Merry, Merry Thursday, it is one week until Christmas Day!
“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)
Welcome friends to a Sunshine Cottage Christmas! The cottage is decorated with my grandchildren in mind. For new readers, we have four grands…two girls ages 9 and 6, and two boys ages 4 and 10 months. The boys don’t visit very often, it really is a girls’ cottage! I have noticed the boys sometimes wander in about the time treats are being served!
The birth of Jesus Christ is the reason we celebrate Christmas. The Hummel Nativity was a gift from my sweet husband, Butch! It was placed in the center of the counter, and is the season’s focal point in our cozy little cottage!
I don’t change much from year to year. Since I have more collections than anyone needs, it is a perfect place to display some of them. The slim Christmas tree has only a few new ornaments added this year.
I cherish all of my Mother’s hand-painted ceramic Santa’s, especially Mrs. Claus…
…and Santa surrounded by toy bears!
The large Radko Santa nutcracker is a music box which still plays after 20 years. It was a gift from a sweet friend. EM and EK are quite fond of him!
Snuggles, the bear, is really old for a stuffed animal. He was well-loved by our son from the time that Snuggles arrived on Christmas morning thirty eight years go. He lives in the cottage and is always available for snuggling! Mother’s handsome Old World Santa has a long list of requests!
I don’t remember why I started collecting nutcrackers, except that collectibles seem to find me! All of them are Steinbach Nutcrackers that are made in Germany and most were gifted to me!
When you have a large stack of coffee table books, make a table! I have been hesitant to actually count all of my decorating books, let’s just say I could have at least ten book tables like this one!
We bought Daniel his first ornament, a feltie deer! WL’s new ornament is a John Deere tractor. Hot chocolate has been my afternoon pick-me-up for a couple of months…that has to change in 2026. There are several little elves on the tree!
As the girls have grown, it is now impossible for all three of us to sit in the comfy chair! We have spent many happy hours in this chair that also rocks and swivels. A wool tartan plaid throw keeps me warm. I found the nutcracker pillow a couple of weeks ago at my favorite local shop.
Royal Stafford dinner plates and tartan salad plates join my Mother’s Old World Santa’s.
RM cuts fresh pine for the shelves, it softens the hard spaces and offers a wonderful Christmas fragrance as soon as I step inside! Bottle brush trees are placed here and there.
The nutcracker salad plates were found at Hobby Lobby three years ago. I kept hoping they would add to the collection, but so far they haven’t.
The larger nutcracker on the counter next to the wall is another Christopher Radko music box nutcracker. The same friend, Brenda, also gave me this one! I cross-stitched the small Noel pillow many years ago!
The cottage has several plaid throws. I think they are perfect for winter and especially Christmas as they add color and warmth!
You should catch a glimpse of a tray with mugs ready for hot chocolate, coffee, or Russian tea! Did you see my Tea on Tuesdays yesterday?
My sweet Daddy’s old 1940’s Underwood typewriter moved into the cottage in the summer of 2020, when the cottage was built! I move it to dust, but I believe it is here to stay. The typewriter is a great way to display all of our son’s and daughter-in love’s Christmas cards from previous years!
Thank you for your visit and gracious comments.
I end with another image of the Nativity! Angels declared to shepherds that a baby they would find in a manger in Bethlehem was the good news the world needed and was waiting for. Many, many scriptures tell us why Jesus came into the world. Immanuel, God with us…the best news we will ever hear!
“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”
1 John 1:5 (ESV)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 (ESV)
Linking with: Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch,Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
Your cottage is so festive decked out in all its holiday and Christmas finery Pam! I love seeing your collections displayed together with the plates, greenery, nutcrackers, Santas and tree. Love the new ornament additions in honor of your grands. Your Nativity and Reason for the Season is beautiful in its simplicity placed under your cloche. Wishing you a merry Thursday and rest of your week! ❤️🎄
Thank you Mary. Merry Weekend❤️✨🎄
I love it, Pam. your Chriatmas cottage maximalist style makes my Christmas heart flutter. Enjoy the season!
Thank you Rita! I am definitely a maximalist when it comes to Christmas!
Merry Christmas is the look at your cottage. I thought yesterday it would be impossible to be “merrier” but you did it! To me Christmas is all about memories and every collection restores loved ones memories, your mothers ceramics and your dads typewriter are things I look for each Christmas. But not everything is a memory, like the grands new Christmas ornaments and the beautiful nativity Butch gave you. I love the book stack table. I’ve been giving some of my books to a local store where you carry in books and then you can chose books of your choice. Guess I’m not really down sizing. The tray waiting for little ones is precious. I’ve bern tempted to try a new hot chocolate recipe but my goodness it’s made with sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream so maybe not!
Yes Alice I agree Christmas is about memories! The hot chocolate would be rich and delicious, but calorie laden! Wishing you a Merry Weekend my friend!
You have such gorgeous collections! I wish we could enjoy all these things for more than just one month a year.
