Merry, Merry Thursday! Can you believe Christmas is one week from tomorrow? I feel like fall just arrived! Even though this year has been like no other in my lifetime, it does seem like it has passed quickly.
““Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).”
Matthew 1:23
A most beautiful truth is found in this verse, God is with us. Just knowing in my heart that He has not, nor will He ever abandon us, gives me peace in the midst of 2020!
You see my small dining room often in tablescapes, but not this view from the family room!
The dining room tree is basically the same year after year. I use glittered fruit, red roses, and pheasant feathers. The Madame Alexander angel topper is a special treasure that brings back sweet memories. For the past couple of years the nutcrackers stood along side the tree, but this year they moved to the Sunshine Cottage!
I love the bokeh effect of the lights on the tree!
You may have noticed the pair of carolers from my Christmas tablescape posts. These darling carolers came from Cracker Barrel several years ago. They are a resin composite and very heavy. The carolers have moved all over the house through the years!
The tree in our family room is a memory tree. It is filled with ornaments from dear friends and family, travel mementos, and a collection of Radkos that are all dear to me. We find a place of honor each year to hang a small ornament from our first year of marriage. Our hearts swell with the memories of that first little Christmas together.
I am most sentimental when it comes to Christmas…it is the reason I have never gotten into the latest Christmas tree fads. I don’t know about you, but when I open the boxes of cherished ornaments, my heart is flooded with Christmases past, and quite often a few tears will briefly interrupt the unpacking.
“The great challenge left to us is to cut through all the glitz and glam of the season that has grown increasingly secular and commercial, and be reminded of the beauty of the One who is Christmas.”
-Bill Crowder
I love the six traditional needlepoint stockings hanging from the mantel. I wish I could say that I made them, but most came from Horchow! Ella Mae checks every time she is here to see if there is anything in her stocking…that girl loves presents.
This is the hearth and mantel from last year. Year after year so many of you have asked about the Nativity. It is probably sixteen years old, very heavy, and fragile. The set includes Mary, Joseph, the Christ Child, a shepherd, and three wise men. A few years ago the wise men started losing fingers and started showing a lot of wear and tear. We always packed them carefully and stored them in large Rubbermaid boxes, but the years began taking their toll on this beautiful Nativity.
Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus have moved! It was really hard to let go of the wise men, but my Renaissance Man reminded me that they were probably not present at the birth of Christ. They may have visited Him as much as two years later but the exact timing is not really known.
The Nativity moved to a French chest in our family room. It is very simple with greenery and candles. I debated about taking down the hand-tinted portrait of our son when he was nine years old. I thought about moving a mirror to go over the manger scene, but I was reminded of this scripture:
“but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
Luke 2:7
My collection of Byers Choice Carolers landed on the mantel this year. I love their faces with their mouths wide open as they sing!
Thank you so much for visiting. Wishing you a joy-filled day!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Dear friends Pam and Butch, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to see so much beauty in your home. Open the doors wide and show all the beauty of the holidays that Christian families will celebrate in a week.
Everything is a good job done with that tone of joy that is perceived. And there were also my appreciated “Nutcrackers” … always impeccably dressed with their martial air …
Everything is beautiful … because you are both beautiful … Nothing comes out of nowhere …
I wish you a very Merry Christmas with your loved ones and that the beauty that surrounds you is a reflection of the inner beauty that you possess.
A hug
Dolores
Dolores, gracias mi dulce amiga. Siempre es bueno saber de usted. Espero que se esté recuperando y pronto pueda regresar a casa. Deseándote a ti y a ti una Feliz Navidad y un momento de paz mientras celebramos el nacimiento de Cristo. Que sienta la calidez de familiares y amigos. ¡Bendiciones de Butch y Pam
I truly enjoyed this post. Everything looks so beautiful. I can truly feel the Christmas love. Thanks so much for sharing.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thank you so much sweet Judy. Wishing you a blessed Christmas Season…
Just beautiful, Pam. I am totally with you on keeping the memories of Christmas and the traditions from year to year. Your EK favors her Daddy’s looks, and I love that you kept his portrait with the holiday decor. Growing up, we had a framed litho print of Jesus surrounded with children and that Matthew bible verse beneath the print, on the wall beside our tree, and it was not moved from the decor (my sister now has that print). I mistakenly thought your mother made the carolers. I love them, and your Byers Choice carolers, too. I can understand your hesitancy in letting go of the wise men, I feel that way with much lesser ornaments, etc.. Last year I purged my manger but kept all the figures. I love your Christmas traditions and decor, and the sharing of your family’s comfortable spaces. Have a great day!
Thank you Rita for your thoughtful and sweet comments. The litho is a cherished keepsake in your family. I am sure your sister treasures it. I thought I would cry when I said goodbye to the wise men. They were heavy, hard to store, and we are getting too old to drag out all of these large bins and Rubbermaid boxes. Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Such a beautiful post, Pam. I got a little choked up thinking about some of our first ornaments our first Christmas of marriage after you shared about yours. I am like you I enjoy the memories of all the oranaments we have been given by friends and family over the years.
Your home is beautifully decorated but the best thing is the Bill Crowder quote. He cuts right to the heart of the matter. Thank you for sharing the scriptures about the real reason for Christmas.
May you have a joy filled week.
Bonnie, we went to Kmart and bought all of our ornaments for our first Christmas. We did have a real tree and it smelled so wonderful. Thank you my friend!
wishing you a very Merry Christmas in this weary world.We ARE blessed that the Lord will never forsake us!
Your home and Christmas decor are beautiful.
Thank you Cynthia. The Lord is our hope in this weary world!
Everything is so lovely Pam. I really like both trees and the new display of the nativity. Too bad about the wiseman but the three pieces say it all. The mantel looks wonderful with the Byer’s choice carolers. I think they are such fun pieces!
