Thursday, December 23, 2021

A Blessed Christmas to You♡








Hello lovely lovelies♡ Christmas is but a few days away. Just sitting here and gazing upon the glimmering Christmas tree. Yes, I finally sprinkled a little Christmas joy about, but only a little. The days of going all out with Christmas decorating are gone. Nowadays there's just a little Christmas wonderful wonderment scattered around.

The adorning of my home for Christmas is much the same as last year, because, to tell the truth I love it just the way it was/is. A most different tree from those gracing most homes, but I do love it. We replaced a most elegant, 9 foot, green Christmas tree which our family had loved for many years, to the one which now graces our parlour; a bare branched tree, with not a Christmas pine needle in sight. 'We' and I mean mostly me, couldn't do the 'Christmas Tree Wrestle', tussling with lights and decorations anymore. Clambering up and down a ladder for hours on end  was just dandy in my younger, arthritic-free days but it became a wee bit tedious....and painful.  'We' and I mean 'me' are too old. In the good old days when I uttered "tis time to decorate the Christmas tree" 'he' would head for dem hills, quicker than quick. So, a new tree, which only takes a matter of minutes to set up and then a couple of hours to decorate now stands gloriously in the footprint of that Christmas tree of old; twinkling upon me and casting a sparkling glow within the room.  Oh, I change the mantlepiece here and there, but mostly all my pretties are the same, because I love them. I am not that gal who has to go out every year and acquire decorations  for  a new theme. Though, this year a few new birdies have fluttered onto the tree, and a troupe of ballerinas have pirouetted to join the feathered pretties; but beside these new stars all the pretty ornaments are much the same. As I sit here, my heart smiles as I look at my Christmassy pretties.  There is something reassuring to me when I revisit all my pretties each year.









I find myself escaping through the day to sit and drink in the beauty of this room. During the late afternoon, Old Man Sun darts beams of coloured rays of light here and there, ricocheting all over the room; shadows dancing across the walls. It is enchanting. But, the magic of the glimmering lights at night time is my favourite. Christmas trees with scintillating lights twinkling, is truly one of life's pleasures.




On the mantle sits a photo of my girls, my babies, when they were small. The angels are smiling kindly upon them. As I stroll down the glistening path of nostalgic Christmas memories, so many cherished memories revolve around my girls' delight and happiness on Christmas mornings, of days past. So many sweet reminiscences of my girls hug my heart. My girls.....how I miss them. Both are far away, following their dreams. One daughter is in San Fransisco, and the other daughter lives in Queensland, at the top of Australia. It will be another Christmas without embracing my girls in a mother's hug. I haven't hugged my girls for three years. Such are these times.  I suppose when we all finally hug each other again, at the airport, it will be akin to those airport scenes in the movie, Love Actually. Our borders have begun to open up again over the last week, and the news footage of loved ones finally being able to be with each other again, is just like the movie. They all hug for what seems forever. Airports paradoxically are joyous; and sad. Perhaps, this coming year my husband and I will find ourselves at an airport en route to our girls; or them to us.......perhaps, perhaps. Though, who knows, as the world's Petri dish of covid just keeps becoming more menacing.




As I look upon my girls I think about all those memories kept within the deepest part of me, making me smile and may I say, at times, teary. But all is well. Here in my little place there is peace; yes, my heart is peaceful as I think upon the many beautiful  blessings which fill my heart with gratitude. Such is life, isn't it; sadnesses, disappointments, regrets, hardships, adversity, not so good times.......co-exist with the little joys, big joys, peacefulness, gratitude, blessings; in the everyday of our days. In my little world there is  beauty all around me. God's glorious garden and creation encompass me. I feel blessed. Though sometimes difficult, I want to try to see the beauty in my everyday; all those little things that can go unnoticed, which can disappear before I catch them.....especially in these times.