Thank you Carole. I wish we could enjoy the season longer!
I always love my “visits to the cottage!” It is so charming and I love that you use so many wonderful things. Makes me smile, all those Santas and Nutcrackers. I believe Christmas is the time live “If you’ve it, flaunt it!” and no better way than with your wonderful pieces. And yet not cluttered, but divinely stylish and beautiful! You are merry and festive personified!
Thank you Jeanie. I am happy if it brings smiles. Merry, Merry!
What a magical place for your grandchildren. I enjoy seeing your pictures and posts each week. Thank you for sharing, especially the scripture. May you and your family have a blessed Christmas season.
Thank you Angela. Wishing you a blessed Christmas!
Cottage and Christmas just go together. The warmth and thought put into your displays show how much you love the season and the meaning behind it. It’s truly a joyful time and you are indeed overflowing with joy. My favorite kind of people!
Thank you Leslie Anne. Your comments warm my heart!
Good Morning Pam. I love that you have so many Christmas pieces that have beautiful memories attached. Enjoy these last days before the big day. Hugs. Kris
Thank you Kris. Christmas seems to be coming faster than ever!
Pam, I always enjoy seeing your sweet mom’s artistic talent on display. She was so talented. Her Mr. and Mrs. Claus figurines are so detailed. Your precious daddy’s typewriter is perfect in the Sunshine Cottage holding family holiday cards. You have it beautifully decorated. I know the children enjoy their time there. The tractor is perfect for WL! The sweet little felted deer is so cute. The nativity scene has center stage as it should be. I love the cloche! Merry Christmas! Clara❤️
Thank you, Clara. I agree the Nativity should be the center of cottage and our home❤️✨
Pam, your cottage is such a wonderful place for you to display and enjoy all of your Christmas collectibles. I’m sure your granddaughters can’t wait to visit and I’m sure the boys enjoy even if they don’t show it. Your mom was so creative, I know all those Santa’s hold a special place in your heart. Thank you for sharing all the scripture. Merry Christmas……
Thank you Emily for your sweet comments. Merry Christmas!
Enjoyed the visit to the Sunshine Cottage Pam. Your collections are great. I too have a few collections, especially Santas. Just had to let you know that our son, Josh, also had that same teddy bear. We called him Honey Jo bear. They must have been the rage in 1987. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Thank you Darlene. So many similarities in our lives. I am amazed that Josh had the same bear. Merry Christmas ❤️✨
Love! Love! Love!
Your Sunshine Cottage is so festive. I sure do enjoy your Mom’s ceramic Santas. The details on each one are incredible. What treasures they are for you! 🥰
Your nutcracker collection is impressive. Each one is more beautiful than the other.
I love all the Christmas plates. What a delight to have them all displayed so beautifully.
Thanks so much for the tour.
The lovely nativity reminds us of the reason for the season!🙏
Merry Christmas, dear friends!
Thank you, Nancy! I always enjoy your visits. Merry Christmas to you and Sweet Man ❤️✨
Wow, Pam, this isn’t just a cottage, it’s a Christmas time capsule for your favorite little ones! I can hear the generations of laughter echoing in the walls – it is a beautiful Christmas Story!
Thank you Mary for your sweet comments!
Your cottage is especially beautiful and fun during Christmas time, Pam. Thank you for the Scripture, I always hear it in the voice of the Charlie Brown Special kids anymore…
The pine aroma must be perfect as you sip from special hot chocolate mugs or lovely tea cups form your stunning tea parties. So many pretties and sentimental pieces that I find myself looking for year after year…and then the new ornaments are so full of delight❣️
I did choke up a little bit that the girls have grown up so much now that all three of you no longer fit in the comfy chair. I remember you saying when they began reading to you… now!! Time just seems to move so quickly. It’s so special that they too enjoy your collections and treasures. Love all your cozy throws and eye catching pillows too. Thank you for such a magical tour in the Sunshine Cottage, helping to bring us the Spirit of Christmas…you certainly contributed to the joy of this week💚❤️💚 Continued wishes to you and yours for a Merry Christmas.🎄✨️🎄
Thank you Sue. Your comments are always heartwarming. Time does move quickly and EM is almost as tall as I am. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas ❤️✨🎄
I never tire of feasting my eyes on your shelf- and table-scapes, Pam! Often I come away with an idea that I can try–like turning a stack of coffee table books into a table. LOVE it! Thank you for taking the time to photograph your designs and post them with interesting bits of background info. (One example, that your mother painted some of your lovely ceramic figures. She was very artistic too!) Merry Christmas to you and your precious family, Pam!
Thank you Nancy! I am happy that you came away with an idea. That makes me smile. Merry Christmas to you and your precious family!
Thank You Pam, for sharing your gorgeous cottage Christmas. Plaid is a favorite of ours, too. The Nutcrackers are beautiful as are the pillars. Those dishes are stunning. Naturally the most beautiful thing is the Nativity. Wishing you ,Butch and your lovely family a Blessed and Merry Christmas. Have a Happy, Healthy and peace filled New Year. God Bless.
