Christmas Joy

Ahhh, it's been a WONderful Christmas holiday here at the Hearthroom.  I think because I was working so hard at getting things done and getting things ready, that once Christmas Eve arrived I was so ready for everything to slow down.  Christmas Eve is time to sit and savor the moments. 

Moments with little ornaments that you only get to visit once a year that hold special memories. 

Enjoying the beauty of fresh Meyer lemons that I truly hated to use because I loved to see them glowing that gorgeous, rich yellow every time I came into the kitchen.

A quiet moment to enjoy the Meyer lemon pudding cake that I finally gave in and made with those little beauties. 

Time to make everyone's favorite family breakfasts. 

Little chocolate ornaments for packages and the trees.

Adoring those little hands that could not resist the little, chocolate ornaments.

Resting with the beauty of little crocheted stars. 

You can find them here. 

Being totally THRILLED with my very much last-minute crocheted peppermint garland.  I'm so glad I made it because now I can't imagine my feather tree without it.

Enjoying the wintry feel of The Window with icy looking willow branches.

The glowing little church in the window.

Watching the children marveling at the perpetual motion Santa.

Savoring every second of free time to enjoy relaxing, reading and playing in big boxes.

 Seeing the simple beauty in the fire starter bundles we made. 

Loving the sweet coziness of making a Christmas bed in front of the fire for the kids.  Hoping it makes special memories for them of laying there to look at the Christmas tree they decorated, twinkling away in the warmth of the fire.  And lots of bouncing of course.

The joy of Christmas traditions:  Adorenaments.

These ornaments are wonderful for keeping us mindful of the meaning of Christmas.

Moments of familiarity of each little ornament and it's story inside.  Young Man very much looks forward to these every year and so do we.  They definitely have a special place in our hearts.

Revisiting favorite stories.

Carefully and so gently pulling out the treasured hand-made decorations that Young Man has made over past Christmas holidays. 

There really isn't anything more beautiful or heart-warming to a mother as being able to glimpse these treasures each time you walk into a room and remember how small the hands were that made them.

The fun and joy of  making goodies for our friends and neighbors.

Happy moments of delivering our goodies and wishing our friends a Merry Christmas. 

Having a break from our busy routine and having everyone home to enjoy a slower pace is priceless.  It's just been very good. 

 And necessary. 

And now that everyone is happy and relaxed it's time to get into this box of scrummy yarn and get to rippling again.  I have SUCH a long list of projects planned.

Ripple needs to grow along steadily...

A really FUN flowery scarf has been started from some yarn I received as a gift...

I have a number of hat patterns that have been worrying me for a year and I cannot WAIT to try...

I have started some VERY colorful stars to make a bunting of colorful fun for Sweet P.'s room...

I'm feeling the need to make ANOTHER baby sweater....

 Crochet leg warmers to prove to one of our favorite waiters that his customers CAN get pedicures in the winter and walk across the street to have coffee at his grill while their toes dry...

I NEED to make the curtains for our classroom...

I MUST finish a baby shower gift that is so close to being done...

And I just simply want to create very colorful things to put and place around our home... 

I know it's winter, but it's time for renewal - a plan for spring and things to come.  I think it will involve color and grannies.  And maybe stripes and clusters...

So now I need to go and think about the New Year.  It's New Year's Eve and even though I'm not one for resolutions, it's a good time to check in with one's self and see what needs some attention going forward.  Maybe I should just save myself some time and trouble and ask Hubby!

So I'm hoping you have some Christmas moments you can cherish.  And I hope you are looking forward to the New Year.  A new year ahead F U L L of possibility and opportunity. 

And yarn.

xoxo