Janie Nielson who lived in the house across the street, and who’s mother was a piano teacher and played the Skaters Waltz while Janie and I “skated” across her polished wood floors in our socks.
This is my mom, with her brothers Bob and Dick. Look how my mom holds that doll. She loves it. She was getting ready for US!
Here’s us again, Stephen, Jim, and me (I look like my mom!) . . . And I think that might be my Ginny doll! It’s the day after Christmas and we are decked out in our Christmas finery. Look at Jim’s Bowie knife, and his boots!!! Fancy! My Grandma took me shopping for those red shoes, and afterwards we had a chocolate eclair in a doily-studded bakery with red booths.
See what a Christmas tree can do to you if you are listening?
I like it when it’s not in focus!
My Christmas gift to myself is meditation. I worry that the world is NOT so in love as I’d like it to be. In my meditation, it IS ~ because I “think on these things.” I dream of a better tomorrow and see it happening, all my childhood dreams come true. A little like Teletubby Land. Or like the English Countryside. (Same thing.) The quiet morning when no one is up is my time to count my blessings. Nothing is ever perfect ~ as you know, real life has troubles and worries for all of us, but when I count my blessings, it’s easy to know that many people in this crazy world would be ecstatic to have what we have. And another someone would be thrilled to have what they have. And when you realize this, the only thing you can say is, Thank you. Meditation, walks to the water, my boyfriend for life, Jack, family, friends, luv-lee memories, home, cooking something, books, a hot bubble bath with an ice-cold bottle of water to drink, keeping my diary, watching The Bishop’s Wife, my paint brush, the little things that make a red letter day.
Whatever is true . . .
(I needed to find flannel jammies for my mom WITH pockets and I did and I’m so happy, it had to go into the diary!) On the right is a place card saved from a dinner party we went to the other night. Book of memories.
Whatever is praiseworthy . . .
Whatever is admirable . . .
Whatever is right . . .
Whatever is excellent . . .
Whatever is pure (love) . . . 💞
Oh, the power, to make home sweet home just the way you like it. Four walls, with heat! And clean sheets! So lucky. 
Tomorrow night my girlfriends are coming over for a Secret Santa party in front of the fire . . . I mixed our names and drew one for each of us . . . we are gifting either something that we own that we’d like to give to our person, OR, we can spend up to $20. 👏
Now, some things to share . . . For our UK Girlfriends, I’ve been informed that there are a few cups left of several designs, including the two above (which we are totally sold out of at the studio) ~ check HERE to see the designs. So sorry, they only ship within the UK. And these will be the last they will be carrying. 
But here are two bookmarks for all of you ~ you can print them out on heavy paper, laminate them if you like ~ they make cute stocking stuffers! For Prayer for the Little Home, click HERE. For the 2019 Full Moon bookmark (lists all the full moons for 2019), click HERE.
from me. 💞🎄 xoxo
And guess what else?
Yes! while I was writing this post, a big package was delivered to my kitchen porch.
The samples are here! Of course I had to stop and take a quick look. 
I’m thrilled at the way they turned out. The photos above were taken of my mockups, but the ones below . . .
. . . are the real thing! Look how cute! I’ll never get this posted if I stop and take pictures of all of them right now. But I will, first thing in the morning, and I’ll send them to Kellee and she’ll put everything up for presale tomorrow. The ones that arrived today are just for approval, the real things will arrive at our Studio early January … a January/Valentine surprise!
These two looked so cute together I had to take a picture of them! The ornament is surprisingly lightweight! I’ll put it on our Christmas tree, but in real life it will hang in my kitchen! Or, MAYBE, it should be my Secret Santa Gift!? The little vases you wanted, “Courage” and the others, are just adorable. I’m so excited!
Well, anyway, too much wonderfulness ~ it’s that time of year, and here ⬆️, never forget, the gifts that truly matter . . . time for the little things in life.
This is our lovely view from our dining room windows. The other day, in a major feat of engineering, they closed off our street, brought in a huge crane, and removed the spire and the “bell box” from this lovely old building for repairs. It was a huge operation, we bundled up and ran out there with our cameras . . . I’ll show you next time. We’re going to miss the bell that rings on Sundays, but when they put it back, probably in a year, it’s going to be even better and start playing the hymns and the songs, like Que Sera Sera, that it used to play. 
Wishing you the most peaceful of holidays! Happy Christmas dear Girlfriends, Merry Hanukkah, Feliz Navidad, Cheery Boxing Day, Joyeux Noël, Jolly Winter Solstice, Festive Kwanzaa, and Vrolijk Kerstfeest. And More! Big world out there! Blessings to you and yours from us and ours!
My Mom and I back when we had fresh trees would hang the lights and then back a way and squint…that would show us where the bare spots were and could be adjusted. Lovely memories.
I do exactly the same! Can’t have any dreaded black holes! xoxo
Oh my goodness, my Mom & I do the same <3
Have the merriest of Christmases Susan and Joe! Your home is beautiful; I love the new drapes and the lace panels in your windows, all so soft and pretty. I also love the way you made a photo journal of Philippians 4:8, such a wonderful verse for these times (and all times). Merry, merry!
I painted that wonderful verse for my new 2019 mini wall calendar, in case you are looking for it Lorrie.💞
Such an inspiration. I’m missing several pictures though, in the middle of the post. Is it just my computer?
Never mind…now the pictures are magically there! 🙂
My IPad does the same thing! For some reason if I scroll to the end of the post and click on comments…then it all loads perfectly and all the pictures appear! Just in case any one else is having this problem.
Thank you Chris! That’s a weird one! But you found the answer! xoxoxo
Such a lovely blog💞 Thanks so much for sharing! I bet you miss seeing the steeple across the street. Hope you and Joe and a Very Special Christmas 🎄🎁🥂❄️and a great party tomorrow too!! Mele Kalikimaka!
