Remembering the CHRIST in Christmas

I wish all of you, the very merriest Christmas! As you gather with family & friends today, remember the reason for the season!



1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

3 And everyone went to his own town to register.

4 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.

5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,

7 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.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

10 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.

11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

15 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."

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,

18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

20 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: 1-20 NIV

Love, Chris

Christmas Decor Inspiration!

I have had a bit of a challenge getting my Christmas Decorating done this year! So yesterday, I took a trip to my very favorite local Home & Garden Design store, Pottery World. It is always a feast for the eyes during the Holidays. They decorate with a style and "over the top" hand that I love. And, you can buy everything right there! It also doesn't hurt that by now, things are starting to go 50% off! *Ü*

When I got inside the store, I realized I should have brought my camera, then remembered my cell phone. I was able to take a few photos before the battery got too low. They aren't the greatest, but I hope you'll get a little inspiration...


As I first walked in the door, I spotted this beautiful flocked tree with simple red & green balls, floral picks and little lanterns. Isn't it beautiful?





Next on the tour is this winter wonderland! Obviously it is too big for the all but the grandest of homes, but I would certainly love a smaller version!




In the wall cubbies behind the display they had about 10 different types of animals & birds, all in snow white. Here are a couple of my very favorites.


Aren't these owls beautiful?





I thought these bears were so unique!




Then, I turned around & caught sight of more silver & white fantasy! That ceiling ornament, representing a chandelier I think, was gorgeous!




This is a closer shot of the front of the display. The white swan in the huge apothecary jar is so serene and fantasy-like!

I took a photo of this small tree for a friend who is decorating her new home, and for Christmas in these colors.

The store has several full room vignettes set up so I wandered over to see them. On the way, I spotted this niche with a Moroccan-style frame and a tree set in it! I think I want to copy that for next year!

Once I got to the rooms, they had the lighting set like it was evening and my cell camera got only one half-decent photo. I promise they were stunning! This room was decorated like an English Manor. There was a carved wooden reindeer(?) head on each side of the mantel all bedecked with pheasant feathers, mossy branches, pine cones & dried florals. It was my very favorite thing in the whole store!

Just a couple more. Again, the photos are poor, but look at the size of this Nativity Scene! And I thought this coppery ceiling display was pretty super!

I hope you enjoyed the tour! I am finally inspired to start decorating today!

Cheers! Chris

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