One last look at Christmas here at the cottage. I took these photos yesterday as the sun poured into the living room – it was bitterly cold, but it was sunny.
A last look at the tree. Since we purchased it so early in the month – I think it was December 1st – it’s very dry now and it needs to go. I’ve only taken a tree down this early once before; when we were both going out of town for work. But we needed the tree in our lives earlier than usual this year and we needed the decorations and lights. And so, we’re ready to let it go.
Thank you, little tree.
Time to clean those stair risers!
I think the putz house village will remain in place for another week.
This hatbox with a putz house and pink trees was a gift from a blog reader several years ago. She made it. I’m so sorry, but I can’t remember who it was. If you’re the creator of this beautiful piece, will you let me know in the comments, so I can acknowledge you?
I added the little elf and the Vintage by Crystal ornament – On Dasher, on Dancer. (If you follow Vintage by Crystal on IG, she posted the most magical video of her two vintage trees a day or so ago, one of them German. Watch it if you can. I’ve saved it because I love it so much.)
This little display on the piano makes me smile.
We had a lovely day. We played Christmas music. We did on Christmas Eve, as well, when we danced to a favorite song as we do every year. Very romantic. Presents were lovely; we each gave each other a book and one other little present. We were on a strict budget, and you know what? It was perfect. It turns out the theme this year was music. Don gave me the first volume of Stephen Sondheim’s writings about his music – Finishing the Hat. I’ve wanted it for a long time. And I gave him Bob Dylan’s new book; The Philosophy of Modern Song. We’re at the age when we basically say: This is what I want for Christmas. It sure makes things easier. I also gave him a daily planner for 2023, something I’ve been doing for years. And he found a little wooden bird puzzle for me to put together. It’s almost impossible to do, but I will keep working at it! It’s really beautiful.
We had a lovely dinner, including biscuits, courtesy of my grandmother’s recipe. We were too full for apple pie, so we’ll dig into that today.
And then we watched White Christmas. A perfect day.
How was your Christmas, if you celebrate? I hope you were safe and sound, that you had power, that you were where you needed to be and not stranded somewhere. It was a tough Christmas for many people because of weather-related problems.
Stay safe.
Happy Monday.