I don’t like it to be gone. They sent around a flyer telling the neighborhood what to expect and I FLEW to that phone number to call them and “make sure” they were bringing it back, and ask for Que Sera Sera to please be included and was ASSURED all would be well. It looks so beautiful in the snow. We’re going to miss it. Mele Kalikimaka to you too, Aloha-HA!
Thank you, Thank you for sharing all your Christmas decor pictures with us!! I LOVE looking at them! Christmas is intoxicating to me, and I NEVER get tired of looking at pictures and my own decorations! AND listening to Christmas music all the time, and watching Christmas movies!! xoxoxox
Lots of love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
Intoxicating is the perfect word for it! All so Noel!
Lovely, lovely, lovely! Your home looks like a fairy tale come true! I am feeling a little off this year and am having trouble gathering up the energy to really feel the spirit of the holidays this year, but you have lit a little fire in me to stop, sit and enjoy the season. Thank you Susan.
That’s the part easiest to forget and most important of all. xoxoxo
Thank you for sharing the joy Blessings back to you!
Such a lovely visit to Susanland. Long may you reign☺️ I also had a Ginny doll. She still lives at my moms. Thanks again for the lovely post and may you and yours enjoy the best holidays ever.
My first foray back into the world of YOU and the Girlfriends after a long and difficult year and a half. Trying to catch glimpses of happiness where I can and you never disappoint:) I wanted to wish you and Joe a Merry Christmas and to tell you that I Love you so much and thank you for all the joy that you have brought to me over so many years. I discovered you in the early 90s and you have never left my heart. You truly inspire me and I am so very thankful that there is you in the world. Many wishes for a joyous Christmas and hugs to you both. xoxo And Merry Christmas and hugs to ALL THE GIRLFRIENDS too.
PS I am so excited for your BEAUTIFUL little things to go on presale tomorrow!!!! I was the one who asked you on twitter where to get that darling jug and now here it is. MAGIC!!! I will be checking back often to see when they are up. It really is the little things, isn’t it?!
I hope things are better Charissa . . . It really is the little things. xoxoxo
💖 Thank you
Charissa,
2019 will be a better year for you. Sorry for the difficult time you have had. You pushed through and here you are!
Enjoy the holidays. 🎄 Wishing you love and happiness. 💖
Thank you, Peggy. How sweet you are to comment. Merry Christmas and love and happiness to you too xo
hey there girlfriend, good to see you back with us. hoping you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2019. Merry Christmas girlfriend, sending lots of love and Christmas hugs your way. hugs…. 😀
Hi Pat, Thank you and wishing the same to you . I will take the love and hugs in and send a bunch your way as well. xoxo Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas Sue, Joe n’ wee Jack! Reading your lovely blog, looking at pictures of your cozy, warm homey home, sharing memories of Christmas gone by, family, listening to your music choices… it truly is like having a close girlfriend… in you. Thank you so much for sharing YOU n’ yours. Merry Christmas and may God Bless. xoxo
And Merry Christmas to all the girlfriends out there, far n’ wide!
Cheers from Wende 🎄🎶
Waving and sending love from far away! 👋 xoxoxo
Merry Christmas Susan! Thanks for your gift of meditation to bring more love in the world and I always look forward to the full moon bookmark template. Peace to you and all your loved ones his holiday season.
The same to you Patricia! xoxo
I even tried for the shopkeeper in England to post the winter cup to my friend in Ireland, no go. 🎄🎄🎅🏡🎄🎄 ….. 😢
Probably only Northern Ireland . . . maybe it’s import tax or something?
It’s REALLY expensive for us in the UK to send to Eire (southern Ireland) as it’s classed as ‘International’…that’s probably why. Close in miles but not in the wonderful world of bureaucracy 🙁 x
Hi honey. xoxo see you soon! Thank you for explaining! 😘
Hi Sue! Your tree is so pretty! Jack looks super happy!
Merry Christmas!
He should be! Fat little boy!
Oh my goodness…just came over to your blog the other day because it just seemed in my heart that you had written something.✨💫 I didn’t look at my email, but decided to look again and here you are!💥🌟Oh my goodness how lovely your home is with all the memories and decorations and warm, cozy love. Christmas memories are the best! It’s hard to think some people don’t have that and it makes us really want to give them something good and kind to remember. I hope you and Joe and all your big, lovely family have the best Christmas ever.
When I see your old Christmas pictures it truly brings back so many good memories of years gone by of my own family. Merry, Merry, happy, happy forever after.☃️❄️🎄❄️☃️❄️🎄
Christmases past are as important of Christmas now . . . xoxo All those blessings! They don’t just go away!
Dear Susan, Thanks for the gift of your new post. I don’t know what I like best! I do want to thank you for the beautiful video of your Christmas tree this week. It made me think of a particular Christmas when my daughter was little. Your home looks so pretty. I haven’t had snow either but it was very close this morning!
Loving my blue bird and winter cups. Can’t wait to order one of pretty pieces that you unwrapped today.
Wishing you, Joe, Jack and all of your loved ones a wonderful holiday season. Thanks for sharing with all of us! 💖 BB
My pleasure Bridget! Thank you for being here!
I absolutely love your Christmas house. . . a fairy tale home! and Joe’s wreaths are scrumptious. But tell me this–are those low-hanging ornaments, tassels and beads for Jack’s fun and games? Love the photo of you with him in your arms.
PS: real tree?
Yes, it’s a real tree and it smells wonderful. And for some UNKNOWN reason, Jack has zero interest in the tree or the ornaments. The only thing I have to watch him with is the greenery! Not the tree, but cuttings on mantles and such . . . or a plant, he has a thing for them.
You know Susan, every time I see photos of Jack on your blog, I am thinking about his mustache. It looks so familiar, but I just couldn’t put my finger on it.
