A peek into my Christmas...

As my last post before Christmas Day, I thought I would share a little peek into my Christmas. First up, is a gorgeous card that was sent to me from a friend and fellow paper-crafter in Germany.

Isn't this a gorgeous card? My friend Nadine used a CottageCutz die - "Winter Wonderland Deer" - for her lovely little winter scene. I love how she tied a tiny piece of coordinating ribbon around the deer's neck!  She used a Darice embossing folder for her snowflake mat.

Here's a little closer look at those deer in the scene that Nadine created. This card is quite simple in design, but so very lovely!

On the inside of the card, she added a white mat with a beautiful punched and embossed border at the bottom. This was perfect for a personal note. I have deleted her note to maintain her privacy.




















I have three sisters and they are all incredibly talented. I have shared several of my sister Michelle's cards on my blog, but today I wanted to share some of my sister Debra's talented creations. Years and years ago, she was doing a lot of ceramics and painted these for me:

Aren't they cute? And so beautifully painted! I set them out every Christmas, and they remind me of my sister Debra and her wonderful artistic ability.

Another year, she also gave me these cuties:

I love their muted colors and how earnestly they are singing those Christmas carols. They are also set out every Christmas and remind me to sing loud like no one's listening (and frankly, no one usually is!).

Another favorite Christmas decoration is one that I purchased in Heidelberg, Germany, a few years ago. My grandchildren love it, and beg to light the candles long before Christmas is even here.

These Christmas pyramids are available across Germany at Christmas time, and you will often see life-sized versions in the Christmas markets. The heat from the candles causes the paddles at the top to turn, which in turn causes the center displays to turn, as well.

The little scenes in the center are of the nativity story - the wise men, the shepherds, etc. We will light the candles on Christmas Eve and then again on Christmas Day.

One of the last things I made for Christmas were my truffles (made using my mother's recipe). They are one of my favorite Christmas treats. Very rich, very delicious and VERY fattening!

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They are made with semi-sweet chocolate, bitter-sweet chocolate, heavy cream and crème de cacao. They are then rolled in chocolate sprinkles. Yum!













Finally, here is a peek at our Christmas tree - yes, it's a real one - and all the gifts piled beneath it.

I wish all of you a blessed Christmas and healthy and happy New Year!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and remember to laugh--a little or a lot--every day.
Cheryl