It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Fluffy snow piled all around,

Bundled people shopping bound,

Christmas carols fill the air,

Rustle, bustle everywhere.

Here a greeting, there a smile.

Happy faces all the while,

Winter specter, snow and ice,

Kitchen fragrance, pungent spice,

Jingling bells, gay laughter, too,

Old traditions mixed with new:

Church bells chiming will foretell

The age-old story we know well.

Most of all, and greatest worth,

Honouring the Christ Child's birth. - Mary A Barnard

Hello everyone! This blog is getting neglected  these days; sorry about that! I have been doing the ABC's of Christmas on my main blog, Rose Chintz Cottage, so that is where all my efforts are going these days. 

I would like to share with you my tree this year. The ribbon I did differently and I usually change up the mantel every year too.

I have family coming home for Christmas this year and I'm excited about that but there is so much to do. Lots of baking left to do and just preparing for the big day. You all know what I mean. 

However, amidst all this busyness, it's important to remember why we're celebrating. Without His coming, there would be no Christmas. So, take a deep breath and remember to thank Him for His gift to us. Be sure to set aside some time each day for a cup of tea and listen to some Christmas music. Or watch a Hallmark Christmas movie. It's the most wonderful time of the year and the Holidays come but once a year so let's enjoy it all; the magic, the music, the memories.

I will try to post a little more on here but meanwhile, I invite you to join me at Rose Chintz Cottage for the ABC's of Christmas. Have a wonderful and Merry Christmas and may the New Year bring many blessings your way! Hugs to you all!


Keeping Christmas in my heart all year round ~ Sandi

Celebrating Christmas in 2017

Snow flakes in the air
Carols everywhere
Olden times and ancient rhymes
Of love and dreams to share.

Sleigh bells in the air
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there.

Christmas time is here
We'll be drawing near
Oh, that we could always see,
Such spirit through the year.... ~ From A Charlie Brown Christmas

Hello dear Christmas buddies! I have been around blogland but I have been neglecting my Christmas Pudding blog. Sorry! It has been a year of ill health and surgeries but the new year is on its way and I'm looking forward to 2018 being a much better year.

Meanwhile, amidst appointments and all the craziness the holiday season seems to bring our way, I have gotten my tree up with new ribbon this year. I love all the sparkle!

I have kept busy on my other blog, Rose Chintz Cottage because that is my main blog and I have managed to post at least once a week there.

Alas, I have cut way back on the baking this year because of carpal tunnel in my right hand and wrist but I did manage to get fruit cake made with the help of my dear hubby, as well as some desserts. My family is happy about that! Although they realize it has been a hard year for me, they are thankful I'm doing better and that I was able to bake a few treats this year. So am I! As hard as this year has been, I always remind myself that things could always be worse. I'm thankful for the blessings and the Lord's care each day.

I have served tea in front of the tree with the fire burning in the fireplace and it was a lovely respite from all the busyness. 

The little four foot tree got decorated in the family room and it holds many ornaments gifted to me over the years by family, friends, and bloggy friends too.

Sunday evening we had our Island family over for dinner because our grandsons are spending Christmas in Ontario this year so we wanted to have a family night and give them their presents. 

I served pumpkin pie...

Buche de Noel which is of course, a log cake made with mousse and raspberries.

And there was sticky date pudding with toffee sauce.

We had a fun evening and I know my grandsons enjoyed themselves.

I set up my Nativity with only the Holy family, the donkey, and ox this year. I like the simplicity of it and I find the attention goes mainly on the Family which is most important.

"And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins." ~ Matthew 1:21

Thank you for stopping by and I wish you and your loved ones a Very Merry Christmas and a wonderful, healthy, and Happy New Year! The Lord bless you and keep you safe over this holiday season and into the new year as well!


Keeping Christmas in my heart all year round ~ Sandi