Well, last week I was cleaning out my dvd’s and I got it! Jack is the feline image of Hercule Poriot. You have a furry little detective! So funny.
Your photos of Christmas decor is heart warming. So pretty. Enjoy.
He is! I really should have named him Hercule! LOL! xoxo
I just love that little guy❣️
💞
Wishing you and Joe and of course your kitty, much happiness and joy for the holidays and all the New Year.
And back to you Inez! xoxo
Beautiful post Susan, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I hope 2019 brings a wonderful movie deal. If not, I will be happy looking for the new book!
Oh, I forgot to write about that!!! Something for next time!
Oh yeah. Sure. Leave us hanging…
Laurie
=:3
Wishing you, Joe and Jack a wonderful Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for bring joy, light and a sense of wonder into my life. Also thank you for the book marks. They get a lot of use throughout the year. I leave them in the library books I check out some other may enjoy them.
Secret Santa! xoxoxo
Beautiful post Susan, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I hope 2019 brings a wonderful movie deal, if not I will be happy with your new book coming out!
And to you Lynette . . .xoxoxo
Your home looks so festive! I loved the video of your favorite ornaments on the tree. I sometimes put up a “memory” tree in one room that has all my special ornaments beginning with early childhood & things made by my granddaughters when they were little (now 17 & 22). I started a box of ornaments for each of them every Christmas since they were born. When they get their own home I will give them theirs. One of my very favorite Bible passages is Philippians 4:8 – a good reminder for us all to help us keep our JOY and not fret . Have the merriest of holidays with Joe, family & friends!
Too much fretting isn’t good. Same to you dear Jeannette, have yourself a merry little Christmas!
Such a lovely post ~ my heart is tap-dancing. Thank you, Susan, for sharing your beautiful home with us. So inspiring.
Merry Christmas to you, Joe, Jack, and all you hold dear.
Thank you Marigold! Blessings to you and yours. Love your tap-dancing heart, I see it all the time, dancing like crazy on Twitter. A gift!
Oh, how I love this post! So many fun ideas! My family (26 of us) all get together every Christmas Eve. Two years ago, my daughter and I printed out family recipes, including how to make a Thanksgiving dinner from start to finish, starting with how to do the turkey (very important for the young brides in our family). We also included a shopping list. Everyone, including my grandsons, got a new cookbook holding all our family recipes and many plastic pages to add more recipe cards. I was really astonished at how thrilled all of them were. They wanted this to be a new tradition, so now, everyone sends a recipe or two for me to copy for everyone. They all have great fun going through them on Christmas Eve. And many of my granddaughters told me they loved getting a grocery list to copy and take shopping with them. When I read your cranberry apple crisp recipe, I knew this would be one they will all love, so it will be one of the recipes they receive this year. Thank you so much for reminding me of this recipe. I sent you a fun turkey card for Thanksgiving using the only PO box number I could find. I wasn’t sure if I had the right number, but hope you got it. It is so fun to see all your Christmas decorating every day, and I’m really enjoying how much YOU are enjoying being back home. Enjoy this wonderful time of the year!
Sending Christmas Hugs to you, Joe, and darling Jack,
Ruthie (in Minnesota)
Family recipes bring the generations together! They’re the best! What a gift! I know they will love the Apple Crisp! We did get your turkey, Ruth, so sweet of you to think of us! Christmas Hugs to all 26 of you! Have a wonderful time!
Ohhh Susan… I wish the paper Christmas tree garland was on your website!!
Me too. We had it last year, and we will get it again for next year . . . we fell through the cracks this year, so sorry!
Thank you, Susan!
You invite us all into your world, and words cannot express how much I appreciate your kindness.
I read this post in the waiting area of the Subaru service department and smiled the whole way through. When I got home, I peeled some granny smith apples from our orchard and made my first Susan Branch Apple Crisp, which I’m nibbling on now as I type this.
Thank you!
In return, may I suggest a new Christmas album that just dropped on iTunes this fall? It’s Ingrid Michaelson’s gorgeous album called Songs for the Season.
It’s got some big band goodness mixed with some dreamy little wistful numbers.
Captures so many emotions from this time of the year. I thought you might enjoy it as much as I do.
Enjoy your cozy home and loved ones as will I.
Virtual hugs to you!
Thank you! I’ve been putting together my Christmas playlist and so am fresh into it, perfect timing, I went right there and got three songs! Merry Christmas Susan! Thank you again! xoxo
No words really except so much wonderfulness packed into such a small space. Thank you for sharing with the world the beautiful fragrance that is YOU! ❤️❤️❤️
Hi Sweetheart . . . love that you came to visit all the way from Oxford! (Or, is it Wales today?) xoxo
Wales til Thursday, then Oxford, then Jordan!!! xxoo 😘😘😘
I’m there in my dreams!
Merry, happy, all-the-holidays to you, too! Thanks for the good cheer and the bookmarks. I do laminate mine and always have one in every book I’m reading. I’ve been known to “donate” a few to the public library system 🙂
♥
Sweet thing. I love getting old books and finding things in them!
Happy Holidays to you, Joe and Jack!!
Loved the photos of your beautiful home at Christmas.
Also loved the photos from your childhood Christmas times. As time goes on those memories become even more precious.
Remember those great holidays in Reseda? Did you go to see Santa Claus and his reindeer in Panorama City? Such happy memories!!
Have a warm and cozy Christmas!!
Yes, and shop downtown on Sherman Way for gifts . . . I can remember the way it smelled and felt in those old stores where some of our mom’s worked for the holidays to make money to pay for Christmas. Love having these memories . . . it makes growing old SO wonderful, that I now know what it was like to live in the olden days! Studebakers and Hudsons. Say that to a Millennial!
I remember taking my nephew & niece to visit that Santa and his reindeer in Panorama City! My nephew is now 61. I’m sure those pictures are somewhere in the family photo albums. I worked at the May Co. in that shopping center when a Senior in high school 1962-63. Nice memories to share!
