This year we are determined to fully celebrate the joyous season of Christmas for all that it is. Without one thing ~ being caught in the chaos of holiday shoppers.
The tree was completed this week-end ...
The Nutcracker Ballet is a long time favourite and a Christmas tradition for me.
All the gifts purchased and wrapped!!!
This year we have an extra set of helping paws ...
Big brother Dolce is making sure his little sister Gabbana stays out of trouble, so he is guarding the gifts.
Once the tree was up, the gifts wrapped and the final touches of decor around our home were complete, it was time for tea and relax doing one of my favourite Christmas traditions ...
I set myself up on the island...
and wrote our Christmas cards to family and friends...
I brought out my Royal Albert - crown China "Bristol" , made in England, teacup and saucer.
Some lemon drop wafer bites ... and set to writing.
Are you all set for Christmas?
Do you still send Christmas cards?
Please tell me I'm not the only one who still sends Christmas cards through the mail...
Sharing this post with: Antiques and Teacups for Tuesday Cuppa Tea ~ Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea time Tuesday ~ Artful Affirmations and Martha's favorites for Teacup Tuesday Table Top Tuesday ~ A Return to Loveliness Tuesday ~ between naps on the front porch ThursdayRose Chintz Cottage for Home Wednesday ;My Simple Country Life for The Country Homemaker Hop ;Katherine of Katherine’s Corner for Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop; Kathy of A Delightsome Life for Home and Garden Thursday;Sheri at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home; Courtney of French Country Cottage for Feather Your Nest Friday;Alison of Stuff and Nonsense for Fridays Unfold; At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday; Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday. ~ What Inspires Me Friday
I love sending Christmas cards (snail mail) and receiving them the same way. Your Royal Albert teacup is lovely and I adore lemon wafer bites. I forget to pick up a package (or two) when I was at World Market last week. Guess I'll have to make another stop! The nutcracker ornaments and tree are delightful! Celebrate!
ReplyDeleteDaer Ceila,
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous home filled with Christmas and charm. I love your tree and your kitchen set up to write out your cards with tea and lemon wafers. The perfect moment remembering others.
I am nearly done too and will finish my cards tonight. My shop keeps me a little busy but, it is so nice to relax and enjoy the season rather then rush around.
Best wishes for a Merry Christmas,
Hugs, Celestina Marie
Well you are way ahead of me...I'm taking down fall today! Beautiful! I am enjoying your tree especially. We aren't doing on this year, as the cat climbs it...really...your D&G are much better behaved and suited to Christmas! Thanks for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
ReplyDeleteRuth
Celia, your Christmas decor looks lovely! I usually send cards or a Christmas letter to family and friends, but I don't imagine I'll get it done this year. Little Sir's Christmas stocking gets top priority whenever I get home! I did, however, get cards sent to the top 175 Hope donors while sitting with my MIL. Does that count? :-)
ReplyDeleteWow Celia! What gorgeous decorations. I SO love that ballerina tree ornament you have. No, you are not the only one sending out cards. I was doing this very task today. For me it really is the start of my Christmas; writing my cards and dropping personal notes into some of them.Have a lovely week Sweets xx
ReplyDeleteCelia, your decor is lovely and very festive. I love the Nutcracker too and I would love to see a live production someday. As for decorating, I'm not nearly finished. However, I'm not doing as much decorating this year because we're going to spend Christmas with my son and his family out west... Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteThank you for coming to tea and sharing your lovely post as well as that beautiful teacup. Merry Christmas, my friend!
Blessings,
Sandi
Oh, I forgot to mention, yes, I do send out Christmas cards every year to my aunties and my uncle. Also some of my friends here on the Island also receive cards from us. I like receiving them too.
ReplyDeleteYour Christmas tree is a true beauty! I love the ballerina ornament! I have put up mine past week. Complete with a pink sparkling bow-peak!! :) Lots of Christmas joy to you! Xx
ReplyDeleteCelia, Your tree is beautiful and I love the mosaic you created with photos of your ornaments. I too send Christmas cards, some handmade, some purchased.
