Merry, merry Thursday sweet friends! I am so excited to welcome you to A Sunshine Cottage Christmas!
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Isaiah 7:14
When you open the cottage door, it may look like Christmas has exploded. As many of you readers know, I am a long-time collector…Byers Carolers, nutcrackers, Fitz and Floyd, nativities, Radko ornaments, and so much more. My most precious keepsakes are those made by the loving hands of my Mother. The cottage was decorated with my darling granddaughters in mind. My goal was to see their eyes wide open with surprise and to make lasting memories.
Christmas carols are playing and the door is open, come on in!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas inside Sunshine Cottage! You can see the cottage porch decorated for Christmas here.
Nikko “happy holidays” plates and tartan plaid chargers decorate the shelves!
Fitz and Floyd Santa pitchers adorn the center of the shelves. These were given to me by a Sunday School class that I taught for many years. Nutcracker Sweets salt and pepper shakers flank the pitcher, a gift from my Mother.
A sweet rustic nativity that I bought for Ella Mae’s first Christmas!
A few sprigs of Leyland Cypress add a fresh and festive look. The top shelf is holding a sleigh filled with collected ornaments from many Christmases ago.
My special place where I enjoy quiet time. My sweet hubby gave me a most loving and precious gift when he had the cottage built this past summer. A few of my favorite Christmas books are on the ottoman, convenient to pick up and enjoy seeing familiar pages once again.
The Santa and sleigh on the top shelf is a favorite present that our son chose for me when he was quite young. More Fitz and Floyd Santa pitchers. Daddy’s very old Underwood typewriter is holding last year’s Christmas card photo of our son,
d-i-l, and girls. Our son’s Mickey Mouse from his childhood sits atop a book…Mickey’s Christmas Carol. EM and EK love for me to read books to them and this one has been read several times this season. When Seth was little he loved the movie Mickey’s Christmas Carol. We rented it all year, not just at Christmas. We finally decided to buy the movie for him and we still have it on VHS. Do you remember those “old school” tapes?
The musical Radko Santa Claus was a special gift from a lovely friend, Brenda. Just last week she baked her delicious tea cakes and delivered to my Daddy and also left a tin at our door. Ours didn’t last long, coffee and tea cakes make a perfect breakfast. Daddy is always grateful for her special deliveries!
Sweet little snow people carolers that Ella Mae has loved playing with every Christmas!
Taking center stage are my collection of Steinbach nutcrackers. EM has a fondness for nutcrackers and that is why I placed them in the cottage and on the porch. The stockings have their favorite stuffed animals from their Daddy’s childhood collection. Emma loves Pooh and Ella Mae loves Minnie Mouse. The musical Radko nutcracker (on the floor) was also a gift from Brenda!
The most important display of all is the Nativity! The truth that Jesus was born, lived, died for our sins, and rose again, is the gospel. These truths are the ones that need to be instilled, beginning at a young age, to our children and grandchildren. The Hummel nativity was a surprise from my sweet Renaissance Man. Yes, I have a large collection of Hummel figurines, I love their sweet faces.
A few toys were brought out from behind the curtain…a sweet little doll that EK plays with, Snuggles the bear from Seth’s childhood, and a doll house that my precious friend Kathy gave to my girls.
A porcelain doll my Mama made many years ago. EM loves her all dressed in tartan, but she knows it is fragile and she handles with care.
When this snow girl was unpacked, her nose was crooked. Being a typical big sister, EM said this one was EK’s. I couldn’t help but laugh!
My childhood doll is sitting in Seth’s childhood rocking chair. EM said this snow girl was hers because she doesn’t have a crooked nose!
Santa in his sleigh cookie jar with treats for the girls and PJ!
Snuggles is holding EK’s favorite book, “How To Be A Princess.” I have read it so many times that EM has it memorized and she now reads it to sister.
Thank you for visiting and allowing me to share memories and talk on and on about my precious granddaughters. For some that have asked, hopefully I will get photos of the girls playing in the cottage. I have a tea planned with the girls, but you never know with a 4 year old and a 21 month old. When there is play going on, I hardly have time to pick up the camera.
Wishing you a most delightful day!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Oh Pam… My eyes are wide open and I am loving every corner of your Christmas Cottage!
All the cherished sweet memories that you have with all the past treasures of Seth’s childhood and your childhood is so lovingly shown. And to have all your Mother’s and Daddy’s love sprinkled throughout brings such joy! EM and EK have to love playing with all the dolls and nutcrackers! How fun for them!
And how fun for us that we got a beautiful tour.
Thank you so much Pam!
Have a Merry Day!
Thank you Nancy. It has been so much fun to decorate the cottage with the girls in mind. I am so thankful to have this little cottage to make memories with my girls! Happy Thursday!
Thank you Nancy. It has been so much fun to decorate the cottage with the girls in mind. I am so thankful to have this little cottage to make memories with my girls! Happy weekend!