I worked at the Broadway in the Topanga Plaza in high school too! The thing I remember most is that we had to wear “black, brown, navy, gray, or beige.” And how good the purses smelled in the purse department!
I worked in Ladies blouses – back when they were hung behind the counters and you had to ask us to show you what you were interested in(kinda like they did with nylons in those days!) Gosh, I didn’t think of that until just now! We had to wear the neutral colors also and carry our personal items in a see-through bag. I loved shopping at Topanga Plaza…wonder if we crossed paths back then? Sweet memories!
Probably!
A wonderful Christmassy blog entry! I especially love all your paper cut-outs!
Aren’t they fun? They’re an old-style of German paper craft with the impossible name of Scherenschniutte …
What a wonderful surprise to see that you had a new blog post up. I cannot sleep so I fixed a cup of hot chocolate and have my puppy Charlie setting on my lap while I read it. Isn’t this time of the year pure magic! I love all the memories of Christmas past. Thank you for reminding me that plenty of people would be thrilled to have what I have. A good life with a warm cozy home, a good dinner every night and lots of love from my family and friends. It came at the perfect moment as I prepare for the day ahead. Love all the fun adorable new things you are having made – will have to head over to the shopping section of the website when I finish.
Have a happy and blessed Christmas! Know that you bring such joy to my life and many, many others throughout the year.
Merry Christmas to you, Joe and kitty 🙂
Pure magic is a cup of hot chocolate with a puppy on your lap. At Christmas time! And anytime! Who wouldn’t love that. Blessings on you both, Julie. xoxo
Merry Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year! Love the cozy way you live, I try to cozy up my house as well. Cozy equals home. So to you and yours Merry Christmas may God bless you in the new year with many new adventures.Look to the sky on Christmas eve and listen for the bells of Santa’s sleigh. I still believe that there is lots of good in this world, we just have to seek it out and give love away. Mary Lawrence queen of quite a lot.lol
I will do that Mary! You remind me, when I was little I used to run around outside with bells, ringing them at the windows to work my littler siblings into a frenzy! Queen of quite-a-lot! xoxoxo
Thank you Susan for the wonderful post. Messages that I needed to remember, “stop & count your blessings”. Merry Christmas and Blessings to you and Joe..
Same to you Kathleen! xoxo
Everything is so joyous and beautiful! Hope you and Joe have the best Christmas ever.
Peace on earth, goodwill toward everyone! xoxo
Dearest Susan,
YOU are my comfort & joy! Thank you so much for you. Merry Christmas!
Love,
Valerie
Thank YOU Valerie, what a nice thing to say! xoxo Merry Christmas!
What a lovely post! I love your sideboard decorations – everything so glittery and glossy and white! It’s wonderful that you saved so many memories – Joe’s Christmas ornament from 3rd grade (did you say?), a piece of paper that everyone wrote notes on, etc. You see the value and love in little memories, and hold on to them – it’s what matters. I have an ornament on my tree that my son made in elementary school – a blue ball with his name, “Bobby”, in silver glitter. I lost him almost a year ago and I am so grateful to still have that ornament. Actually, he passed 1 day before you and Joe sailed to England. You unknowingly helped me get through those sad sad first months. I could “escape” for a few moments reading your tweets, and seeing your pictures, and reading your blogs. I had family all around me too taking care, but it helped to “go” somewhere sweet and beautiful and love-filled and calming now and then. Angels unaware. Thank you.
Oh my, got off track. I love all your new items coming soon, they’re sweet, and I will preorder. Merry Christmas to you and Joe. xoxox
Ohhh gosh Linda, so sad 😢, and then, wonderful that you have that lovely memory for your tree and one of the blessings that you count. Very wonderful, you.💞 Blessings to you and yours for a Christmas of memories. xoxoxo
Linda, hugs to you and couldn’t agree more about Susan being an angel for the hurting heart. She has helped me many times. My heart goes out to you and so glad you have that ornament too. xo
I love how you have used one of my favorite Bible verses, Philippians 4:8, to illustrate its truth in everyday life! Which of your books/calendars does this illustration appear? Thank you for the Prayer for a Little Home bookmark ❤️
It’s in the new 2019 mini calendar . . . February! You are welcome Cathy!
I was so happy to see a new post from you, Susan! Thank you for sharing your lovely world with us. And thank you for the cute bookmarks. I can’t wait to order the darling little vases! Merry Christmas to you, Joe, and Jack!
Same to you Grace! xoxo
Thank goodness you share the things that make our heart feel sooo good, Once again & again to you & your life time boy friend & Jack Merry Christmas 🎄 what role modes you both are ⛄️⛄️❄️❄️🎄🎄
Ohhh, well! 🤣 Thank you Joan! xoxo
Merry Christmas Susan!! I love the stories your Christmas trees tells! Mine likes to tell lots of stories too so I totally understand! I have been meditating as well and counting my blessings! When I make a gratitude list you are at the top, for 2018 has been so much more special because of you and the wonderful people I have met on Twitter! Blessings and Health to you and yours in 2019 ❤️😘🤗
Isn’t that wonderful Nicole. I do count Twitter in my blessings, but it’s hard sometimes with all the unrest. I want to help, but is there really any help? I don’t know. But I don’t give up. Blessings and good health to you too! Keep making that gorgeous artwork! xoxo
Hi Enjoyed your beautiful Christmas stories, You & Joe are so inspiring, 🎄
Merry Christmas Joan!
Merry Christmas Susan! To having a lovely holiday with family,friends, and fur babies! May there be peace for everyone! I am looking forward to the butter dish! God bless us everyone🎄🎄
God Bless us everyone ~ thank you Barbara! xoxoxo
Every morsel of this is beautiful and inspiring, and should be required reading every day, for the sheer joy it brings to heart. Thanking you, as always, so much. 😍🎄😍
Thank you back Pam! 😘
Dear Susan,
May the joy of the season fill your heart and life!
