Same Old Lang Syne

www.theplatelady.com/limoges.htm

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree...




On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Six Geese a laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

Has anyone seen the price of gold lately? My true love can just give me the five golden rings and keep the
flock of geese.




Same Old Lang Syne-Dan Fogelberg (RIP)


It's New Year Eve
Today, see if you can stretch your heart
and expand your love so that it touches
not only those whom you can give it easily,
but also those who need it so much. "
--Daphne Rose Kingma

On the fourth day of Christmas...

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me four birds of calling...




"When you have nothing to say, say nothing." Charles Caleb Colton






"It is easier to look wise than to talk wisely." St. Ambrose




Jesus Calling - 33 Miles

"Good words are worth much, and cost little." George Herbert

On the third day of Christmas....

On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.



I ain't what I want to be,
I ain't what I ought to be,
I ain't what I'm going to be,
But thank You, God,
I ain't what I used to be. Amen






Diana Krall Live in Paris: I Love Being Here With You

On the second day of Christmas...

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Two turtle doves....

"There is something so appealing about bird Christmas tree ornaments and I don't think it's just because birds live in trees. I think it's also because of the bird's association with peace and song, two things so closely associated with Christmas."

A Week of Christmas Projects from The Purl Bee! - the purl bee ...

Two Hands By Jars Of Clay

On the first day of Christmas...

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me....




"Ain True Love" by Alison Krauss

Christmas Ten Commandments

CHRISTMAS TEN COMMANDMENTS
Author Unknown

1. Thou shalt give thy heart to Christ. Let Him be at the top of thy Christmas list

2. Thou shalt prepare thy soul for Christmas. Spend not so much on gifts that thy soul is forgotten.

3. Thou shalt not let Santa Claus replace Christ, thus robbing the day of its spiritual reality.

4. Thou shalt not burden the shop girl, the mailman, and the merchant with complaints and demands.

5. Thou shalt give thyself with thy gift. This will increase its value a hundred fold, and he who receiveth it shall treasure it forever.

6. Thou shalt not value gifts received by their cost. Even the least expensive may signify love, and that is more priceless than silver and gold.

7. Thou shalt not neglect the needy. Share thy blessings with many who will go hungry and cold unless thou are generous.

8. Thou shalt not neglect thy church. Its services highlight the true meaning of the season.

9. Thou shalt be as a little child. Not until thou has become in spirit as a little one art thou ready to enter into the kingdom of Heaven.

10. Thou shall not forget to share your joy, peace and faith with those around you.

"My Grown Up Christmas List" By Kelly Clarkson

Twas The Night Before Christmas

William Goldstein's whimsical setting of the classic Clement C. Moore poem, for Orchestra, Chorus and Narrator (available for live concerts, contact Theodore Presser Co.)The recording of this beautiful music is available for download from your favorite provider.

RULDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER (1948)

Max Fleischer directed this cartoon gem for the Jam Handy Organization in 1948 on behalf of Montgomery Ward & Co. Paul Wing narrates the famous Christmas story of Rudolph and his shiny red nose.

Here Comes Santa Claus (Jingle Bells & Here Comes Santa Claus)

Official NORAD Santa Tracker
Welcome to NORAD Tracks Santa. All the preparations for this year are in place! Choose a language to receive updates from the North Pole. Kids just link highlighted in RED.

Mr. Santa

How will you your Christmas keep?
Feasting, fasting, or asleep?
. . . Be it kept with joy or pray'r,
Keep of either some to spare;
whatsoever brings the day,
Do not keep but give away.

--Eleanor Farjeon



'Mr. Santa' by Suzy Boggus

Sled dogs deliver Santa Claus for Shop For a Hero
Georgia's only Iditarod veteran, Bill Borden, hitches up three of his Iditarod dogs and three AKC Champion Siberian Huskies to bring Santa to The Joy Foundation's Shop With a Hero event in Acworth, GA. Music is "Mr. Santa" by Suzy Boggus, from Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas on Loyal Dutchess Records. http://joyfoundation.org/shopwithaher... http://www.sandyweavercountry.com/





Santa Buddies Sing Along - We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Some Children See Him

"The Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, netiher knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." John 14:17

James Taylor - Some Children See Him

,

"To live the sanctified life we must choose to be holy. Sanctification is a life of Christ centered choices, made evident in loving obedience to God." Mel E. De Peal

The Holly & The Ivy

33 Holiday Wreaths Door Decor





The Holly and the Ivy, named after an English Carol of the 1600's, is a contemporary arrangement of antique illustrations with a flowing script which gives Portmeirion's Holiday pattern a look which is sophisticated, original and versatile. Anwyl Cooper-Willis's 1996 design will bring cheer to table settings throughout the winter months.







