Friday, December 23, 2011

Thoughts at Christmastime


The baking is done.  It was nice to get up early this morning before anybody else was up.  After a rainy day yesterday, I was greeted with blue skies and the sun shining into the kitchen. No chance of a white Christmas for us, but I will gladly accept the bright, cheerful day that lies ahead.  I worked hard all day yesterday baking and scrubbing floors, but what a great feeling to wake up to a counter full of baked goods ready for gifting and sampling ;).  This year I added a new one called Pecan Tassies.  See them there in the round container.  They are like a petite pecan pie with a bit of cream cheese in the crust.  My mom used to make them every year, but I think this is the first time I've made them.  Won't be the last though as they are quite delightful and as I was baking them I felt my mom's presence in the kitchen, which was nice. 


Speaking of feeling my mom's presence, I'd like to share a little thought with you, particularly if you are feeling the loss of a loved one this holiday season.
Shortly after my mom passed away 2 years ago, I was given this frame with a sentiment I found to be comforting.  It reads:

** Perhaps they are not stars in the sky but rather openings in Heaven where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy **

Isn't that lovely?  It can be so hard to keep on smiling and doing what's expected of us when we are dealing with an empty chair at our table.  My dad passed away ten years ago on December 15th and  I remember just going through the motions that year. 
I certainly don't claim to be an expert, but if you are facing a recent loss, I hope you will be kind to yourself this holiday season and know that it's okay to cry if you need to or maybe step outside for a breath of fresh air and a short walk and, of course, look up and count the stars while you are out there. 


Since the sun returned and I was enjoying a few peaceful moments this morning, I snapped a few pictures around the house.  This little candle holder was a GW find.  It has little holes in it which I think are to put little flowers or bits of greenery into.  This afternoon I am planning to head into the garden with clippers in hand to snip some holly and other greens to bring in and add to vases and arrangements.


Like many of you, I have a fondness for the vintage Christmas decorations.  This little angel is from Germany and used to belong to my aunt.  She has been gone for many years, but she will never be forgotten as warm memories return every time I glance at the angel.


Old Christmas cards = charming graphics = vintage Love.


A well worn child's chair sits next to the fireplace in the living room reminding me to stop and enjoy the many Christmas books I have collected through the years.  A cup of tea and a bit of reading is a refreshing way to face the next job on the never ending list.



It won't be long now until friends and loved ones will be seated around the table.  There are still things to do so, I'd better get doing.


But, before I go, I want to extend warm wishes for a very Merry Christmas from my Happy Home to yours.




Peace

&

Love,





24 comments:

  1. Oh what a dear visit...just a chance to sit down at your house and listen to what you have to say. It is all so very pleasant and helpful, too, I might add. Someone was very thoughtful with the gift of that frame. What a neat way to think about it. Some days are better than others in the "empty chair" process. I get the sense that it will be a lifelong work, which will end with the glad "hello."

    Your home is simply lovely. What a beautiful table you are setting in a beautiful room.

    Many blessings, Kim, to you and your family this wonderful Christmas!

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  2. Hi Kim!
    Everything looks so festive and inviting! I wish the baking fairy would stop by my house. I have all the ingredients, I simply have not started yet! Oh well!
    Today, I might make all the meatballs to save myself some time tomorrow.
    I love the star quote. I'm sure you'll never stop missing your dear mama. I feel sure she was wonderful in every way.
    God bless you, friend!

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  3. A lovely visit here with you today. Our friend Vee has just said what i feel too.
    Merry Christmas and to you and your family my friend!!!

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  4. Hello, I just happened upon you and your words have really comforted me tonight. Thank you. xx

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  5. Thank you for the sweet wishes. I enjoyed seeing more of your wonderful collection and your dining room which is beautifully decorated, so warm and bright! Yes, it would be a wonderful place to spend some Christmas time. :D
    My parents are gone too, but I think of the little things that they did that made Christmas special and I am thankful for the memories.
    Happy HOLYdays,
    Debbie

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  6. Oh, your table is just gorgeous! And I love your sweet vintage angels and cards. You can really enjoy these next few days! I'm happy to be ready for a nice holiday weekend! Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family! ♥♥♥

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  7. Dear Kim...I know that I have said this many times...your home is so pretty and so warm and welcoming! The sentiment that you shared for those of us who have lost loved ones is so sweet. Your baked goods look so delicious! Peace and love to you and yours as well! Merry Christmas ♥ Teri

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  8. I doubt that you will ever stop missing your Mom, but it must be nice to feel her near as you make your holiday preparations. Your home is beautifully decorated!
    Wishing you a very happy Christmas.