There are those of you who I know Christmas will be a difficult one. To some of you it is perhaps the worst of times. My goodness, so many tragedies have happened this year. My prayer list seems to get longer with each new day. So many people are hurting, are travelling through deep waters. Sometimes I suppose deep waters which seem much too deep to wade through. Christmas for some is a time of much sadness and sorrow. Some whose Christmas dinner table will have an empty chair this year, where a loved one once sat. To those of you who feel no joy this Christmas, please know I am sending you a heart full of hugs from my little place to yours♡ May the precious memories of your loved one that are safely locked in your heart comfort you at this impossible time


For me, though I will miss my girls, I will spend a lovely day with 'My Pete'. We will enjoy a quiet Christmas celebratory lunch and be thankful for the many blessings God has given us. For there are many♡ Me thinks lunch will be served and enjoyed in The Fernery surrounded by happy plants with touches of Christmas wonderful wonderment, sprinkled here and there♡





We will exchange gifts. But, we will reflect upon the greatest gift of all; the gift of Jesus on that first Christmas all those centuries ago; Jesus' Birth-day. For me, this is the miracle of Christmas. Love and grace for all mankind; for you, and for me.  If ever there was a time in history where God's love and grace needs to be showered upon us, it is now. So, so thankful that in the storms of my life, the hardest circumstances that have come my way, Jesus has always gone before me and more often than not when I think it is all too much, He has carried me. My heart is forever thankful for that very first Christmas Day♡ So very thankful for Easter, too; because without Christmas there would be no Easter. So very thankful my faith sustains me, gives me hope, because quite frankly, I have no faith that mankind will get it right; will wake up one day and decide to do what is right, what is sensible, what is unselfish. Though the world is filled with beautiful people who every day in their own little world, show beautiful acts of random kindness, I am afraid the world also has much too many 'crazies'. What can I give Jesus this Christmas?? Why, I can give Him my heart♡ 


As my embroidered curtains in my little place draw to a close for another year, I would love to say a heartfelt thank you to each one of you who has visited my happy place throughout this year. Your beautiful visits are the loveliest of gifts. Your generous and lovely comments truly bless my days. A kind word, a word of encouragement, a heartfelt sentiment can be the difference in someone's day who is struggling, can it not?? My days are sprinkled with beauty and kindness each time you stop by to say hello. Your beautiful visits are precious to me. This blogging world in which you and I play is a gift, isn't it? A beautiful gift where we encourage each other, support each other, inspire each other, and always show random acts of kindness to each other. I know not what next year will bring to you and I; but let us keep on inspiring each other and make this world just a little cheerier. From my little place to yours, may your Christmas be a blessed one♡ For those of you who perhaps the Christmas star shines a little less brightly this year, may the love of your friends and family envelop your heart and make it smile, if only a little♡ God bless each and every one of you, lovely lovelies♡

There will always be Angels watching over you♡



Until next year♡



43 comments:

  1. Your little tree is so lovely-- hung 'round with those sparkly items and little birdies...we don't do any "all-out" decorations anymore either. We are lucky enough that our children and grands will be coming on the 26th for a gathering.
    We are so looking forward to seeing them all and knowing they are safe and healthy--at least for now.
    Our Covid world has saddened so many of us..and we don't see any end to it..we still mask and handwash and really isolate as much as possible...scarey times when our prayers become shoulder to lean on...
    I hope your Holidays will be filled with wonder and joy MERRY CHRISTMAS
    hugs, Julierose

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  2. Oh Kim, you made me cry... Such a beautiful post, deep thoughts and wise words! Bless you, beautiful soul!
    A wonderful Christmas to you, Pete and your dear girls! And may all your hopes and wishes come true in the new year!!!

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    1. Oh, Alina, thank you....but I didn't mean to make you cry♡ Sometimes, just sometimes deep thoughts come spilling out of me. =) I will have a wonderful Christmas; with Pete....and with our girls, via zoom. So, so blessed to have modern technology. We will all talk and laugh with each other and pretend we are all gathered together in the parlour, with the Christmas tree lights twinkling upon us. May you have a wonderful Christmas, too, lovely Alina, as you celebrate Christmas with your loved ones. May the new year be kind to us all♡ Kim Xx

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  3. Your house looks beautiful! We are planning to downsize our tree next year. I worked well in our last house but overwhelms our small family room now. I'm sad that all of our ornaments will not fit on a smaller tree, but it is the right thing to do.

