It's the night before Christmas
and the twinkle of the tiny white lights on our tree
set the mood for quiet, simple times
here at Hyacinths for the Soul.
The stockings are hung with care,
but no chestnuts roasting on our cozy fire.
Though Chickadees scamper about the mantel among
the pine cones and golden pears.
Each dressed for this special
night in their finest attire.
Waiting patiently for our jolly
St. Nick to appear!
Bunnies in red tartan bows
know something special is on its way.
This sassy lady in her verdigris coat
is from the Bunny Williams Collection
based on a copper antique from Williams' own garden
and a treasured Christmas present from a friend last year.
The German nutcracker was given to me
many years ago by my mother,
and the plump tartan velvet pumpkin
was a recent gift from a friend.
Vignettes in the kitchen welcome
more Santa figures.
To give our home a gentle touch of holiday scent,
I filled a MacKenzie-Chids vase with
fresh Christmas greens and red berries.
The gift packages under our tree
have all been delivered to friends and family.
Our tree is small and not fancy,
but it is decorated with lots of love.
Ornaments that have been added through the years,
many special gifts from dear friends, hang from red satin,
tartan, or ribbons of black and white check.
There is definitely a MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check
theme woven through the branches.
A few new ornaments were
added this year.
A crowing rooster amongst curls of
burlap ribbon roosts on the top.
The shelves of our bamboo bookcase next to our tree
are filled with special holiday touches.
Bottom shelves hold Christmas books ready
to enjoy with an evening cup of tea,
or to share with little ones who may stop by to visit.
More Christmas books are on the lower shelf of a
green wicker table at the side door entry.
As an elementary teacher, children's literature
is a passion not easily abandoned.
One of Nancy Thomas' New York Santa figures
helps hold up favorite Christmas books.
Rudolph is snuggled into
greens and pinecones near by.
I added something new to the tabletop this year.
It's been a long time since I've used
this metal tree in my Christmas decorations,
but when I spotted these cute black and white color block
gift toppers at Target, I knew just what I'd use them on.
They are by Sugar Paper and were sold in packages of four.
These darling ceramic balls are
much like the Kate Spade color block ornaments
I've seen this year, but for a fraction of the price.
They add a little contemporary vibe to our sun porch
and are a great compliment to our Courtly Check inspired
Christmas tree. Preserved boxwood balls by were also a
Target purchase. They came three to a package.
This jolly man has a big open sack
perfect for holding candy treats
or possibly some pretty flowers for the right occasion.
More Santa figures and tartan
touches await on the pine table nearby.
The bronze rooster was a souvenir from
my trip to Paris in 2014.
I gave him a festive touch for Christmas,
and added a petite Barbara Olsen framed
watercolor to his tray.
Another Barbara Olsen petite Christmas
painting sits below the lamp on top of the same chest.
I've enjoyed the two little Olsen painting since the 1990s.
Joyuex Noel, to all!
Thank you for joining me this Christmas Eve.
I'd like to thank all my readers and blogging friends
who visit and leave thoughtful comments.
I appreciate each of you, and am grateful that many
of you have become dear friends through the years.
Merry Christmas to all,
and to all a good night!
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