The Holly & The Ivy - Natalie Cole

The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Saviour
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly and the ivy
Now both are full well grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

I heard the Bells On Christmas Day

The Story Behind "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"
Dec 20, 2001 ... Henry Wadsworth Longfellow added to the wealth of carols sung each Christmas when he composed the words to I Heard the Bells on Christmas ...

Casting Crowns: I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day

"Christmas Bells"
(The original poem, complete with all seven stanzas)

"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!


And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


Then from each black accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"


Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Easy Christmas Centerpiece Ideas

50 Great & Easy Christmas Centerpiece Ideas

When family and friends gather for Christmas party in your home than you definitely will decorate your table. Every Christmas table decoration should include beautiful centerpieces....




Christmas Candy Table Centerpieces

Ornaments

Award winning cartoon about a Santa ornament that comes to life!

Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire

33 Mantel Christmas Decorations Ideas

Photo credit: Steven Randazzo

Pinecone Crafts - Ideas for Pinecone Décor - Country Living

Holiday Decorating with Pinecones. Pinecones appear seemingly everywhere at our ... christmas, holiday, decorating, pinecones, pine cones, plate, dishes, ...






"Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire" by Michael Buble

The warmth of Christmas, which is love...

Santa in a Snowglo...
RoughEdges
$7.00 USD

Glass pendant features Santa in a snow globe. It is set under a 7/8" square domed piece of glass. The back has been sealed to make this piece "water resistant," but not water-proof. The pendant can be attached to a chain via the silver bail.





How to Make Snow Globes

"The most vivid memories of Christmases past are usually not of gifts given or received, but of the spirit of love, the special warmth of Christmas worship, the cherished little habits of the home." Lois Rand




Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Sara Groves

God grant you the light in Christmas,
which is faith; the warmth of Christmas,
which is love ...the belief in Christmas,
which is truth; the all of Christmas,
which is Christ. "
--Wilda English

Simply Having A Wonderful Christmastime...

Country Living Magazine

Photo credit: Keith Scott Morton

"Again Christmas: abiding point of return. Set apart by its mystery, mood, and magic, the season seems in a way to stand outside time. All that is dear, that is lasting, renews its hold on us; we are home again." Elizabeth Bowen

Vintage Postcard

"Christmas is not a date. It is a state of mind." Mary Ellen Chase




Wonderful Christmastime - Jars of Clay

"The dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness...to guide our feet into the way of peace." Luke 1:78-79 KJV

Joseph's Lullaby

Sing lullaby!
Lullaby baby, now reclining,
Sing lullaby!
Hush, do not wake the Infant King.
Angels are watching, stars are shining
Over the place where he is lying.
Sing lullaby!

Sing lullaby!
Lullaby baby, now a-sleeping,
Sing lullaby!
Hush, do not wake the Infant King.
Soon will come sorrow with the morning,
Soon will come bitter grief and weeping:
Sing lullaby!

Sing lullaby!
Lullaby baby, now a-dozing,
Sing lullaby!
Hush, do not wake the Infant King.
Soon comes the cross, the nails, the piercing,
Then in the grave at last reposing:
Sing lullaby!

Sing lullaby!
Lullaby! is the babe a-waking?
Sing lullaby!
Hush, do not stir the Infant King.
Dreaming of Easter, gladsome morning,
Conquering Death, its bondage breaking:
Sing lullaby!

'We are not made to rest in this world. It is not our true native land." Fr. Andrew

Joseph's Lullaby

Bailey The Unknown Reindeer

JOY IN THE SNOW post by poppy

s

"A happy life is made of little things." Carol Holmes

FUN IN THE SNOW post by robot

s

"The happiest people seem to be those who have no particular cause for being happy, except that they are so." - William Inge

Merry Christmas from Bailey the Unknown Reindeer!