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  4. Your tree is beautiful, what a lovely idea, the whole space looks cosy festive and warm. I have a smallish tree up for the first time in years because my youngest son and his wife are here with me for Christmas it was so lovely to see them two years is a long time so I can imagine how you are feeling not being able to see your girls for three. Yes Christmas is a time of reflection and I too look back on Christmases past and how much pleasure I used to get making Christmas special for my four and the look on their little faces when they saw what Santa had brought them. We are lucky to have such treasured memories and I never take them for granted.
    I hope you and Pete have a wonderful Christmas. 😊 Xx

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  5. Dearest Kim,
    Have a magical Holiday Season: a silent night, a star above, a blessed Gift of Hope and Love.
    A blessed Christmas to you!
    Much love
    Daniela at ~ My little old world ~ (Dany)

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  6. Thank you for this especial post,a real Christmas gift. I am grateful for so many blessings. Yes, Christ is the reason of the season. What adorable photo of your girls! Merry Christmas my dear Kim.

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    1. It is a sweet photo of my girls, isn't it♡ It was taken many, many, many years ago. I always put it on my Christmas mantle....wish they were here, though. All's good though. We will zoom each other on Christmas Day and pretend we are all in the parlour, laughing and celebrating, with the lights of the Christmas tree twinkling upon us. May you enjoy a merry and blessed Christmas, too, lovely Maristella♡ May you make beautiful memories as you celebrate with your loved ones♡ Kim Xx

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  7. Kim, your Christmas preparations and good tidings are pure enchantment! Thank you for bringing both the beauty and beast of what Christmas is to one or the other of us. But most of all, acknowledging the greatest gift we were ALL given with the birth of Christ. Your photos are lovely, especially those sun rays beaming throughout your lovely room. The fernery delights as well. Merry Christmas to you and your Pete. xo

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  8. Has escrito bonitas palabras, agradecidas palabras que me ha gustado leer.....
    Hoy es un día especial para mí, es mi 63 cumpleaños..... ha sido un buen día.... nada en especial...... tranquilo.... he recibido algunos regalos ..... y algunas felicitaciones..... pero la verdad es que llevamos 11 días sin ver el sol, con mucha niebla, frío y todo mojado, 11 días grises y ver tus fotos llenas de luz y color me han animado.... las noticias covid son terribles...... ayer recibí mi tercera dosis de vacuna.... y no sé que me pasa últimamente pero hoy me siento un poquitín triste y no me gusta.... es mi cumpleaños y tengo que estar contenta y dar gracias a Dios por todo lo que tengo , incluída tú, amiga virtual.
    Solo te deseo cosas bunas.
    FELIZ NAVIDAD MUCHA PAZ Y BESICOS.

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  9. Thank you, dear Kim, for your kind and soothing words. It will be hard this year, but family, friends and faith will see me through. Merry Christmas to you and Pete.
    Pat

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  10. Love your Christmas tree and all the decoration detail, especially your children picture. Hope you meet them soon. For now, may hope fill your heart. Thank you for sharing your beauties with us.
    Wishing you and Pete a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year.

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  11. Kim - this is so beautifully written - thank you. I have no doubt that it will help someone who is feeling sorrow at this moment. We, too, are very blessed, but we have family and friends that are in "deep waters". I recently heard this song and it spoke to me - maybe you would like to hear it too? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT-5cP4BeoI
    This year, we cut down a shorter tree that would be easier for us to manage. I can see a very short tree in our future!!! We acquire new ornaments when we travel; the irony is that I dropped the one we bought in Santa Fe this year - I have done my best to repair it! My husband and I were just talking this morning about our favorite Christmas memories, and they are definitely from when our kids were young. I love your ceramic cross that is also a Nativity - gorgeous! Merry Christmas to you, my dear!

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  12. May the borders continue to open and there be more airport hugs. I too have replaced a full-size tree with a table topper and which is just as pretty & meaningful with heirloom family ornaments. Sometimes less is more. May you and Pete have a blessed Christmas. The Fernery is lovely with its bright, happy blossoms. Oh my..those embroidered and quilted linens. May 2022 hold visits with your family.

