Well, "tomorrow" as I mentioned in my last post, was five days ago...so much for keeping up with deadlines I impose upon myself. (Not that any of you noticed...) I had to do a bit of Christmas shopping, see Santa Claus, and we finally got our tree this weekend too. I just wanted to wish all of you a very happy Christmas season and share a few of my favorite Christmas decorations with you too.
This little architect angel was a gift to me while I was at UC Berkeley working on my architecture degree. It is made by the Benedictine Monks of Saint Andrews Abbey, a Benedictine monastery located in the high desert of southern California. It was founded in 1956 by nine monks exiled from China. As an expression of their monastic life, they began to make ceramic icons and plaques reflecting Benedictine reverence for the Divine Presence which pervades all life. The angels remind us that we are to meet God in the home, in our work, and in our play.
This petit porcelain Nativity set was a gift from my son last Christmas. I decided that it would be the inspiration for the center piece on my table this year. It makes me smile throughout the day, every time I walk by it. The innocence not only of the figurines, but of my own child who chose this special gift just for me warms my heart.
This lovely Mother and Child ornament just arrived from one of my new favorite artists, Heather Sleightholm from AudreyEclectic. Her work is beautiful and I would love to own an original one day, but for now I have this pretty piece at the top of my tree.
These are some vintage angel candle holders I have, circa 1960's. I just love them ~ so retro! I think I purchased one at a Salvation Army store in the Bay Area and the other was a hand me down from my Mom who displayed it every year during Christmas for as long as I can remember.
I have these white beaded votive candle holders (I confess, an extravagant purchase from the Dollar Store several years ago) and white cherub ceramic planters with holly on the mantel of the gas marble fire place in my bedroom...white twinkle lights along the mantel create a glow in the evening.
But, it's not all about white and gold and silver in this house, or just angels (I certainly am not always one!). I do have some RED! I grew up with this little guy named Frosty. It cost my parents about five bucks in the sixties and is still in working condition. It is battery operated and when turned on, his red glass eyes blink, his arm moves the broom, the bell jingles, and...air blows out of his black top hat and floats a Styrofoam ball on air. It's a riot, especially for children and we will place it under our tree this year for Santa to check out.
Merry Christmas Friends and Buon Natale Tutti,
Suzanne
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PS
I do have some small holiday items in my Etsy shop and am offering free standard shipping on all items through December 20th. Take a peek if you are interested. Ciao.