FAVORTIE THINGS AT CHRISTMAS

I love Christmas! The time when the whole world lights up and celebrates the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. They may not know that's what they are doing but, in my heart, that IS what they are doing! Christmas music is everywhere..."Deck the halls with balls of holly...Joy to the world the Lord is come!" The department stores are full of people scurry here and there trying to find just the right gift for that special person...spending too much money...but, somehow, it's okay. It's Christmas, the one time of the year when the world puts a little self aside and rejoices in others. I love that!
Of course, for me, I love the story of the birth, the shepherds, the Kings, the Angels and the star. I love special cantata's performed at the church around the block. Going to midnight church services on Christmas eve. Directing our church Christmas plays, making me even busier at the busiest time of the year. Going caroling from door to door at the homes of our church shut-ins. Setting aside a special offering just for missions at Christmas. I do love Christmas!
I love the whimsical side of Christmas too. The thought of Santa Claus really coming to town, whether it be by helicopter, sleigh, float or firetruck, excites me every year. I love giving presents at Christmas, choosing each and every one especially for that person I hold dear. I do not take giving presents lightly. I spend hours shopping for just the right one.
But I suppose my favorite personal thing about Christmas is decorating for the holiday. Every year taking out those decorations is like meeting an old friend again. Memories flood my soul of kinder times and a slower life. I can't tell you about a gift that I received as a child at Christmas but I can tell you about playing under the Christmas tree at my granny's house. Under Granny's tree was magical. There was a village there with horse drawn sleighs, wishing wells, tiny little snowmen, a milkmaid crossing a bridge, the mailman rushing from house to house, skiers and sledders but, my favorite, were the skaters on the mirror pond. I would lie under that tree and play for hours. Granny never objected to any of her grandchildren playing with the magic under her tree. She would watch me and smile as I skated my skaters across the pond. Now today I watch as my own dear grandchildren play with the village under the tree and, as I watch them, I am once again taken back to that slower, kinder time when I looked up to see my granny smile. That is truly my favorite thing at Christmas.

FAVORITE THINGS AT CHIRSTMAS

My skaters...

FAVORITE THINGS AT CHRISTMAS

This is one of the most wonderful gifts I have ever received at Christmas. It was given to me by Anne Busse and Betty Ling. Betty is the most creative person I have ever known. She made the entire thing. St. Nick stands about 3 foot and holds a bag full of goodies in his hand. Each part of St. Nick is a reminder of a story connected to the Mountain Women. He is wearing a mink cape that once belonged to my granny(given to her by her oldest daughter...she was so proud when she wore it) The Teddy Bear represents me(I love Teddy's) The clown beside the bear stands for Anne, who is, not only a storyteller and animal groomer, but also a professional clown. He wears a turtle pin to remind us of the story "The Goofs". A patchwork cloak representing "The Patchwork Coat". A bag of peppermint candy sticks representing the story "Selfish". A basket with an egg in it..."Hole in the Basket". And a candle for "Twist Mouth". Now you know the rest of the story.

FAVORTIE THINGS AT CHRISTMAS

These elves have been a part of our Christmas for a long time. I love their whimsical little faces. I think that when we go to bed at night they come alive and play in the village under the tree. The thought of elves has always been one of my favorite Christmas things.

FAVORITE THINGS AT CHRISTMAS

When my Aunt Libby was alive she collected Santa Clauses. This is her collection. Some of her Santa's were very expensive, like the White Lenox one, some where gifts from good friends and some where "cheapies" that she just liked the looks of. There were many more on the Christmas tree. She had such a good eye for decor, something I have never been much good at. Memories of her will always be one of my favorite things of Christmas.

FAVORITE THINGS AT CHRISTMAS

I made this cookie jar in 1977. Every Christmas I would make Peanutbutter cookies and my mother in law would bake her famous Chocolate Chip ones and we would fill it up. My boys loved their mamaw's Chocolate Chip cookies. They always disappeared first. Is there anything better than the smell of cookies baking in the oven?

Ashland Elementary, Manassas, VIrginia

Carrie and I had a wonderful time visiting Ashland Elementary in Manassas, VA, where we performed and presented creative writing workshops. The school was beautiful, the staff lovely and the students were the BEST EVER!