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  13. I think your tree is perfect with the sunshine making it sparkle! I’m so sorry you’ve been without your girls for these past years. Yes, COVID has interrupted so many lives and I’m afraid it’s not giving up its nasty hold on us yet. Hopefully, you and your hubby will be giving them big warm hugs in the new year. My prayer list is like yours - very long these days. Some are doing better but others are being added. Your Christmas lunch in the fernery sounds just delightful! I wish you and dear Pete a lovely, memorable meal! And I wish you two a very Merry Christmas season and a blessed new year! We can only pray God will be with us again this new year, leading us where he needs us to go and doing what he needs us to do. Blessings to you, dear Kim! Zenda

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  14. Your sprinkles of Christmas in your home and fernery are so beautiful. I just love you tree and the cozy nook it is located. I can only imagine the enjoyable hours you spend sitting on your chaise looking out at your beautiful gardens this time of the year. I quiet Christmas sounds delightful. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas, Kim. It has been such a delight and a pleasure to read your blog and get to know you this year. I look forward to reading about your adventures in 2022.

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  15. Kim I am lucky we made it to Queensland to be with our children and grandchildren for Christmas the first one we have had together in 8 years appreantly as only some come at a time normally and hopefully we will be here for the birth of our next grandson due in February.our elder grandson did not know we were coming and he just held on to me and would not let go when he saw me.it is beautiful to be with them and I hope in your loveliness that you get to spend time with your girls in 2022.thankyou so much for the beauty you share with us and send worldwide may you enjoy your Christmas in your beautiful home in tassie with Pete and all the love you both share. Your place looks stunning in its prettiness

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    1. Oh Elizabeth, how absolutely marvellous you are in Queensland with your children and grandchildren for Christmas♡ Your eldest grandson's hugging you and not wanting to let go has touched my heart. Why I have tears in my eyes. Why only today, there are news reports that many flights have been cancelled because of airline staff in isolation, and many will not see their loved ones for Christmas. So, you are very blessed indeed to have made it to Queensland before all the confusion. Hopefully Pete and I will get to visit with our girls in 2022. We live forever in hope. Thank you so much for your beautiful words re my little blog; you are so very kind♡ I know you will have the best of family times this Christmas. So, so happy for you, lovely Elizabeth♡ Kim Xx

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  16. Beautiful post Kim, I hope you have a very happy Christmas, I can see you and Pete sitting in the fernery together. Wonderfully peaceful. All the best.

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  17. Thank you so much Kim for your wonderful inspiring words, as always. And for sharing pieces of your life in Tasmania during the year, and your glorious projects. Its always such a pleasure to read your blog posts and wander through your lovely garden. Merry Christmas to you both.

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  18. Lovely post ! Your decorations are beautiful...full of memories...And the pictures gorgeous...
    I know what it is not holding our child at Christmas...Nevertheless when they are happy, we are happy...
    I wish you, and your family, a Merry, sweet, yummy Christmas !
    Hug
    Anna

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  19. Hi Kim
    Thank you for your wonderful post. It’s lovely to get out all the old favourite decorations. A sweet photo of your girl’s. Your fernery looks so cosy, wonderful for Christmas lunch. Let’s all hope for a better year next year and everyone can get together with loved ones.
    Christmas blessings to you , Pete and family. Kay c xx


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    1. Aah...my sweet girls♡ I have just been chatting to one via my computer. Aah...the wonders of modern technology. Thank you so much for visiting my little place throughout the year, lovely Kay. Thank you for the gift of your lovely and generous words; they truly make my days that little bit brighter♡ I live forever in hope that 2022 just might be the year where we are together with our loved ones once more. May your Christmas be a beautiful one as you celebrate with your loved ones and friends. May you make new and special memories as you gather together at this joyous time of the year. Kim Xx

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  20. Oh how delightful to be sitting in your beautiful fernery for Christmas lunch! Such a special place. Have a wonderful Christmas Kim. xx

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  21. Oh Kim - your post brought tears to my eyes. Your world is a magical place even though the decorating is scaled back. Your tree, even though it's not a 'traditional' one shows off each ornament to the best advantage and is absolutely perfect for the surroundings.
    You, my friend, are an inspiration for us all. You see the beauty around you and so generously share it with us but I have to say, much as I love seeing your wonderful photos, it's your words that inspire me the most.
    Sending much love and hope for a blessed and happy Christmas - to you and your beloved - and your girls.

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  22. Oh Kim a beautiful post you have here, you have been blessed with a great way to express yourself through word and what a wonderful way to bring the real Christmas message to all.
    I feel the same way, I do all the decorating around here and this year especially with our new little kitten not all was brought out but enough to make it feel like the season! I am sure it won't be long and I will not be setting up a big tree anymore too.
    We have been away from our daughter 3 years also and it seems like so long, so thankful for being able to call and text to keep in touch though, and hoping this year sometime we will be able to see her again.
    Merry Christmas and a very Blessed New year too!