Thank you for your many words of encouragement and the beautiful things you bring into our lives. I enjoy seeing pictures of your beautiful home, especially when it’s decorated for Christmas.
Although it’s sad the church steeple will be gone for awhile, how wonderful that it’s going to be restored to be enjoyed by generations to come!
May your Christmas be filled with love, joy, and peace.
Marjorie from PA
We’ll love it even more when it comes back to us! Will be a red letter day!
Festive joy! So good for my heart. And I can’t wait to get my hands on that CS Lewis tiny vase. Love it! Merry merry.
Joe just went to the market to see if he can find me flowers to put in it for my party tonight! It’s adorable!
I saved reading your blog until breakfast this morning. What a special gift! Music, videos, photos. Thank you.
I have some of what’s left of a paper chain our 4 children made many years back on our tree. When they arrive Christmas Eve they hunt for their old ornaments. Many of their childhood favorite ornaments I gifted to them a few years ago for their own family trees.
Your home is stunning all decorated for the holidays. I appreciate you giving us a peek inside.
Merry, merry Christmas to you, Joe, Jack. Have fun at your gathering tonight. Those are lucky girlfriends to be with you.
I am off to play Bunco with some good friends and some new friends dressed in silly Christmas finery.
Love you.
My tea friends are coming for our Christmas gift exchange tonight and I want everything to be “Susan Branch-ish” – yes, that is a term we use here. Thanks to you, some years ago I started a bird tree for the kitchen and it is especially beautiful this year. The big tree in the living room was set up yesterday and it just needs decorating now that it’s thawed out and the branches have relaxed. The whole house smells of its heavenly fragrance. I spent the year finding bone china Christmas teacups at thrift stores and those will be the party favors for my friends to take home.
Love my bird tree! But this year we expect lots of people at the kitchen table, so I decided to keep it open spaced so we can fit there! Next year I will love it even more. Party favors! Love it! I’m giving cup party favors tonight too! xoxo
Love the all white buffet with the Swiss Scherenschnitte trees! I like your picture of Santa Claus. He looks Swiss. Swiss Santa, Samichlaus, wears a white suit just like your picture. The pipe reminds me of my grandpa…
I just love Holly, and I like your homemade wreaths! 👍🏻 Joe! I like boxwood wreathes too.
Got home last Thursday, sold the TT 51 boat 🛥, and now I am scrambling to make things begin to look a lot like Christmas! Froehliche Weihnachten! 🎄
Welcome home and Happy Christmas Margot!
My sailor called this am, the Captain is giving him the week Christmas off!!!
Good News!!!
Enjoyed your ornaments tour of your Christmas tree. So pretty!
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for stopping by Lida!
Hello Susan
I’ve been waiting with baited breath for your December blog! It is just lovely, so full of Christmasy things that bring joy to my heart! You are definitely a kindred spirit. My favorite book is your Fine Romance, I took it to England with me this past summer and my family in Liverpool loved it! I went to many of the places you visited, my favorite was the Lake District, Beatrix Potter’s house. Have you been to Snowshill in the Cotswolds? It is where Bridget Jones Diary was filmed. It is a magical place, you would love it! Thank you for sharing all the lovely things in you enjoy, you inspire me to enjoy life more to to appreciate the little things. God Bless you and Joe and have a very Merry Christmas!!
Theresa
How sweet! Thank you! Lovely places you went . . . yes we loved Snowshill too … what a jewel! The dovecote is my favorite. What part of Snowshill did they use for Bridget Jones . . . was it the hotel they went to? Did you go through the little town there? Just so adorable! Thank you Theresa! Merry Christmas!
They used St Barnabas Church in the first Bridget Jones movie, it is right in the middle of the town of Snowshill. It is in the opening scene of the movie where she is walking into her parents house. I believe it is also the church where her parents renew their vows in the movie, so charming and I love Bridget Jones movies!! You will have to watch it again!
I will watch for it!
As always, your timing was perfect for posting this blog! It’s like a big, warm hug for my mind and my soul❤️Love the story of how you “trained” baby Chuck to listen for a tap on the wall and then toddle in to sleep with you. That story would make even the Grinch’s heart grow two sizes! And the picture of you and Joe taken a few decades ago…now how cute is that?? Hugs to you and Joe and Jack!
Dear, Dear Sue,
What a gift you have given us! Reading all the comments, I see everyone agrees. Again….Thank You for sharing your Magic.
Love the pictures of the young Stewarts. I have family pictures that, except for the little faces, could be my brother and myself. Laughed at the cowboy outfits. I got the Dale Evans outfit, and my little brother got the ‘horsey’ It was one of those mounted on springs. He was ‘thrown’ a few times, but got right back on!! And the yearly battle over hanging each piece of tensel as opposed to throwing gobs of it. And the real cotton our mother would bring home from the office (one of many cotton shipping agencies back then) sprinkling on the fake snow….then plucking out the little poops this or that dog would leave there!!!
Your wonderful Christmas Blog is a needed blessing this year, especially. The Lovely Tom and I have some ailments that are being addressed but prevent my having a tree this year. I have so many decorations that children, my students and their moms made for me. They are pretty worn, but I’ll never throw them out. I make a card so I can rotate them every year. Also, the things I made with a beautiful little boy who was a neighbor of mine the first year I pretended to be an adult…1967. Also the felt ones made the first year of marriage, 1970, with my neighbor. She and I sat at her dining room table and created, and created and Created with felt remnants, ric-rack, glitter, tiny buttons…. We stuffed them after sewing together the sides. Those are pieces of the love that is still in my life from my oldest and dearest friend and fellow Anglophile. My first husband and I lived in a garage (really) next door to her family. I didn’t care, as one doesn’t when so in love. Now, I know what it means to love and Be Loved, just as you do with The Lovely Joe!
