Christmas Ornament Exchange ~

Hello friends and Merry Christmas!

My dear Stephanie over at The Enchanting Rose

hosted a Christmas ornament exchange

and what a wonderful way to begin my days of sharing and giving.

Christmas, the birth of our Savior, brings with it many traditions 

around the world, doesn't it?

Gift giving is such a joyous part of Christmas ~

 though gifts are bought, wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree,

there are many ways in which we can find to give.

We have opportunity to give of ourselves, our time, our hospitality and so much more...

For me, this ornament exchange allowed me to touch the life of another,
and meet and make two new friends

Thank you Stephanie!

 ~ ~ ☆ ☆ ♡ ♡ ♡ ☆ ☆ ~ ~

Allison, the dear lady who's name I was given does not have a Blog

so I will share with you the gift package I put together for her.

My new friend loves a Christ centered Christmas

winter birds and a vintage Christmas,

our likes are quite similar.

First I found some beautiful hand crafted place mats

that would lead me in gathering a theme of cardinals,

and what a delight it was looking for that awesome brilliant red bird.

The cardinals beauty is breathtaking as they perch themselves on a barren tree branch

on a winter's day surrounded by the snow.

God directed my path as I prayed over my theme package and dear Allison.

 

It was on a cold snowy day when my gift package arrived from Dixie.

I grabbed myself a cup of tea (some Adagio tea a precious friend gifted me)
sat next to the fire, and began to unwrap my lovely box, item for item.
This beautiful bow and music tissue paper was the beginning of 
something uniquely designed by my new friend Dixie.

When Dixie read my bio stating that I love birds
she went to work with her creative hands and made every ornament 
that would decorate the beautiful "feather" tree that she included.
Little red cardinals, bird seed balls and some darling nests with eggs!
Pure delight and joy is this precious tree that beautifully graces our home.
I was in awe of such a personal gift!

Dixie also decorated a bird feeder for the Holidays
and included some bird seed in a sweet Christmas goodie bag,
what a great idea!!

  I have enjoyed the Guide Post book and booklet during my afternoon tea time
as I sit quietly near the fire taking in the beauty of  the lights on our Christmas tree,
while beautiful Christmas music plays softly in the back ground.
Dixie certainly put some love and time into my gift package,
why, she even wrote the loveliest letter sharing about herself with such enthusiasm, 
her sweet and friendly personality leaped off the page.
I just knew I was going to connect with both Dixie and Allison!
These exchanges Stephanie puts together for us ladies to enjoy
certainly affords us the opportunity of becoming friends 
with ladies we may never even meet or see this side of Eternity,
but I can attest that real friendships can be made should we take the time to reach out.

  ~ ~ ☆ ☆ ♡ ♡ ♡ ☆ ☆ ~ ~

In my last post weeks ago, my husband and I were preparing to leave for Canada
for my father-in-laws memorial service. 
It was a {{cold}} wet and snowy trip, for which I was not quite prepared for,
but God looked after us and kept us safe both in the air and on the ground.
After our return home we were blessed to have our three oldest grandsons
for a few days during their Thanksgiving school break.

The boys and I played games, more games and even more games.

We had a day at the pool, enjoyed playtime out in the snow, lots of snacking

with plenty of "Beethoven" movies followed by a nap near the fire
as we each curled up in a cozy spot.

Family gathered for an early Thanksgiving dinner of fried chicken,

yes, fried chicken. 😉

Thanksgiving Day was quiet and relaxing, just my husband and I
and a wonderful turkey dinner.

With our daughters being married, we must share family time.

After the boys left I began "Decking the Halls"

preparing our home for Christmas and the Birthday of our Savior.

Once the decorating is complete I can then focus on the joys of Christmas

while surrounded by the beauty of the Christmas tree and lights.

My mind is free to think of all that I hope to accomplish for loved ones
in this holy season.
This is the season of wonder and anticipation,
a time to ponder and prepare our hearts for the miracle 
and mystery of Christ's birth.
Jesus is the reason.
May the heart of Christmas~the love of Jesus, the joy of grace,
and the peace of God~be yours today and always!

Sending you, my dear readers, much love and Christmas Blessings 

♡

God's blessings be upon you!

~ Debbie ~

"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable Gift"

2 Corinthians 9:15