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  9. Merry Christmas Kim....your home is so pretty and fun!

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  10. Oh Kim...your home is is so warm and comforting to me...very beautiful too!

    I'm going through the motions of Christmas, knowing this will be the last one with my beloved David in our home together....,but I must remind myself that Jesus is the reason for the season...

    Merry Christmas to you my sweet friend!

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  11. It's all looking so warm and inviting over there! Blessings to you and yours this Christmas season.

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  12. Kim, your thoughts and your warm home, have made my heart sing this Christmas eve morning.
    Wishing you the most blessed Christmas.
    Love,
    Sue

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  13. What a beautiful post, Kim! The poem is precious!
    Your home looks amazing and your baked goods inviting!
    Take time to enjoy that tea and good book.
    Merry Christmas!

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  14. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas Kim. Your table is set so beautiful.
    Blessings!

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  15. I always enjoy your decorations, Kim. I especially love your milk bottle from St. Charles, MO! Wishing you and your precious family a very Merry Christmas! Twyla

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  16. Hi Kim
    Your home looks beautiful in its Christmas finery. And I can almost smell the aroma of baking! Merry Christmas
    Hugs, Rhondi

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  17. MARRY CHRISTMAS KIM! :) Ha! Around here, I don't buy anything, from tshirts to wrapping paper, that's designed locally. There are always misspellings!

    I didn't decorate this year or put up my tree. I didn't do a lot of baking either. Just somehow couldn't get into the holiday spirit. A friend is having her cookie festival next week so will load up on yummy baked goods then.

    Merry Christmas to you and yours! Tammy

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  18. House looks beautiful and baked goods look yummy!

    Thanks for this post...it helped me.

    Jeannette

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  19. I so enjoyed visiting in your home today.. I want to thank you for the sentiments about loss that you shared. This is my first Christmas without my husband and it has been tough. But,I had found that quote on Pinterest and found it so comforting that somewhere, out there, a star is shining down to let me know he loved me.

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  20. HI Kim,
    Thanks for sharing such sweet sentiments and your home. I loved it ALL....I especially liked the frame. It was tender to hear that saying as I'm thinking of my Dad and my Dad in law. Thanks for that. I think I'll copy it down and frame it.
    Hope your Christmas was wonderful...with family and friends.
    Your table was gorgeous!
    Hugs,
    Tanya

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  21. I love this beautiful and thought filled post! I must admit that i've cried a bucket full of tears knowing this will be the last year that David will be living in our home.....but I'm very thankful for all the years we've spent together...

    Kim your home and your family are so beautiful!!!

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  22. Visiting your home at Christmas has been a special privilege. You are talented at creating vignettes and I enjoyed seeing everyone of them. I like what you shared about your mother and your dad, and I could relate to what you said about the first Christmas after your dad's passing. I felt that exact same way. I liked the picture and quote about your mother. It made me smile to think about the stars shining brightly. I like the pecan tassies. My mother made them every Christmas. They are delicious!

    I hope you hold some special memories from this Christmas. Thank you for what you added to mine.

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  23. Visiting your home at Christmas has been a special privilege. You are talented at creating vignettes and I enjoyed seeing everyone of them. I like what you shared about your mother and your dad, and I could relate to what you said about the first Christmas after your dad's passing. I felt that exact same way. I liked the picture and quote about your mother. It made me smile to think about the stars shining brightly. I like the pecan tassies. My mother made them every Christmas. They are delicious!

    I hope you hold some special memories from this Christmas. Thank you for what you added to mine.

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  24. Oh,what a beautiful thought about dealing with grief at Christmas!
    My mother made the pecan tassies, too.
    Thanks for sharing your beautiful decorations. I noticed that you have " Merry Hall" and other Beverly Nbooks. Do you enjoy them? They are on my wish list?
    Happy New Year! Thanks again for sharing!
    Marge

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