Thank you for being you and spilling Joy and Love over us all. Have the bestest Christmas ever!!!
Debbie in Tampa….for now
There must have been SOMETHING that taught our parents that tinsel MUST be hung one at a time, because we ALL got that lecture! I hope you and Tom are feeling well, that your ailments are quiet and unobtrusive. All those lovely memories of Christmas Past! xoxoxo Thank you Debbie!
Fantastic post! We are all decorated for Christmas too, and I love it. Your home looks beautiful and oh so festive. The Bishop’s Wife is one of my all time favorite movies, ever. Thank you for the bookmarks, I always print the Full Moon bookmarks for all my girlfriends and family. I can’t wait to get the Life is Good vase, it’s so darn cute, just like Jack. Wishing you, Joe and Jack a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2019! ♥ ♥ ♥
Same to you Marie, thank you! xoxo
I love that Joe makes the wreaths. I used to do that. I made them too for my in-laws who wintered in Arizona and shipped them from Michigan. There is nothing like a fresh wreath smell.
Thank you for the lovely “cozy” post. Tree decorations (and recipe files) are like visiting old friends .. so many memories.
BEAUTIFUL ! The most wonderful time of the year…and The Bishop’s Wife, too! Yes, think on all things that are beautiful – I am thinking on the Red Velvet bundt cake I just took out of the oven for our neighborhood pot luck tonight…will frost it with cream cheese icing and decorate it with red and green sprinkles. So much fun…Love to you and Joe – keep reminding us that It’s A Wonderful Life!
Thank you Susan for another day brightening post 🙂 Your decorations are beautiful and I love the photos of Christmas past with your brothers! How adorable!! The annual Christmas house tour took place in my town this past weekend…Oh, the joy! I put my house on the tour a few years ago and 600 people came through! I prayed that my old staircase would hold up. So much fun…I think I will get brave and put it on the tour again next year. I love to decorate! This past year has been a bit difficult with my day job. I have been handed some new (unrealistic) challenges. As you say, “Nothing is ever perfect” however, I have a new saying “I’m handing my work troubles over to upper management”. By that I mean God, Jesus, Spirit, the angels, my dad….all of the greats who are looking out for me. I have been meditating on that everyday and whenever I slip up, I just remind myself again. Before long I will see it all change for the better. Here is a quote from someone I love…”Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge” – Eckhart Tolle
Enjoy the holiday season and always remember how much you mean to all of us girlfriends. xoxoxox Love to you, Joe and Jack
The Merriest of Christmas’s to you and Joe. The Bishop’s wife (the old one) is my all time favorite. Nice to think about handsome angels helping out.
We are very much feeling the world pushing in and have retreated to our house in the woods. I have a thankful journal I write in most nights I have much to be thankful for I could go on for pages and it is all really about the little things. Warm house, good food, great friends…
Love this post! Christmas is in the air and in our home. The snow we had in eastern Iowa has melted and the temperature will be in the 40’s today but the spirit of Christmas lingers everywhere.
Hope you, Joe and Jack are ready for the big day.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
“What a magical post! Thank you for the bookmarks! Love from me and the bunnies….
Is there another girlfriend out there that has pet bunnies? Love those fur kids!
Laurie
=:3
Merry Christmas to you and Joe! I pray for the same as you do. I am grateful for the way you make us all feel, happy and blessed that we have you in our lives. I love seeing your house and learning about wooden spoons, cutting boards, china, paper snowflakes and the full moon throught the year. I have all of those bookmarks throught the past years.
Here’s to snow falling on a winter day!
Oh Susan, what a wonderful way to start my day…hearing the song “Christmas Island”..being from the Islands..I got up in my jammies and slippers and danced the hula here in the family room. I’m sure not young anymore but my memories are full. Thank you. Now I’m a New England kind of girl..you would think if you saw my home…but Hawaii is a special place. Thanks for lifting our spirits. Love your blog. All kinds of ideas. Merry Christmas Susan, Joe and kisses a squeeze for Jack xoxoxo
I bought the Winter Mug when we were in Devizes, as well as the Castle Cottage Mug to remind me of the wonderful afternoon we had there with you. I hope you will stock up Nursery Thyme with future mugs, as it means we can buy them without huge postage costs. It is a wonderful little shop! Happy Christmas to you both.
Love your blog. It’s so full of the spirit of Christmas. Thank you for sharing your Christmas memories. My sister and I played “Christmas” for days after. We would put our toys back under the tree and fill up our stockings again. My grown-up memories are in three books that I started keeping in 1960′ They list cards sent and received, gifts given, the costs and lastly a record of the day. Every when when I pull out the Christmas Box I sit down and read them again and recall the years. This year I am living with my daughter and her family and enjoying their traditions. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and a new book!!
Nice cheerful surprise, a blog from you! Love, love your tree!! I always do, but there Christmasy, sparkley and festive. Does Joe trim it in that shape or is that the way they sell them on Christmas island? Loved seeing your old photos, especially you and Joe…..Cuties. Wishing you and Joe and Jack a very Merry Christmas and a kinder, gentler New Year. xoxo
I’m always so happy to see a new post from you, truly brightens my day. You and I must be sisters, by two different mommas. Merry Christmas, Susan!
Happiest of Holidays to you Susan and all our girlfriends. This is one of my favorite times of year! I love all the decorations and cookies, getting together and cards, oh and the movies! I try to watch something Christmassy everyday. We have a huge collection of VHS and DVD’s (yes they still work). I am hoping to get my hands on “The Man Who Invented Christmas” this year. My favorite of all is A Child’s Christmas in Wales. Jingle Jingle all.
Beautiful Blog Susan !!!
