My Christmas does look very different this year. I am going to show you my decorations--quite different from the past.
I bought this for my table in the glass room where I live!
The entry hall table. My Christmas tree!
My Santa
Can't forget Grandma Moses.
And my favorite part of my Christmas decorations, always.
And that is it. Those are my decorations.
Two talented decorators have put up my Christmas decorations for years. Their health did not permit them to handle the job this year. I have not been as sad as I thought I might be. But I am grateful for every year that I got to revel in them. If you want to see what I'm missing this year,
CLICK HERE
It has also been heart wrenching not to get to sing in our choir music presention. I will never "grinch" about having to go to those extra rehearsals again! Such an important part of Christmas to me. So much joy.
I did two special things for myself to try to compensate for the losses. I "attended" Andrea Bocelli's virtual live concert from Italy on my computer screen. It was fabulous. I didn't take any pictures, but you may have seen this one from the presentation.
Then I treated myself to Michael W. Smith's virtual Christmas celebration. It was from the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and was also a treat for me. I got some screen shots.
From the comfort of my sofa and blanket!
He closed with Friends are friends forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them. One of my favorites.
I'm thinking virtual concerts are more my speed now anyway!
What did you think about that Christmas star? Although I know it wasn't really a star. This picture from the Hubble telescope is mesmerizing to me.
Doesn't it look just like the star of Bethlehem in this photo? I can't believe I got to experience this in my lifetime.
So today the Stovall and Metzger families got together to exchange Christmas gifts. But not all together as we have so pleasantly done for years. We were safe...masked and spaced. The Metzger clan was first on Rob's and Susan's wonderful "porch." Then the Stovall group moved in. As usual, we had lots of love and laughs---just no hugs. I only took a few pictures.
My sleigh, all loaded and ready to go. I didn't make a single real bow this year. Guy's gifts got no ribbon. Girl's gifts got some cheater bows. (That's leftover and taped or tied on.)
A more loving and generous pair you never will see...Jay & Terri
My unbelievable "haul."
So heart warming to a grandmother to see how much the newlyweds still like each other...Susannah and Nick
Rob, Susan, and Madeline who had just flown in from New York for the celebration!
Does anyone remember when I gave Rob this "ostrich pillow?" Well, he re-gifted it today to Nick! (I am trying to disguise my hurt.) Not really. We laughed until our sides ached! Nick says when Susannah starts flying again he's going to bring it with him on one of her flights. I just chuckled out loud at the thought of it.
This would have been the ideal year for me to send Christmas cards. Plenty of time--haven't seen friends in ages. Well, don't think you were left off my list. There were no cards. I will tell you I really loved and enjoyed all the ones I received, though.
Well, in just 4 minutes it will be Christmas Day! In keeping with my tradition, I will not be asleep in time for Santa. I'm not wrapping last minute gifts this year for the first time ever as far as I can remember, but now I'm blogging!!! I had to stop and take time out for a little snack--Mexican Inn chips and hot sauce, so I may be getting even less sleep than usual tonight!
Tomorrow (or actually today now) I get to have lunch with Jay and Terri and her lovely mom, Marilyn. I hear we are having prime rib! The three of them went to see the Prairie Lights earlier this week and, of course, invited me along. Since I hadn't been enclosed in a vehicle with anyone in over 9 months, I was hesitant. Jay generously offered to strap me to the top of their car (even providing the straps) so that I could have the best, open air view! I seriously considered until I realized it would probably mess up my hair.
My December 2020 Calendar
Here's hoping for a busier December, 2021!
However, by then I may be so lazy I don't care!
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night! I can't wait to hug you, too, again.