Marion and Marilyn
Thank you Marion and Marilyn. I know that you are missing your sister, Joan. Cherish all the sweet memories. Wishing you both a Merry Christmas and a Happy, healthy, and peaceful New Year. God bless you both ❤️✨
Oh Pam, you have such wonder collections and I enjoyed checking all of them out. I especially loved seeing your dear mother’s beautiful ceramics. Wasn’t she so talented in so many areas? The Nativity from Butch is such a treasures and perfect under the dome. Thank you for the wonderful tour of sunshine cottage. Merry Christmas!
P. S. I could make several side tables with all my cookbooks!!
Kitty, you are so sweet and thank you for your visit! Merry Christmas!
The cottage is dressed so beautiful and great memories. The Nativity is the best gift. Merry Christmas Pam and Butch and Family.
Thank you Nancy. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Pam, you have such lovely collections and have displayed them so beautifully in the Sunshine Cottage. I especially love the pieces from your mother and the Nativity Scene from Butch. And of course your daddy’s typewriter is so special. The grand girls must find it magical to visit. The tree is so pretty and I love all the tartans and plaids – so cozy. The nutcrackers are such a fun collection and I love the new little felt ornament for Daniel. The table of books is brilliant and I think I’m going to borrow that idea so thanks for sharing. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season!
Thank you Kim! Do you have snow on the ground? It is supposed to be 71 on Christmas Day! I am glad you like the book idea. Merry Christmas to you and yours✨🎄✨
I look for your decor every issue but your Christmas time decor is always next level and such a treat. Everything is beautiful Pam
You are so sweet, Gina! Thank you dear one!
I enjoyed this festive post, Pam, your decorations are just fab and I’m inspired by your attention to detail. Happy holidays.
Amalia
xo
Thanks so much Amalia for your sweet comments!
Pam, What a beautiful fairyland! Your cottage is a spectacular way to show your lovely Christmas decor. Your decorations exceed any specialty Christmas shop I have ever been in. The tree is amazing as are your sweet Mother’s old world Santas. I also love the use of your dear daddy’s typewriter…what a great way to display Christmas cards. I love all the tartan, plaids and nutcrackers. Do you store all of it in the Sunshine Cottage or do you have to tote it all from the house? Since my daughter’s visit, I have been finishing the organization she started of all my ‘stash’…it is mind boggling. LOL. I adore the special gift of the Nativity from Butch…thanks you for sharing and letting us virtually visit your Christmas. Merry Christmas my friend
Thank you so much, my friend! I definitely need to organize all of my stash. I can handle organizing, but I don’t keep it that way. All of Christmas decor is stored together in a smaller shop behind Butch’s larger shop. I do keep most of my dishes that I don’t use often in the cottage.
Merry Weekend ❤️✨🎄🎶🎁
Your Sunshine cottage is always special buy especially at Christmas. Santa himself would be very impressed with all tour wonderful collections.
Thank you, Karen! Merry Christmas!
I can only imagine the number of stored-up memories created in your Sunshine Cottage. You and your grandkids are truly blessed to have this space to share. Have a blessed and beautiful Christmas!
Thank you, Cindie. Yes, many memories have been made and we are making more. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Pam, Sunshine cottage is such a happy and festive place. Love your collections of nutcrackers, santas and so much more. Your mother’s ceramics are such wonderful treasures. The shelves looks lovely with your greenery and plates. A beautiful place to enjoy Christmas with your sweet family. Merry Merry.
Thanks so much, Linda! I enjoy decorating it for my grands and me!
I know what you mean by grandchildren too big for snuggles in your chair Pam.
My grandchildren are adults & young adults now, sadly way beyond snuggling in my chair as we once did when they were little.
But I do get snuggles with my great grandbabies now, when they visit, which is such a delight.
Christmas blessings sweet friend!
Jennifer I am so happy you have great grands to snuggle with when they come to visit. Blessings sweet friend and Merry Christmas!
Good morning, Pam! Sunshine Cottage is absolutely magical decorated for Christmas! I always love seeing all of your beautiful collections displayed so lovingly for the Christmas season. I am always impressed by your dear mother’s ceramics. They are so detailed, and I know you treasure them. Your Christmas tree is so pretty, and I adore all of your plaid touches. Do I spy MacKenzie Child’s tartan plates on your shelves? I know I don’t need another dish, but I started a collection of them this year. We are kindred spirits in our love of decorating books. I have them everywhere! Your table idea is perfect. Thank you so much for sharing your Christmas cottage with us. Merry Christmas week my dear friend!
Oh, what whimsical joy to behold. I bet your grands LOVE your fun colorful Christmas decor.
What a wonderful life’s collection of special items. Hope you had a blessed Christmas season. May your new year be peaceful, healthy and happy.
So beautiful and festive! I can only imagine the fun your little grands have when they come to visit. What sweet memories you are making with them! May God bless all of you with many more happy Christmases together!