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  23. Merry Christmas to you and yours, Kim.Love the photos with the cherubs and your lovely daughters. The Fernery looks like a wonderful place to spend a lot of time.

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  24. Love your tree and plants in the fernery and the little angels are so cute. Merry Christmas.

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    1. Thank you so much, lovely Thelma for your warm Christmas greetings♡ I have just read that all your Christmas plans have been thwarted because of covid; how disappointing. I hope though you have a lovely day with your sister watching movies and enjoying all that delicious baking you have done. Kim Xx

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  25. Kim, dear, be protected and hugged. Thank you for your wonderful contributions, which warm my heart and fill me with joy.
    I wish you both a wonderful Christmas time.
    A warm hug from Viola

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    1. Thank you, dear Viola, for your sweet words♡ May your Christmas be a wonderful time, too. Kim Xx

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  26. Thank you for sharing your heart and home with us, Kim. I’m so sorry that it’s been three long years since you’ve hugged your girls. You and your Pete make the most of your beautiful life together, and yet a know you long to see your family. Merry Christmas blessings to you, Pete and Miss Maisie. 🙏🏻🎄🙏🏻

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  27. Your home is as beautiful as your heart. May next year be filled with family visits!

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  28. How beautiful you have decorated your home for Christmas. The beautiful tree with beautiful Christmas decorations and all the cute birds. I love Christmas tree decorations. Thank you very much for all the beautiful pictures you show. Blessings! Merry Christmas

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  29. Everything is decorated so beautifully. I love the cross nativity. It is so unusual. Another lovely post. I hope you had a lovely Christmas, Kim. xx

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  30. Merry Christmas dear Kim!! I have returned from Mums & am slowly catching up on favourite blogs. Your tree looks amazing! And I spy some Parisienne boots there too ... look at all those gorgeous packages tied up with ribbons & bows. Wishing you & Pete a wonderful New Year Kim. xxx

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  31. Everything in your post vibrates with magic, Kim! Your pictures made me feel as if I am in a wonderland! I wish you a blessed New Year!!!

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  32. It all looks so lovely, dear Kim! Haven't been around for the past few weeks. Finally got around to the renovations that have been put off time and again during the past couple of years. I'm so happy with my new bathroom! I'm in the final stages of cleaning and tidying but taking a break because I wanted to wish you a Happy New Year.
    Amalia
    xo

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  33. Oh dear, I think I just lost my mutterings ;-)
    Anyway, I try to remember what I wanted to say: that love your decorations, what a lovely room! We had a tree like that for a few years, but my daughter in law liked it too much, so it has a new home now. Our decorations were very minimal this year, as we were not spending any Christmas days at home, but last night we lit all the candles to see New Year in. Having spent my Christmas with our children my heart goes out to you, I really hope you will see yours this year. I used to see my mum off at Heathrow on those rare accessions when she was able to visit, and after I lost her I could not see that scene from Love Actually without crying. Yes, those airport scenes.....
    So, I join the others in wishing you and Pete peaceful and creative year.
    Thank you for being my friend, I so enjoy your news; I look forward to my visits to your wonderful world! xx

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  34. Anyone visiting your Christmas post will already have a happy Christmas. I love the Christmas feel that has surrounded your home in your photos and thank you for sharing them. May you have an amazing 2022 and I send you many hugs and good wishes. xx

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  35. Hello lovely Kim! All of the winter white is lovely! I can see why you like to go and sit in your pretty room. God be with you, friend.

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  36. Happy New Year to you and Pete! Christmas was quiet here too. We have a family member in the hospital and of course, Covid complicates everything. It will be a very happy reunion when you can see your daughters again. In the meantime, we can be thankful for technology that allows us to stay in touch even though we are apart. Take care.

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  37. How I enjoyed my visit to your lovely Christmas views, sweet Kim! I'm sorry its been three long years since you've seen your girls, I know your mother's heart aches to see them! I pray that this year you will be able to reunite. Your Fernery is beyond gorgeous, look at all the beautiful flowers you have growing in there! Such incredible delight! Best wishes for this New Year and all of God's best for you and Pete!

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