RSS

Tag Archives: christmas

Finally, I can Share!

For Christmas, I’ve been working on zippered bags that a friend recently taught us to make for a craft day project. I went a little nuts and decided on a personal bag for everyone in my family as well as several friends. It took me many painstaking hours because I don’t sew much. Cutting all of the fabric was fun, since I enjoy chopping things up. Along the way, I learned a lot about sewing machines, thread quality, and exhaustion.

The best part of the holiday project was spending time on each one thinking about that person, memories shared, and prayers for all good things to come for each and every one.

When my sister saw that I’d made one for everyone, she said something to the effect of, “Will you ever sew again?” The answer, went something like this, “Maybe, but not right now. I’d like to see some dust on that machine first.”

Handmade zippered bags of various fabrics under the Christmas tree.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on December 29, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

The Best Part of Holiday Dinner

This is the place setting we had for Christmas Day dinner. The napkins even came with coasters, so cute!

The dinner was delicious, and too much was made on purpose. Why? Because the very best part of shared meals is leftovers.

I really, really, really don’t like cooking. I give thanks for leftovers! The cooking can be avoided for a few days. Yeah!

Christmas dinner place setting. No food, just diehs.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on December 29, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Christmas Day 2013

Wishing you and yours a joyous Christmas. May the feeling of Christmas remain in your heart all year long.

The Christmas tree for 2013.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on December 26, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

Tags: , , , ,

The Nativity

In downtown Kalamazoo during the Christmas season each year, you can find the Nativity. Near life-size pieces represent Mary, Joseph, the angel, wise men, shepherd, and, of course, baby Jesus. There are even sheep, a camel, and a donkey. I’m sure I’m leaving someone out, but it is not intended. There are other decorations in the park, and I appreciate that most of them stay the same from year to year.

Something else that stays the same over time is that, eventually, someone will steal the Christ Child. Other times, there will be someone’s personal blanket warming Him. I understand both of these – one in the sense that everyone should want to have the Lord with them, and the other that it’s cold in a Michigan winter, so there’s a longing to keep the child warm.

May you be warm with the babe in your heart this Christmas season.

The Manger with the Nativity Story in Bronson Park, Kalamazoo - at night.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on December 25, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Christmas Card Lane

There is a sight to see in Kalamazoo around Christmas time. It is Christmas Card Lane. It’s a street where many of the homes share the holiday spirit by putting out large “cards” in their yard to send greetings to all who pass by at the holidays. I’ve included a couple for your viewing pleasure…

The sign at the begining of Christmas Card Lane.

The Grinch and his dog on a "card" with lit dear in the yard.

A card with forest animals decorating a pine tree in a meadow.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on December 23, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Christmas = Peace

Three years ago today I took this photo. This, for me, is the meaning of Christmas.

Photo of downtown with a billboard for peace. The street is lined with blurred Christmas lights.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on December 22, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

Tags: , , ,

Christmas Cookies – Yum!

It’s the Christmas season!

There was a cookie walk at church where each person who bought a tin could walk around a room filled with home-made cookies and fill the tin.

The stores are all selling those delicious ginger/molasses cookies that cannot be turned down (at least by me).

Gifts are coming in with moist, rich chocolate chip cookies.

Your boss took you out to eat … next door to the cookie store which has irresistable and luscious cookies (and some cookies made it into your car).

There are treats at work … including cookies.

I could eat cookies for all three meals and be perfectly content … except for the belly ache.

I think I’ll throw in some fruit, veggies, dairy, and protein to balance it out as side-dishes throughout the day.

Basket of press cookies - green christmas trees - wrapped and ready for a cookie exchange back in 2008.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on December 21, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

Tags: , , ,

In Time for Christmas?

Have you ever made home-made Christmas presents? Just in case, this is something to consider, let me share with you how this could go…

  1. There’s this great home-made gift idea! It is awe-inspiring and everyone will appreciate it and use it.
  2. It is a few months before the holidays
  3. You’ll plan to work on it over the weekends
  4. The flu will entangle a weekend
  5. Sinus pain and ear aches envelope another weekend
  6. There are too many activities required at church and with family and friends taking up valuable weekend hours
  7. It’s okay, there’s always next weekend
  8. There’s that girls’ weekend you’re hosting and will need to put the project away to make room for company
  9. No projects come out again for another three weeks while you forget that Christmas IS coming
  10. The materials run short and shopping at craft stores ensues
  11. It’s 5 days ’til Christmas and 90% of the project has yet to be complete
  12. At this point, do you start shopping or stay awake around the clock until it’s done?

I’ll let you know.

Christmas presents under the Christmas Tree

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on December 20, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

My Favorite Present

The favorite present someone gave my uncle for Christmas. He left it overnight for me to enjoy. I adore fleece!

A cat laying on the carpet enjoying a new flannet shirt that was a Christmas present.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on December 19, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

Tags: , , , ,

Image

Christmas Tastes Good

A cat contentedly licking her paw near the empty boxes of Christmas ornaments.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on December 18, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

Tags: , , , ,

 
The Republic Post Informer

YOU are the news now...

Write With Joy

Freelance writer, editor, hobby photographer, and administrative assistant

Ex-Mana Book Group

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read." Groucho Marx

The Accidental Minister

A spiritual but religious WordPress.com site