The Christmas Shoes

The Christmas Shoes" was released in 2001 based on the #1 hit song "The Christmas Shoes". The book followed the release of NewSong's album by the same name. The book is about a young boy who tries to buy his dying mother a pair of shoes, and in the process he touches an experienced lawyer and teaches him the true meaning of Christmas. The book was written by Donna VanLiere and published by St. Martin's Press

The Christmas Shoes by New Song

"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye." -- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Golden Cradle

This sweet little Asian Angel is 2 1/8 inches tall and is setting a fine example for the others in the Nativity Pageant!

AsianAngel
andysrascals
$14.95 USD Etsy

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14






Golden Cradle - The Burns Sisters

A Christmas lullaby by The Burns Sisters from their "Tradition -Holiday Songs Old and New" CD. The golden cradle that held our Savior was a manger of straw in a lowly stable. He who is exalted in Heaven humbled Himself as a babe in order to redeem us from our sins. We are loved, indeed!

All My Bells Are Ringing

Victorian Christmas Decorations - Vintage Santa Claus Collection ...
photo credit: Keith Scott Morton





Lenka - All My Bells Are Ringing

One Small Child

"Willow Tree by Susan Lordi continues to create sculptures that speak in quiet and meaningful ways of healing and hope, love and family. Her newest Figurines work beautifully in groupings with formats such as Photo Frames and Memory Boxes. Willow Tree captures moments in time, and turns them into lifelong memories..”

Willow Tree Nativity



"O love divine, how sweet Thou art!/ When shall I find my willing heart/ All taken up by Thee?/ I thirst, I faint, I die to prove/Thy greatness of redeeming love, /The love of Christ to me." Charles Wesley

One Small Child - Ali Matthews

Breath of Heaven

Angel Suspended Inside Hollow Glass Ornament in Cornflower Blue

This sweet angel is made from cloth petals of a white rose, a brilliant sky blue chrysanthemum and an organza flower bud. Her skirts are so full that they fill the hollow, 4 inch glass ornament. Atop her head is a glittering halo in Florentine gold. Look closely at her hair and you will find several different shades of blond, a detail which any collector of angels will appreciate. She is tethered to the metal top so she won’t flutter around. $29.99 USD Etsy Petalbelles

Angel Suspended In...
petalbelles




QUITE SKY post by farhad

"The worth of a prayer is not gauged by its dimensions." Robert Murray M'Cheyne



Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant

"To pray effectively we must want what God wants--that and that only is to pray in the will of God." Aiden Wilson (A.W.) Tozer

Little Drummer Boy

Little Drummer Boy Ornament
$45.00 new - Drum Bum






Do you hear what I hear? Beautiful coloring and detail on this Little Drummer Boy. See him reverently play his drum as the star over Bethlehem shines down on the Nativity. The Christ child, Mary, and Joseph can be seen in the light of the star's rays. A precious lamb looks heavenward on that first Christmas night. Gorgeous! Comes with a metal hanger on back so it can be displayed on the wall. Measures 16 inches from top to bottom.A 1-inch hair got trapped into the finish on front, in the black sky area.

Little Drummer Boy...
Mysweetpu...
$65.00 USD




The Little Drummer Boy Book by Ezra Jack Keats


"For as many are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." Romans 8:14




Little Drummer Boy
Chistmas song, Boney M
s

"The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." John 14:17 KJV

Everyone Has Christmas Secrets

"Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a surprise! Last year when I asked for a surprise I got a very nice one. I liked it a lot. I hope you get me a good surprise again.Love,Libby"

Submit Your Christmas Secrets for a Chance to Be in Woman's Day ...
Sep 24, 2009 ... We want to hear all about how you spend your Christmas, from special family traditions to top-secret recipes you're finally willing to part ...

Here are some of my favorite reader comments:

Posted by Ritab2pamperu

I have an open door Christmas breakfast. It started when my son was small and he is now 24. We never know who will be there but there is plenty of food and fellowship. Even friends who know someone who has no one to share the holidays with invite them. I don't think anyone should be alone on such a wonderful occasion.

Posted by Melissa Smedley

Every year since my children were born (16 and 12 now); I write each of them a special Christmas letter that I put inside a Christmas card with a picture of them at Christmas. In the letter, I write what family activities we did for the holiday, what we ate for Christmas dinner, presents and all the memories of the season. I put each one in an envelope marked with the date. When they turn 18, I will give them all of their Christmas cards so they can look back and reminisce and see how they changed through the years. I can't wait to see their reactions! Also, since my husband and I have been married (20 years), I have bought a special ornament every year. I usually try to get something that symbolizes something special we did that year. One is of course, our first Christmas together, our childrens births are another; one is for a new house, and this year will be a yorkie puppy ornament, because we just got our new teacup Yorkie name Piper!!