Bless you and your family especially at this Christmas time.
Thank you dearest Liz. It was hard to let go of the wise men, but they were looking kind of sad. Blessings on you and yours this Christmas Season!
Every inch of your beautiful home speaks of Christmas past and present. I love all your memories beautifully shared with us. Love the Bill Crowder quote. Your home is so warm and festive. Thank you for this gift to your readers. Love and blessings.
Thank you sweet Dianne. I hope all is well with you and Bob!
Christmas looks beautiful in your home. I am a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas. We have collected ornaments of 41 years.
I love the memories attached to ornaments!
Pam, your home is beautiful. I agree with you about the ornaments, ours are treasures collected over time and I would never trade them. Boxes of memories. I always so enjoyed your nativity, but time seems to take its toll on many things. I do love where you have Mary, Joseph and the Baby Jesus, so beautiful on the lovely chest.
Christmas is coming way too soon, enjoy these special days and your beautiful family.
Thank you Sandra, I can’t believe Christmas is almost here!
Yes, we need Christmas and we need Christ all year long, every year, but especially this year. I love your photos. They put me in the mood to decorate. I’m so behind this year.
Thank you Donna. I read your post today and it was excellent, but I am having trouble commenting!
Your small dining room is gorgeous, Pam, and that tree! Your home belongs in a magazine.
Amalia
xo
Thanks so much Amalia!
Hi Pam
I love the way you have centered your home on the true meaning of Christmas. This year we are filled with
Gratitude to the Lord. Scott was spared from a horrific accident the doctors were amazed by his recovery. He and Sandy and families live in Birmingham.
Joy filled our hearts as Sandie’s oldest was married in October. It was a lovely wedding and Scott officiated it. Then our great grandson was born in October making the 15th generation from the Brooks’ origin. Scott &Tammy became Grandparents.
So this is a beautiful year to focus on our Lord and thank Him not only for His sacrifice but for His faithfulness as well.
And Thank you Pam for sharing your thoughts and you private worship with us. I will always count you and Butch among our Christmas Blessings.
Lovingly. Rhonda
I understand what you mean about the manger. Time (and a basement flood) were not kind to one of mine and we had to bid farewell. I have others but it’s hard to say goodbye. Your memory tree takes my breath away. It’s so beautiful — I love every photo. And having the tree with fruit in the dining room is so appropriate and really gorgeous! I love your carolers on the mantle and those that move about the house! Pam, all of it is both warm and elegant.
Your home is beautiful Pam! Love where you placed Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. Your carolers are adorable. I love having a sentimental tree. So many sweet memories. We have one and an ornament from the year we married. It’s very simple but it’s always part of our tree. Your home in pictures shows the time and effort you lovingly put into creating a festive holiday environment for your family. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas! Clara ❤️
This was a beautiful and sweet post. Thank you for reminding us what Christmas really means and sharing your wonderful memories. This was very, very special. Thank you, my darling friend.
Thank you sweet Roxanne.
I felt so comfortable in your beautiful home. Your cherished Christmas treasures and decor are stunning. I too am very traditional in my Christmas decorations. Especially this year… the memories are so needed. Simple, traditional and meaningful!
Merry Thursday dear Pam!
Thank you for your sweet comments, Nancy!
Since my husband and I married on Dec 9, our first Christmas tree was about 3 ft tall and decorated with just the ribbons and bows from our wedding gifts- and it is one of my favorite memories! I don’t think we even owned a camera then, so it lives only in our memories. I look for your lovely Nativity each year on your blog, it is my favorite thing in your decor! Thanks for inviting us into your home again this year, and Merry Merry Christmas to you both.
How sweet to have decorated your first tree with ribbons and bows from your wedding, Cheryl. Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas!
Pam, Your home is beautiful decked out for Christmas! I love seeing views and areas I don’t normally see, along with your Christmas trees and collections! I can’t believe Christmas Eve is a week from today! Merry December ♥
Thank you Mary. Time does seem to fly!
Pam, your living room looks just gorgeous decorated for the season! I love where you displayed the nativity this year. It is perfect. I, like you, decorate with my yearly traditions when it comes to Christmas. I don’t think I will every change, and I, too, shed a tear or two when special memories come back to me as I am unpacking my mementos. Thanks so much for inviting us in today! Take care, dear friend!
Thank you dear friend for your sweet comments. Memories and Christmas go together!
“The reason of the Season”! Adorable post, breathtaking CHRISTmas decoration…What sweet post! You are a sweet heart and I am grateful for your always encouraging and amazing posts. Happy Advent!
Thank you sweet Maristella…Merry Christmas!
A Christmas delight Pam!
Bless you sweet friend,
Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer!
Your home is absolutely stunning, my friend! Just beautiful! May the Lord bless you this Christmas season. I surely do understand the tears flowing while opening the ornaments. I do the same thing.
Thank you my sweet friend. Love and hugs♥️
Yes, I agree with you completely about Xmas decor and the tree specially. I call my tree my ‘memory tree,’ not the latest trend. It has ornaments from the first year of marriage. I have given my daughters some ornaments from their childhood, etc.
Your home looks beautiful, warm, cozy and filled with love.
Sometimes I do shed a tear or two when I see things given to me by loved ones not with us anymore.
May our Baby Jesus upcoming birth, bless you and yours.
Merry Christmas !
Fabby
Fabby, thank you for your sweet and encouraging comments. Merry Christmas!
Your home looks absolutely gorgeous Pam, and I love the fact that so many of your decorations bring back memories that you treasure…you are giving your grandchildren such an insight into what is really important about Christmas, faith and family…
Jenna
Thank you Jenna! Christmas and memories just go together! Merry Sunday ✨