The Sunshine Cottage now looks like a magical Christmas village full of beautiful decorations, memories and endless things to enjoy! I can picture you relaxing there Pam, and lovingly displaying your favorite things and memories and I can imagine the delight on your face as you share it with EM and EK, and see their joy and enthusiasm for your treasures! It is truly a fairy tale, and I can only wonder at the memories you and the girls are making in your special place! Thank you for giving us a peek into this special Christmas world!
Jenna
Jenna, from one grandmother to another you certainly understand! I wanted it to be magical for the girls. Thank you for your sweet comments. Happy Thursday!
The Sunshine Cottage dressed in the best Christmas decor is the perfect place to escape to and leave all your cares behind and forget about what is going on in the world. I’m sure the memories you are making with the princesses will be cherished forever. Love it all! May you have a blessed day.
Thank you Bobbie. It is a lovely escape for sure. Wishing you a peaceful weekend!
Wow so lovely! I enjoyed touring your cottage and your collectibles are displayed so nicely. What fun for your grandchildren! Your childhood doll reminds me of a young Elizabeth Taylor!
Thank you Liz! Have a lovely weekend!
I was looking forward to this post and did not disappoint! I love how you’ve captured Christmas with childlike vision, thinking of the girls. Your collections have new places to shine, Pam! The Fitz and Floyd pitchers and nutcrackers are fabulous. I really love all the bits of Leyland cypress scattered among the shelves. It finishes it all so nicely. EM is funny with her comment on the caroler. Typical big sister response. Lol. Enjoy the cottage with your girls, Pam.
Thank you Rita, I guess it could be called my adult playhouse as well the girls’!
Pam, what a lovely tour! Is your doll a “Nancy” doll? I had one and I think she looked like this!!
Linda, thank you. If I remember correctly the doll was a Revlon! I will go back and see for sure.
So much Christmas cheer in your Sunshine Cottage Pam! I adore all your holiday touches with the pretty plates, tartan plaid accents and beautiful decorations! I know your grandgirls must be thrilled to spend time with you there among their favorite Christmas toys and books. I especially love the addition of your son’s Christmas card displayed on your daddy’s Underwood typewriter. Happy Thursday ♥
Thank you Mary. I am having as much fun as the girls!
The Sunshine Cottage is beautifully decorated for Christmas Pam. It’s so inviting. The doll your Mom made looks so delicate and pretty as does your childhood doll. The displays against the wall are gorgeous! Such a lovely collection of Christmas porcelains, plates and other pretties. Your Christmas pillows are so colorful. The comfy chair and ottoman is ready for relaxing. The nativity scene is precious. The girls must love having this special space for playing. We know you are so happy to have it and you’ve made it a wonderful extension of your lovely home. Thanks for sharing it with us. Enjoy your day sweet friend. Clara❤️
Thank you Clara for you always sweet and encouraging comments. It is a magical little cottage for the girls!
Pam, Sunshine Cottage is living up to its name….it is overflowing with joy and happiness! Every inch is full of Christmas wonders and memories. The girls’ eyes must have been huge. I love that every item has a story to tell. Your RM gave you such a wonderful gift, and I can only imagine how much fun you are having with this special place! And aren’t friends like Brenda (mine is Mickey) truly one of life’s greatest treasures?
Yes, Roxanne special friends are truly a great treasure. I am all about memories, as I know you are. Merry weekend my friend!
Oh, every little nook and cranny filled with yet another sweet image, a lovely setting, a treasured collectible. Just too lovely and pretty this morning, Pam. What a way to start the day!
Enjoy teatime!
Thank you Linda, it is a sweet little place!
Oh Pam, this post was worth waiting for. It’s more than I even thought possible. The memories we have make our life so much sweeter and you are making valuable memories with your girls. Ones no one can take away that will lovingly guide them through life because of your deep believe to cherish your time with them. The center being establishing Jesus life, death and resurrection in the early years of EM and EK.
Thank you Alice. Your comments are always encouraging and meaningful my friend. Wishing you a Merry Weekend!
Omigosh, Pam, you have to be in seventh heaven having your adult playhouse! I can only imagine the delight you are finding in decorating it for different occasions. Your holiday decor is fantastical!
Linda, you nailed it. I would say it is my playhouse as much as the girls!
Of course, I knew it would be charming! But you blew me away with the charm. It’s just darling and I can see why it’s a magical spot for you and the girls — I’m not sure who must have the most fun, the little ones or the decorator! But it’s splendid. Three cheers to Butch for making this dream come true and to you for making it so beautiful!
Thank you Jeanie. I am definitely having fun. Wishing you a merry weekend!
Oh, Pam, how wonderful this post is. The cottage is a Christmas wonderland. It is full of memories and will only lead to more. You are so right when you said the cottage was a precious gift. One you and the girls will enjoy for many years. I enjoy each and every detail and can only imagine the joy in the hearts of the little ones when they saw it. Blessings to all of you and thank you so much for sharing your life with us.
Thank you for your sweet and encouraging words, Sandra. It truly is a little magical cottage. Wishing you a Merry Weekend!
Such joy and fun you had decorating your cottage. I hope you will be able to actually see your grands. Here in Chicagoland, we are hunkering down, and it looks like Christmas will be from the car and a wave! Hugs, and I hope you do get to enjoy this with your kiddos! Sandi
Thank you Sandra. Wishing you a Merry Weekend!