Posted by Kendra Bosten

Last year for Christmas, my family decided not to give presents to each other. Money was tight and we could do without presents for one year. So I thought maybe we could give to others. I asked everyone to bring one or two canned food items to our christmas get-together. I then donated all the items to the women's shelter here in Cedar Rapids. The center helps abused and needy women and children. The warmth I felt by doing that will never equal any present I get. I suggest everyone try it. :)


Posted by Angie S in Chicago area

At the beginning of December the kids and I always make homemade snowflakes to hang on the windows. We use different "wintery" papers and outline them in glitter glue to make them extra special. It's a simple craft that they all still enjoy (ages 8 - 13). Our guests are impressed with them, too!

Posted by Lisa G.

To keep from going broke or feeling overwhelmed buying gifts, I give couple/family presents instead of individual ones. (I still give individual gifts for birthdays, which are spread throughout the year.) Popular family gifts I've given in the past: Movie Night - A DVD, popcorn, and boxes of "movie candy," such as Red Vines and Junior MInts. Let's Cook - An ethnic cookbook surrounded by special ingredients, such as lemon gr*** and coconut milk for Thai food. I Love the Northwest - For family that no longer lives in the Seattle area, I pack a basket with local treats, such as Space Noodles, Pike Place Fish tartar sauce, Almond Roca, and Seattle's Best Coffee.

We Three Trees

Miniature Pinecone Christmas
We Three Trees - M...
truLuxe
$38.00 USD





Ribbon Tree
Tabletop Christmas...
NiftySupp...
$21.99 USD





"To create a baking-cup Christmas tree, drill a hole into the center of a 3" wooden disk. Insert a lollipop stick into the hole and secure with hot glue. Spread glue over top of disk, sprinkle with glitter; let dry. Cut an X into bottom of small to large baking cups. Insert lollipop stick through largest cup, push to bottom of base, and hot glue in place. Slit next cup along one side and up to center to facilitate sizing. Wrap around bottom cup. Glue sides of slit cup together, then glue into place on "tree" to prevent shifting. Continue to hot glue subsequent cups in graduating sizes up to the top. For trim, hot glue 6-mm tinsel-type colored pipe cleaners to paper-cup edges. Glue a bead to treetop, cover bead with glue, then sprinkle with glitter." - Country Living Magazine
www.countryliving.com/holidays-lp/holiday-pap...




DIY Table Top Christmas Tree

"This then is the message which we heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." 1 John 1:5 KJV

The Christmas Counter

Philadelphia Christmas Market

"The man who gives little with a smile gives more than the man who gives much with a frown." Anon.




Christmas Counter post by Nightjar


"God has given us two hands--one for receiving and the other for giving." William Franklin (Billy) Graham






Jack Benny Buys A Watch

"Feel for others --in your pocket." Charles Haddon Spurgeon




Simple Gifts - Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss

"True charity is the desire to be useful to others without thought of recompense." Emanuel Swedenborg

When You Say Nothing At All

Silent Prayer by kev

"Silence is not much preached today, so it is for prayer to preach it. If we do not listen we do not come to the truth. If we do not pray we do not even get as far as listening. The four things do together: silence, listening, prayer, truth." Hubert van Zeller





The Silent Keys post by kev

"It requires great listening as well as great preaching to make a great sermon." John Andrew Holme





Boat, Lake and Silence - Alex Nanut

"Mere silence is not wisdom, for wisdom consists of knowing when and how to speak and when and where to keep silent." Bishop Jean Pierre Camus

Alison Krauss - When You Say Nothing At All

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt." Abraham Lincoln

The Theatre of a Lonely Table

The Theatre of a Lonely Table by Ede Stein

"All of heaven is waiting to help those who will discover the will of God and do it." J.Robert Ashcroft




U.S. Troops Celebrate Thanksgiving Day 2008

"No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks." St. Ambrose





2008: Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Cindy Crawford help serve the Los Angeles Mission and Anne Douglas Center's Thanksgiving Meal for the Homeless on Wednesday (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)

"If we seek God for our own good and profit, we are not seeking God." Meister Eckhart

Thanksgiving around a ping-pong table