Perhaps my friends and I can come visit the Island again and hear the New Church Bells Rings in “about a year” . 🙂
Merry Christmas to You & Yours,
Linda of So Cal
My fingers are crossed it will go quickly and we end up with what we think we’re going to end up with! I do have this guy’s phone number! 😊
Thank you for such a lovely post! and for those cutest little vases!! I’ve been so good; waiting so patiently:) And now I’m going to have to get the butter dish too! My girls and I LOVE Little Women. Marmee is one of my heroes.
Our home is all bedecked and sparkling. The ice on our pond is getting thicker by the day and makes the most wonderful noises; pings, gurgles and thunders. I adore Winter and your cup captures the charm! Merriest Christmas and all holidays of light to you, Joe, and all the kindred souls you unite. You are so very loved! Care
Merry Christmas to you and your family. Thanks for the thoughtful, fun, creative, yummy, adventurous messages that you share on your blog throughout the year. It warms many a heart.
Love it, Love it, Love it, ALL. I think I just got a good blast of Christmas Spirit so THANK YOU Susan, and all the other blog people and your cozy comments.
Hugs to those dealing with “slings and arrows”. xoxoxo
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL
Your tree are so pretty and I love Your picture of santa. Merry Christmas
Your post did what I thought was impossible this year. We are putting up the tree, which we ha decided not to do. You home, Joe and Jack inspired me so.o.o.My boyfriend, husband for life is bringing up the ornaments as I type. Thank you so much for sharing your Yule with all of us. Happy Christmas.
Good for you Penny! A little sparkle, a little music, some hot chocolate and tree lights, and everything starts to make sense. xoxo
Thank you for the enchantment today (which happened as soon as I saw that first photo with the floating tree garland. Big sigh, serious happiness!) I’ve spent the last day or so prepping for a small dinner party for our friends who let us stay in their home in Bath and I want it to be special — all the right touches, all the tastiest food. And it was time for a break. This was just the ticket! (Your spiced nuts are on the table already, I might add!)
Every bit of this is making my heart sing. Merry, Merry Christmas to you and your joyful “Joey” and sweet Jack. I’m pretty sure you’ll be having one!
I had my party last night, spiced nuts were there too! I hope you had a wonderful time … we did, all candle-lit and tree lights and Christmas music. Counting my blessings, even while the party was going on. Those dear faces. Have a wonderful day Jeanie! xoxoxo
Love the pictures of you and your family decorating the tree – brought back memories of that time with my brother and the TINSEL! I still have boxes of tinsel from my parents Christmas supplies (my Dad owned a Variety Store (Dime Store)) and he would bring home all the decorations not bought each year, we have many Blue Christmas Glass Balls! Cheers and all the best to you!
Thanks again for the wonderful post. I came across a couple of vintage classic Christmas films and thought of you. Miracle of the Bells and Come to the Stable. I know you’ll love them. Merry Christmas!
Hi Susan, Just love your blog! We are all decorated – two trees this year! They are artificial but oh so pretty! Your home looks so festive and beautiful! Thank you for the bookmarks; I’ll get some heavy paper and print them out. 🙂 I hope you, Joe and Jack have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy 2019! And, the same to your family and friends as well! May Santa fill your stockings with everything that you wish for. Let our world be wrapped in love this holiday season! Love, Karen 🙂
I love your Christmas spirit!
I wondered if that church was near your house! I saw photos of the de-construction in the MV Times, which I get digitally just because I like to dream of island life! In my dreams, my house looks just like yours – go figure! My reality though, is totally lovely too. I live in a little house among the Shadowy Hills (yes, that is my name for my little slice of heaven), with towering trees and stars so bright I never knew the sky could look like that. Having just moved here 9 months ago, I still get homesick sometimes, but in general I love, love, love my Shadowy Hills and all the birds and critters who visit. Happy, merry EVERYTHING!
I love the sound of your little house in the Shadowy Hills! And the starry sky that goes on forever. These are the things, birds and critters and the lucky state of mind to be appreciating it all!
I love everything you shared! I was feeling a bit “grinchy” when you arrived an changed my mood completely! Merry Christmas to you and yours and wishing you many blessings in the New Year!
The Merriest of Christmases to you! Thank you for the lovely blog. I always enjoy reading your blogs with a glass of wine or cup of tea. I just savor the beautiful thoughts and words. I get so excited when I see you have posted a new one. Thank you.
Thank you for the bookmarks!
Merry Christmas, Susan and Joe! Thank you for letting us tour your home. It is beautiful and oh so cozy! Life on Martha’s Vineyard must be grand. The best in 2019 to you!
Merry Christmas to you.. love the old pics so much and all the new things:)
It is a lovely time of the year♥
I have made your apple cranberry crisp – it is so good! Will probably make it for Christmas dessert this year. I love the old sideboard in your dining room – big and substantial and mellow. Your tree looks lovely – Does Jack bother it at all?
We have two new puppies this year, for whom a Christmas tree will be a first! Hope their tails leave the tree alone! Christmas for us will be spent in a little house in the woods, with hopefully some snow. I wish you and Joe a very merry and snuggly Christmas.
Susan – Blessings to you, Joe and family. May your Christmas be delightful and your New Year be healthy, happy and peace-filled. I so enjoyed your sharing of the Seasons beauties above.
Dearest Susan:
Thank you for sharing your lovely home with us! I love all the “red” touches you’ve incorporated this year. I too, have done much the same thing – my tree has only red ornaments on it this year, and a big, beautiful red bow on top! The red really pops and looks so festive! Lots of candles too (unfortunately, I do not have a fireplace), now all we need is some snow. We did have some a few weeks back – about 2 inches, which got me in the mood for more… I love Christmas, it was always like a miracle to me when I was growing up. Each year at this time, I revisit my memories from childhood, and relish in the wonderful moments with my parents (who are both in heaven now) and my siblings when we were growing up. Still think about the Sears Wishbook that arrived sometime in September, and by the time December rolled around it was worn out, dog eared, and sometimes ripped, from my brothers and I grabbing it out of each other’s hands!
