To all of my friends and family, blogging and otherwise, I wish you the happiest and merriest of seasons.
“What kind of Christmas present would Jesus ask Santa for?” – Salmon Rushdie

“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.” – Roy L. Smith
I put something different on my tree this year – hydrangeas from my garden.
They bloomed late, probably due to all of the early spring and summer rains. Many large heads were still on the shrub when a frost was pending, so I brought a bouquet indoors. It made a massive collection and I wondered what to do with them.
As we were bringing in the tree and trying to set it up, we must have knocked into the shelf holding the arrangement. I thought, why not add them to the tree?
At first my husband thought I was a bit nuts. But after he saw the nice effect, he was quickly won over. So hydrangeas have a new place on my tree, along with the routine shiny bulbs, sugared fruit, and a few things picked up from travels like a Venetian mask.
“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” – Hamilton Wright Mabie
Did I mention dolls?
“The perfect Christmas tree? All Christmas trees are perfect!”
― Charles N. Barnard
But what to do with the leftover ornaments? Put them on the mantle of course.“Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home!”
― Charles Dickens
The teddy bear isn’t complaining.
Perhaps he’s enjoying the music.
“What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.”
― Agnes M. Pahro
May all your Christmas dreams come true.
Beautiful photos. Looks like you’re ready for Christmas morning. What a beautiful idea to put the hydrangeas on the tree!
Thanks Georgette. It turned out better than I thought.
Some keep Christmas well. It all looks beautiful!
Thanks Karen. I think I’m ready now. Whew!
a few more bows to put on and then Ho Ho Ho!
I take it you are prepared then. Yay!!
This is soooo sweet and lovely. A warm remembrance of Christmases past in the illusory stage because nothing was ever simple. But I do love your sentiments. Merry Christmas right back at you and God bless you always. Hugs, Carole
And the more ‘simple’ we make our lives, the more complicated they seem to become. I get ya! I hope your Christmas is marvelous. Hugs back.
Beautiful home and clearly you’ve got the Christmas spirit. May it shine warm and bright throughout the New Year.
What a lovely comment Lisa. I wish a warm and brilliant Christmas and New Year for you as well.
Beautiful!
Thanks.
I love these photos and your home is amazing! Warmest wishes for a joyous holiday season for you and youts!
Thank you Linda. I hope your holiday is marvelous.
What a beautiful tree and wonderful quotes for the season. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Meanwhile … there’s a holiday party going on and I see something with your name on it.
Are you peeking Frank? Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Of course not … I’m totally innocent!
*Giggles*
Feeling enchanted here in Icy Michigan 🙂
What a beautiful home and tree … like pictures in a magazine!
Merry Christmas!
MJ
If you have to have icy weather, Christmas is the time. It sort of makes everything a little magical. Merry Christmas to you and your family. With or without ice and snow, I know you will make it special.
I agree; being snowbound and hunkered in is not so bad at all 😉
MJ
Your decorations are beautiful! Hydrangeas are a favorite of mine ANY season. They look great on your tree.
What a surprise when I clicked on the “music” link. Took me back to Christmases of my youth!
Merry Christmas to you and yours, my special blogging friend! I hope we get to meet in person in the coming year.
Isn’t that song a real classic, and yet so often forgotten. It takes me back too and I had to share it. I hope your wish comes true in the new year as well Dianna. That would be special indeed. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Your decorating is gorgeous! I love the hydrangeas. Have a wonderful Christmas!
I hope you will as well. I’m so glad you liked the hydrangeas. They sort of had a mind of their own by jumping off the shelf.
Your tree and decorations are simply lovely. Have a very Merry Christmas Renee!
Thanks Meg! I wish the same for you.
I loved the home tour! Beautiful pictures. The hydrangea idea is BRILLIANT!
Lovely post. Merry Christmas!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful Christmas decorations here, Renee. Love them! Wishing you
and your family many blessings for Christmas and throughout the New Year.
You have a beautiful home, Renee. Love the hydrangea blossoms on the tree.
Your home looks magical. What a nice touch, adding the hydrangea. Hope you and yours have a bright, shiny Christmas holiday. All the best for 2014!
Lovely photos! Merry Christmas! Thanks for all your encouragement this past year! 🙂
Beautiful! Love your look! And I love the quote about the perfect Christmas tree…too often that becomes a competitive sport, it seems…I even saw part of a program last night called Extreme Christmas Trees…they were beautiful, but that’s not really the point, is it?! ~ Sheila
Just jingling past one last time to wish that the new year is filled with much laughter, warmth, and adventure. Cheers!