Christmas Eve dinner at our house has been a family tradition for 40 years. This year there were 28 of us, including 7 under the age of six. For as many Christmases as I can remember, there's been a mad dash to get ready, no matter how far in advance preparations commence. It seems Jim is always hanging the last ornament on the tree as the first guest is arriving. This year was different. It is the first year that the tree was set up and decorated well in advance, and the various collections of holiday decorations were placed about the house, including the bottle-brush trees and vintage snowman candles shown above.
The decorating, cooking, baking and entertaining are all so concentrated that in years past there's barely been time to sit back and enjoy the scene before it's time to pack everything away again. That's why this calendar year has seemed so luxurious. Mid-week holidays followed by long weekends have allowed some quiet time to relax and enjoy the scenery.
That includes a collection of Christmas stockings that I made years ago, including one embroidered with "Pere Noel" which I copied from an old issue of Marie Claire Idees. The stockings aren't perfect by any measure, but that's part of their charm.
I hope you also find some time to enjoy a little rest and reflection as this holiday season winds down.
Beautiful, Nicki! xo