Your family pictures are so beautiful – what a beautiful little girl you were! I cannot stop looking at the picture of your mom holding that doll. To be honest, it looks like she’s holding a real baby! You’re right, she WAS practicing! She was so lovely too… I did not have a Ginny doll, but I did have Chatty Baby, and Tiny Tears… I truly loved my baby dolls and my Barbies – good memories… Thank you for sharing yours with us!
Wishing you and Joe and very Merry Christmas, and a Happy and Healthy New Year! All the best to both of you! Stay cozy!
Hello Susan and Hello Girlfriends, we are patiently awaiting snow, hoping these storms will bring us some in time for Christmas. have a toasty warm fire in the woodstove going, most of the decorations are up and the tree is nearly finished… I work slowly on the tree enjoying all the pretty ornaments… no store bought ones, just old fashioned ones like toys and little knitted mittens and things. I love that tree, well we buy a live tree and after the holidays plant it in the back area, plus to keep the house smelling so sweet I go out in the back to gather up greens for a big vase to put them in with sugar water to keep them fresh, its actually a big stockpot but it works and no one notices it 😀 !! plus we have cookies to finish baking and decorate and get on plates to give out to the firefighters and the sheriff deputies, and the postal carrier and the paper delivery boy, and for neighbors and friends. just popped in to wish you and Joe a very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2019 and for all the girlfriends, Merry Christmas and Happy 2019!!!! Christmas hugs everyone….. 😀 God Jul (Good Yule) and Happy St. Lucia Day 12-13 everyone.
Merry Christmas to you, Susan, Joe, Jack, and all the Girlfriends! “May your days be merry and bright … ”
Barb
and may all your Christmases be white. Merry Christmas. 😀
I love seeing all of the photos of your beautiful house and your decorations! The Bishop’s Wife has always been my favorite Christmas movie and we watch it every year. I’m so glad you will stock the Christmas garland next year. I’ll be watching for it! Merry Christmas!
Dear Susan Thank you for the lovely Christmas gift of your blog. A gift such as this could not be sold in a store. I enjoyed every word and all the pictures as well. Wishing you and Joe a very Happy Christmas. Pray for peace in our wonderful country.
How wonderful!Just this morning I was hoping we would get a Susan Branch Christmas blog soon–and here you are! Beautiful and inspiring as always and so full of creativity. Your tree is a multi-colored wonderland of memories, my kind of tree.
I really, really loved the old b/w photos. Wish I had more from my childhood but I do have a special one–me, age 5, standing in front of our Christmas tree in one of my all-time favorite dresses with rows and rows of ruffles. I have never forgotten that dress. I am holding my new doll and smiling a big no-front-teeth smile. Happiness!
Being named Virginia, I did have a couple of Ginny dolls that I absolutely loved. A doll named for me (I pretended)! They were 8″ tall. I used to pass a store with Ginny doll clothes in the window. There was an ice skating outfit of red velvet, trimmed in white fur. I wanted that so much–watched it for weeks but knew I would not likely get it. Then, a miracle. Someone gave me $5, a huge sum to me–and just the price of that skating costume. My Christmas dream came true. Thank you, Susan, for inspiring all these wonderful memories.
Hello Susan! It just makes my day when I see the notification in my inbox that you’ve written a new blog post! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful Christmas decorations, family pictures, and art! It warms the cockles of my soul 🙂
Have a blessed Christmas and the best New Year.
🎄~Merry Christmas~ 🎄
Thank you for sharing your Christmas memories and treasures with us!~ I feel so sad for everyone who lost so much this past year~ Including their Christmas treasures~ I’m so grateful for mine!~ Every year as I bring them out they re~kindle so many happy memories!~
Prayers to everyone struggling at the time of year~ people and things may be taken from us but precious memories can never be taken from our hearts!❤️~xoxo
Lynn
Merry Christmas from Florida! Thank you for spreading joy all year long on your blog and with your books and pretty things! We love you! You bring happiness to our lives and isn’t that amazing when you think about it! Holiday hugs to you both! Diane in Florida
Dearest Susan,
What a gift! Such a beautiful blog once again. You’ve filled my cup to overflowing this chilly December evening!
Christmas arrived at the Williams’ household this week and we are gearing up for a quietish time. Seeing friends, carol services, Christmas cards, gifts to be given and adorable doggits to cuddle and walk in the crisp air….blessed indeed!
We had a foggy morning but then the sun came out and it ended up being a glorious day, almost warm…but not quite!!! Just right to get the outside lights put up so we’re feeling festive and creative.
Wishing you Susan, your lovely man, JOY with an E (Joey!) and all the girlfriends everywhere:
‘Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda’ 🎄 🎅🏻 (Welsh)
‘Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year’ 🥳
Love
Karen Williams xoxoxo
Cambridgeshire
UK 🇬🇧
That Welsh is such a magical looking language! Thank you Karen!
What a joy to read all about Christmas at your house!! We have been decking the halls at our house too…The tree is decorated and there is a fire in the fireplace. We will start baking cookies later this week. The most wonderful time of the year and we are enjoying all the sights and sounds of the season!!
Sounds just beautiful Deb!
Such a beautiful post….thank you for all the sharing and meaningful quotes. Your home looks lovely…and I do love the ‘E’ in JOY! Have a blessed Christmas.
Me too, was such a surprise to come in and see it the first time . . . laughed myself silly!
Oh my! Our Irish Wolfhound is named Dearheart — the C.S. Lewis quote is JUST what I need.
It’s on the website now … Kellee put them up yesterday. What a wonderful nam for an Irish Wolfhound!!!