Holidays Past

Growing up, I remember the excitement and anticipation of Christmas, and the feeling of warmth that filled my body and soul. My fondest memories were living in California, and our drives through the extremely decorated neighborhoods. They were “jaw dropping!” I mean, they had santa sleighs and reindeer on the roofs, Christmas stars that lit up the street, mechanical toys, and angels singing. It was truly amazing, and it seemed like everyone participated. In those days (yes it has been quite a few years, actually decades, yikes!), the towns and even the stores made great effort to shine with decorations. I guess what I am trying to say is, the decorations provided much enjoyment, and Christmas spirit. To me, it’s sad that things have changed due to expense, or the fear of offending someone’s beliefs.

Even though lights and decorations are a form of commercialism, they lift my spirit. I think decorations, lights, and music all play an important role in the Holidays.

I even remember carolers roaming the streets singing! Nowadays, it is either not safe, unacceptable, or an intrusion of some kind. Isn’t that sad? Personally, I would happily welcome an “intrusion” like that, but I’m happy that some of those things can still be found today, where communities provide “tree lighting ceremonies” and “Christmas festivities.”

Today’s Christmas

Christmas is so focused on shopping and getting the “best deal” that “Black Friday” has become a violent competition, so contrary to the meaning of Christmas. Something is very wrong, and it will probably get worse before it gets better. I’m all for getting a bargain, but not at the expense of someone’s safety.

It’s funny that it is NOT the presents that I remember. I remember laughter, the beckoning aromas from the kitchen, baking delectable goodies, singing Christmas songs, hot cocoa, and spending Christmas Day in our jammies. We played jokes on unsuspecting relatives…wrapping large boxes, weighted with a rock, among other fun gags. I remember decorating our tree, and my dad, meticulously hanging the tinsel, one strand at a time! The results were amazing! I miss my dad, but he is with us always. Maybe it just seemed simpler because I was a child, and didn’t have all the responsibility that fall on the adults. Maybe my parents were stressed, but I don’t remember it. I know it can be challenging to “stop all rushing around, and seize the moment,” but those moments, are the ones that count.

All I know is that memories are made of those special moments, with special people, and that is what will remain with you long after Christmas has passed. If you need a great Christmas song of the past to get you in the spirit, I have just the thing – “White Christmas” by The Drifters. Enjoy, and please have a wonderful holiday. May your New Year be a thousand times better than you imagine

Christmas Grinch Pendant by spoiledroyalgirls

Every Who down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot, but the Grinch, who lived just north of Whoville – did not. The Grinch hated Christmas – the whole Christmas season. Now, please don’t ask why; no one quite knows the reason. It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight. Or it could be that his head wasn’t screwed on just right. But I think that the most likely reason of all may have been that his heart was two sizes too small.

He puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!

And what happened then? Well, in Whoville they say that the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes that day. And then – the true meaning of Christmas came through, and the Grinch found the strength of *ten* Grinches, plus two!

~The Grinch Who Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

Merry Christmas!  May all our hearts remain large beyond the season.

Bonnie & Rachel

Not Even a Mouse / Penguin Christmas Card Set / Vintage Inspired Wreath

Felted Nativity Scene / Upcycled Snowflake Stocking / Eggnog Buttercreams

Snowstorm Hand painted Ornament / Christmas Owl Garland / Santa’s Cookie & Milk

Wishing everyone a Happy Handmade Holiday,
❅ ❅ ❅ Rachel & Bonnie ❅ ❅ ❅

10.  …that a Dyson can suck up a small tree skirt.

9.  …that if cinnamon buns don’t “proof”, they don’t “poof”, thereby resulting in cinnamon stones.

8.  …that my dog truly believes a Christmas tree is just another tree and he peed on it.

7.  …that not everyone looks “festive” in a red sweater.

6.  …that ornament balls are highly explosive when bitten into.

5.  …that “it’s the thought that counts” only applies to thoughtless gifts.

4.  …that you should salt your walkway before a 2-year old visits.

3.  …that tissue paper is edible and will come out the other end.

2.  …that an ice ball is very dangerous in teenage hands.

And, the #1 thing I learned this Christmas was…

1.  ….that the words “Merry Christmas” are not offensive to anyone.