ReplyDeleteDearest Celia,
ReplyDeleteYou have a lovely, tall Christmas tree! LOVE your wooden nutcracker display; so elegant. All the other items on your island are SO elegant. You have such a great taste and it's not over-done. The word SIMPLICITY behind your sink is just great. If you are writing cards, you are way ahead of me. As a matter of fact we will write very few Christmas cards. Most far-away family and friends, we call and that is special.
We are enjoying lovely weather; great for taking a walk together.
Hugs to you,
Mariette
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteMmmmm, lemon drop wafer bits???? See where my mind went???? I did also see your amazing Royal Albert tea cup! It is glorious!
ReplyDeleteYour home looks perfectly decorated for the holidays. You have so many unique pieces!
I hope that you have a lovely, quiet, fun holiday...no stress : )
Hugs,
Terri
Your teacup is lovely! Looks like you're set up nicely for a relaxing time of reconnecting through your cards. I'm still sending out Christmas cards but don't write a lot any more. We send out a photo of us with our kids and grandkids. A picture is worth a thousand words as they say.
ReplyDeleteLove your holiday decor! Your tree is beautiful!
Have a wonderful week!
sandy :)
I always send out Christmas cards, often with handwritten notes or letters onside. I also love receiving them.It is refreshing to read so many others do too.
ReplyDeleteYour place is beautiful and the decorations amazing, what a lovely place to sip tea and write Christmas cheer to those you care about.
Hi Celia! Gosh.. you are SO organized! How did you get all those gifts already??! I'm supposed to be doing a little on line shopping for my kids and instead I am checking in with my blog friends :) I've got my cards sitting next to me... just need to get the labels on!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the season :)
xx
leslie
I love your decorations, so festive. I'm afraid I don't send many cards. It's one of those commercial practices I gave up many years ago as I think there is only one party who benefits, the retailer. They are such a waste of money. I feel the same about birthday, valentine and Mother's Day cards. I do have a couple of friends I know feel upset about not receiving cards from me so I do make an exception, but that's about a total of 3 cards per year.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful festive season.
Di
X
I've always sent out Christmas cards! I love the tradition but found that last year, barely anyone did it anymore and this year...I've been putting it off.
ReplyDeleteYour home looks lovely! And your helpers are adorable.
I too send out cards but they are not done yet...but then neither is my wrapping, and I still have more gifts to buy....oh, dear, you make me feel so "late"!
ReplyDeleteYour tree is gorgeous!
Celia, you have to know I love the purple on your tree - what a big one too!
ReplyDeleteYes, I still mail quite a few cards, and all handmade. I'm thinking we should have a blogger Christmas card exchange next year.
Judith
Hi Celia, your tree looks beautiful. I still send Christmas cards in the mail and have also sent news letters in the past but this year I am so behind. I keep putting it off so they will be late. I'm not finished shopping yet either. You seem very well organized. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteLove your tree and nutcrackers, Celia. I send cards and I like receiving them too. My list is sadly getting shorter however. Thank you for your prayers for my son. I so appreciate it, and thanks for sharing this at my HOME. Enjoy your day.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Sandi
Gorgeous tree. I am missing the crowds by shopping on line! Ours is up, some presents done, Christmas cards sent! Yes I still send them. I know how delighted I am to see them in the mail. Love your sweet cup! Your counter is all dressed up too. xo marlis
ReplyDeleteCelia, How I love all of your festivities my friend! And no matter how crazy I am, I still send cards :)...the little delights!
ReplyDeletexox
Nathalie
As always I'm in love with your China. Your tree looks great. Your dogs are adorable. Yes I mail Christmas cards!
ReplyDeletexoxo
SC
I love writing out Christmas cards! I put on all the Christmas music and think of each person as I write. I usually have 6 or so different cards and have to pick the right one for that person. I make the job much longer than it has to be but I love doing it.
ReplyDeleteI find many people send the photo cards. i like an old fashioned Christmas card and I put a photo inside. This year it is of my 4 little grandchildren and my husband and me in front of the two story playhouse he built.
Sometimes it is the only time of year you keep in touch with people, especially from your past, that it is an important thing to do. It is one of my favorite parts of the season-to send and receive cards.
You have such special decorations. Very high heeled!!!
Just right for you.
(I am jealous that all your gifts are bought and wrapped. Wow, you are my hero)
Ruthie from: http://www.ladybstimefortea.blogspot.com
Beautiful! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home and have a Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteSherry