Standing in the Sunshine Cottage viewing the outdoors through the east window is a perfect place for me to catch a sunrise, see a variety of wildlife, or just enjoy what the Creator has on display at any given time. And, when the weather might challenge my endurance for comfort, it is a cozy place to hang out. I was doing this very thing when I began to look at all that surrounded me within. I was surrounded by a celebration of the Savior, reminded of family, of friends, and of days gone by; a million thoughts with only a glance!
“And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!””
Luke 2:12-14 (ESV)
This being the last Sunday before Christmas, I decided to ask Pam to take on a little project…photograph the inside of the cottage so we could have Christmas in the Sunshine Cottage for SSS 528, and give us a bit of a Christmas tour. She agreed!
Merry Sunday before Christmas, dear readers. My sweet Renaissance Man, Butch, wanted me to take over his Simple+ Southern Sunday post just for TODAY! Time was running out for me to invite you for Christmas inside the Sunshine Cottage!
Come inside where it is warm and cozy as I share the cottage decorated for Christmas. Our sweet Hummel nativity takes center stage! I kept it very simple with only a pair of heralding angels on either side.
As many of you know, my beloved Mother made ceramics forty plus years ago. I find great joy each year in unwrapping her beautiful hand-painted Santa’s. Mrs. Claus reminds me of my Mother…the kindness in her eyes.
Old World Santa’s, and plates depicting Santa in his sleigh are featured above. The Royal Stafford “Christmas Sleigh” dinner plates and tartan chargers were recently used for A Birthday Celebration!
The large Santa on the left always sat by the tree in my parent’s home. I don’t know his history, but he is quite handsome!
Green majolica and tartan plates join the Santa plates. Butch is so sweet to keep fresh greenery on the shelves!
“It’s that time of year, when the world falls in love…”
Snuggles is approximately 37 years old and has been well-loved. When the cottage was built, he found his permanent home. When our grands visit, they always pick him up and give him a bear hug! A large stack of coffee table books makes a perfect table next to Snuggles!
“I’ll be home for Christmas, you can count on me” is my Daddy’s favorite song. He and his army buddies listened to it while in the Korean War. It was originally written to honor soldiers overseas who longed to be home at Christmas time during World War II. It plays often as I listen to Christmas music while spending time both working and relaxing in the Sunshine Cottage!
The grandchildren’s tree is decorated with sweet treats…
…and a peppermint white mocha for PJ!
“Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel.”
‘Tis the season to be jolly, fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la!
These shelves feature Steinbach nutcrackers that inspired A Tea Party With The Nutcrackers!
Steinbach nutcracker, The Bavarian’ World Costume Series, is a special limited edition that I found for a wonderful price at Tuesday Morning several years ago. I miss their store where I always found things that I didn’t need! Standing along side is a Christopher Radko nutcracker candle stand.
On the counter (far right) is my Daddy’s old Underwood typewriter which is still in working condition.
Tartan chargers and nutcracker salad plates join the nutcrackers for “the most wonderful time of the year”!
This Christopher Radko limited edition musical nutcracker plays The Nutcracker March. Of 750 made, this is number 250. It was a gift from a dear friend 20 years ago!
Thank you for taking time in a very busy week to drop by the Sunshine Cottage!
From our Cottage to Yours…MERRY CHRISTMAS
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 ESV
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Pam and Butch everything looks so pretty and festive for Christmas. Love your nutcracker collection. Wishing you and your sweet family a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy. Hugs. Kris
Mary says
Pam, Your Sunshine Cottage is so merry and bright…the perfect spot to relax and read and sip a cup of tea! I love all the touches of tartan plaid in your throws, plates and Santa’s coat, as well as the accents of fresh greenery on your shelves mixing with your nutcrackers. Your grands’ tree is so festive decorated with the candy and sweet treats theme. Wishing you, Butch and your family a merry week ahead. Happy Sunday! 🎄❤️
Roxanne Bernard says
Happy Sunday, Butch and Pam! We passed the Winter Solstice yesterday, so we will have a few more seconds of daylight today! Sunshine Cottage is a feast for the eyes. There is something beautiful with a special story everywhere we look! Who did all the beautiful cross stitch? Snuggles looks very happy. My sister has a bear named George that Santa brought when she was about 3. George actually went to Europe with Kelley and my mother when he was about 7! Today is Lessons and Carols at church, so I am looking forward to some beautiful hymns. Bundle up and stay warm!
Alice Genzlinger says
I had so much fun enlarging each photo and seeing everything! I must say the Christmas tree is the most fun tree I’ve ever seen. Each ornament must have been a happy find. The grands have a world of happy in the cottage. And I looked for your dads old typewriter that even holds good memories for me as I’ve followed you so long and it’s been right there every year. The side table of coffee table books is a great idea for putting them to use. I have a teddy bear I got for Christmas 38 years ago that traveled with me everywhere as an adult because I had just met Lowell and much of my travel required me to go alone except for the Bear called “Lowell”. He made me feel safe wherever my travels took me.,He is right here with me now as I spend a Christmas full of wonderful memories too.
Myrna says
Just beautiful. I love the Sunshine Cottage.
So many memories.
As we approach Christmas day, let us all be grateful as so many are still without homes this year.
Thank you Pam and Butch for brightening our Sundays every week. Merry Christmas to all of you, including your father. Hopefully, we will all be here at the same place next year.
Carole @ From My Carolina Home says
How festive! The cottage is a delight of holiday cheer!
Shannon@Belle Bleu Interiors says
Sweet friend, Sunshine Cotrage is magical decorated for Christmas! What a joyful start to this Sunday before Christmas! All of your collections are so lovely, and everything looks beautiful accented by tartans, reds, and Christmas greens. Your Mom’s Tartan Santa has to be one of my favorites. The grands Christmas tree is precious. Thank you for inviting us in. Wishing you, Butch, and your family a very Merry Christmas!🎄❤️🎄
Rachel Hill says
Merry Christmas to you both! The Sunshine Cottage is decorated beautifully. I love the pillow of the reindeer pulling the sleigh. RHill, TX
Clara says
Pam, The Sunshine Cottage is beautifully festive. Your mother’s ceramics are my absolute favorites. I love the other pretties as well, but your Mom had a special talent and it shows on her beautiful painted pieces. Your nutcrackers are all delightful! The children’s Christmas tree is gorgeous! The Nativity scene is so cute. Merry Christmas to you and your family! Give your sweet daddy a hug from us! Clara❤️🎄
Jenna says
Such a merry place to relax and enjoy the holidays surrounded by special memories and favorite Christmas things! I love the fresh greenery tucked in the shelves and the merry mix of plaids, nutcrackers, and Santas! The grandchildren’s tree is so pretty decorated with sweet treats and I love the sweet teddy bear that always gets hugs! Thank you for the tour and Merry Merry Christmas Pam and Butch!