Merry Christmas

I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet the words repeat

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Popping in to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! May your holiday be filled with family, love, and good cheer!

image via Martha Stewart

1: Merry Christmas!

Peace on Earth, good will toward men.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

image from here

2

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2: 4-20

3

After baking all those sweet Christmas cookies, don't forget to package them up pretty to give as gifts. I like the idea of including a little book of favorite recipes too.

images from Martha Stewart

4

The Nutcracker ballet is one of my favorite things about the holiday season. The music, the costumes, the gracefulness of the dances... it's all very enchanting.

images by Bob Krist from National Geographic Traveler

5

"Five Golden Rings...."

rings from Kate Spade

6

A fun (and free) Christmas activity is to all pile in the car, turn on the Christmas radio station, and drive around neighborhoods looking for the best Christmas light displays. There's always that one house that goes crazy, with thousands of lights, giant blow up figures, and santa as part of the nativity scene. (Btw, this... is hilarious!)

image via here

7

Hunter and I still don't have a venue for our 2010 wedding... hence the lack of wedding posts on here, since we haven't really done much solid planning. But I do have wedding on the brain and although I don't envision a wintry wedding for myself, I do think this pink poinsetta theme in this Snippet & Ink inspiration board is simply lovely and would make for a beautiful holiday wedding.

inspiration board from Snippet & Ink; photo credits here

Let It Snow!

Oh the weather outside is frightful,

But the fire is so delightful,

And since we've no place to go

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

There was a major winter storm this past weekend and we got around 16" of snow! So we stayed inside, baked gingerbread cookies, watched movies, and pretty much just lazed around by the fire. It was wonderful :)

Let it Snow lyrics; images by me

8

Tis the season for giving, and not just to family and friends, but to those in need around the world. If you're looking for a gift that's more meaningful than materialistic, visit World Vision's gift catalogue.

Give the gift of a goat, or chickens. School supplies or clothing. The share of a well, or education for a child. Things that may seem small, but when given, make a huge impact on the lives of needy families in impoverished countries.

Make a donation in honor of your gift recipient, and give a gift that keeps on giving.

via World Vision

9

So simple and yet so festive. Cute and cheerful flats from Kate Spade.

Fiona flat by Kate Spade

10

This unique Asian-Inspired Christmas tree is so pretty. The soft colors are so peaceful and calm.

tree from Martha Stewart

11

This week's Pretty Shoe Tuesday may not exactly be "pretty," but they are cute... and comfy... and warm... and pink... and on sale... so I think they definitely make the cut. ;)

Sherling mocs from J.Crew

12

Crate and Barrel offers a clever ode to the 12 days of Christmas with a set of twelve whimsical handpainted ornaments, one for each verse of the song.

12 Days of Christmas ornament set from Crate and Barrel

13

Hot chocolate and mint sounds like the perfect wintry mix. Next time I'm craving a warm soothing drink, I'd like to try out this Grasshopper Hot Chocolate recipe from Gourmet.

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup cold water
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup half-and-half
2 1/2 cups milk
1/3 cup crème de menthe, or to taste
2 tablespoons crème de cacao, or to taste
whipped cream and shaved bitterwseet chocolate for garnish

In a heavy saucepan combine the cocoa powder, the sugar, the water, the vanilla, and a pinch of salt and heat the mixture over low heat, whisking, until the cocoa powder is dissolved and the mixture is a smooth paste. Gradually add the half-and-half and the milk, both scalded, and simmer the hot chocolate, whisking, for 2 minutes. Stir in the crème de menthe and the crème de cacao. (For a frothy result, in a blender blend the hot chocolate in batches.) Divide the hot chocolate among mugs and top it with the whipped cream and the chocolate. Makes about 4 1/2 cups, serves 4 to 6.

recipe and image via Gourmet

14

Have you had any carolers come sing at your house yet? Or better yet, have you gone caroling? Know all the lyrics to your favorite carols with a christmas song book, like this one from Martha Stewart or this one from BHG.

images via Martha Stewart

15

Make it a homemade holiday with cute crocheted Christmas amigurumi.

Christmas amigurumi patterns and photos from Lion Brand

16

Looking for a hostess gift, a secret-santa present, or just something for that one person that's hard to shop for? Well go to Anthropologie and pick up the Capri Blue Volcano candle. It just might be the best smelling candle out there. It smells so good, you may want to keep it for yourself instead of gifting it away!

Capri Blue Volcano candle at Anthropologie