I can just imagine their little faces when they see this Christmas cottage!
They have only seen it briefly. Hopefully soon!
Pam, this is like a fairy tale. You have created such “memory” moments from Seth’s childhood, your Mother’s beautiful doll, Butch’s old typewriter, and all your treasured collections. It is done with such thought and love. It sure brings Christmas to my heart. Thank you beautiful friend. Blessings!
Thank you Dianne for your sweet comments. Wishing you a delightful weekend!
So incredibly cool!!!!!!!!!! What a fun escape! You have some pretty amazing collections, and for your husband to gift you with something so special from your past…100% priceless!!! We all need a break from the crazy right now, and I’m sure this does the trick for you! Merry Christmas! Enjoy your beautiful surroundings!
Thank you Alycia. Yes, this is a wonderful break from the crazy! Happy and Merry Weekend!
Pam, I have been waiting with anticipation to see Sunshine Cottage decorated for Christmas. It is beautiful and certainly did not disappoint! I loved seeing and reading about all of your precious treasures. The shelving decorated for Christmas is stunning. I can just see those precious girl’s smiling faces when you reveal the decorated cottage to them. Enjoy your time with them during this glorious season of Christmas. Take care, sweet friend!
Thank you so much for your sweet comments, my friend! Wishing you a joy-filled weekend!
A beautiful Christmas cottage! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas and thank you!
Pam,
Simply magical! What memories this will invoke in years to come.
I especially love your Hummel nativity.
Sharon
Thank you Sharon for visiting!
Oh Pam, I know the girls eyes were wide open with wonder and excitement. I can hear the squeals of glee! I am so glad you saved so many memories to share with them. You have decorated the cottage with love and joy. Memories are special and they will grow more and more.
Your cottage is magical and I hear music and laughter. How special EM has memorized the princess book and can read it to EK.
All of your keepsakes are beautiful but my favorite is your doll your mother made all dressed in tartan.
I look forward to your tea with the girls if that can happen.
Thank you Bonnie, I had so much joy decorating it for my girls and Butch. He has been sitting out there this week for a change of scenery!
Pam Thank You for inviting us into your Sunshine Cottage. It is like walking into fairy land. The nutcrackers,Mickey,dolls and all of the beautiful ornaments make for a walk in wonder land.
MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY,HEALTHY NEW YEAR
Marilyn,Joan and Marion
My pleasure, thank y’all for visiting!
Absolutely adorable! Just fabulous…How sweet and magical…Thanks for sharing!
Thank you sweet Maristella!
The Sunshine cottage will definitely be a place to make many more memories with the Grands! Every inch of the cottage is decorated beautiful and festive! I love your dolls and your different collections.
Thank you Debbie, and thank you for your sweet and encouraging comments that you leave!
Oh Pam Sunshine Cottage is so beautiful decorated. Your dolls are lovely and so special. Love the plates in the cupboard. A beautiful tree and lots of special items to make this cottage fill like Christmas. Your grands are such lucky little ones to spend some time with you and enjoy the special blessings. Merry Christmas
Cuteness overload right there. Love all the different plaids! Thank you for linking up at Farmhouse Friday LP.
Thank you Cindy!
What a delight Pam! I remember going into out big city of Sydney as a child, where our oldest department store would have their windows decorated with automated Christmas scenes. It was a child’s fantasy land of a white Christmas. Something we have never experienced here in Australia as its always sweltering hot Summer days at Christmas. But just as your cottage Christmas display does, it did delight a little girls heart ♥
What sweet memories, Jennifer. Thanks for sharing them.
You’re welcome 😀
Oh, Pam! How beautiful! Such a magical place for your precious girls to play and make memories with you! I can only imagine the hours of fun you are having this Christmas. May the dear Lord bless and keep all of you and grant you your best Christmas season ever!
Thanks so much, Cheryl. I am so thankful for God’s Grace and goodness. Blessings my friend…
Im pleased you are enjoying your new cottage so much with the girls. Hope you are well and staying safe love.
Cath
Thank you Cath. Merry Christmas to you and yours and sending love!
So very cute! I’m sure the girls love their time in the cottage. Part of the wonderfulness of Christmas is reliving the memories that come with the things we cherish.
Thank you Sandra. Christmas is so much about the memories…
I love Christmas and you have created a special look in the cottage for your sweet little ones. It reminds me of the song…”Toy land, toy land, little girl and boy land, when you dwell within it, you are ever happy there!”. It is perfect.
Thank you Karen, and I do remember that song!
Pam, this Sunshine Cottage of yours is truly a very special place. I just love every inch of how you’ve dressed it up for Christmas and just know you’ll enjoy making memories for those special grand ones. May this Christmas season be filled with blessings as your family celebrates God’s gift of a Savior.
Thank you for your sweet comments. May this Christmas season bring you the joy and wonder of Immanuel, God with us!
I can’t get enough of your sunshine cottage at Christmas. Merry Christmas Pam!
You are a sweetheart, Kim!