The ABC's of Christmas - W

W - The ABC's of Christmas

The first snowfall is not only an event but it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of world and wake up to find yourself in another quite different and if this is not enchantment, where is it to be found? ~ JB Priestley

Welcome to the letter...W.

is for...
Wreaths, White Christmas, Winter Wonderland, Wish List, and Walt Disney.

Wreaths are used at Christmas time as a welcoming adornment on front doors and as part of the advent wreath which encircles five candles - that are lit in the four Sundays before Christmas and on Christmas Eve. 

As a never-ending circle, wreaths are symbolic of eternal life and strength.

I love a wreath and especially at this time of year. I have them in my home, greeting you at the door, hanging on mirrors and cabinet drawers, even around a hurricane lamp on a table.

I think they make a most welcome and delightful decoration in one's home, don't you?

The wreath above is one I fashioned for the patio doors which also matches a little tree beside the fireplace. 

And this lovely wreath surrounds the hurricane lamp on the coffee table.

We have been enjoying a winter wonderland for a while here on the Island. We have had lots of snow this season and a snowfall always puts folks in the mood for the holidays. A white Christmas is almost a sure thing for us this year. I'm sure most folks are happy about that; particularly the children.

The song, Walking in a Winter Wonderland was written in 1934 by lyricist Richard B. Smith and the music was composed by Felix Bernard. 

Sleigh bells ring, Are you listening

In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight
We're happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland.

Internet

White Christmas is one of the most famous and popular of all the  Christmas songs. The music and lyrics were written by Irving Berlin in 1942. The lyrics of White Christmas struck a chord with the soldiers fighting in the Second World War and their families who were waiting for them back home.   

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

Just like the ones I used to know

Where the treetops glisten,

And children listen

To hear sleigh bells in the snow.

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

With every Christmas card I write

May all your days be merry and bright

And may all your Christmases be white.

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

With every Christmas card I write

May all your days be merry and bright

And may all your Christmases be white.

A Wish List is one which children of all ages love to write out for Santa.

My hubby insists on me making a list out for him every year for Christmas. Only trouble is, each year, it gets harder for me to make a list because I feel I have everything I need. How about you? Do you make out your Christmas list for anyone?

Every Christmas Day when I was growing up, there was a Walt Disney special on TV in the afternoon. All of my favourite characters were showcased; Cinderella, Snow White, Lady and the Tramp, Chip and Dale, and Bambi, among others. It was a special afternoon my brother and I looked forward to every year because that was the day our father would get down on the floor with us and watch. That was the day that the little kid would come out as he laughed along with us. My Daddy made Christmas so much fun! I have so many lovely memories of him at Christmastime.

This Bambi and Thumper snowglobe was gifted to me many years ago by a family member. It plays the Skater's Waltz. A wonderful reminder of those days spent with my father and brother on Christmas Day watching the Disney show.

What we remember from childhood, we remember forever. - Cynthia Ozick

I hope you enjoyed my take on the letter W and tomorrow you will join me for the letter X.

Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi

The ABC's of Christmas ~ V

Country Christmas

It's Christmas in the country,
The mantel's trimmed with cards;
Friends and neighbours far and near
Stop in with their regards.

A cheery wreath adorns the door,
An angel tops the tree,
And coloured lights are strung about,
Twinkling merrily.

Mistletoe hangs from the door,
The children just can't wait;
Time seems to pass so slowly,
They want to celebrate.

Then when at last the day arrives,
There's magic in the air--
It's Christmas in the country,

And what a grand affair! ~ Kathy A. Schaeffer

The ABC's of Christmas - V

Welcome back to the ABC's of Christmas. The days and letters before Christmas are winding down. Are you ready for the big day? Today's letter is V.

is for...
Visions of Sugar Plums.

Christmas Eve is a time of anticipation, excitement and magic, as children drift off into dreams, hoping that come morning their stockings will be full of everything on their wish list. 

Source

This sentiment is immortalized in Clement Moore's poem, "The Night Before Christmas" when he writes, "the children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads."

It also echoes the story of "The Nutcracker," a family favourite, which tells of the adventure of a young girl who finds herself in a magical world that culminates in the Kingdom of Sweets with the Sugar Plum Fairy. 

The sugar plum fairy is a vision dancing at the Royal Opera, courtesy of the internet

She balanced on one toe on the floor and spun around in a tutu that looked as though it had been fashioned from clouds and snowflakes.~ The Nutcracker

The ballet was based upon a book, "The Nutcracker and The Mouse King" written in 1816 by E.T.A. Hoffmann.

A sparkling performance of The Nutcracker is performed by the Royal Ballet and other wonderful ballet companies around the world especially at this time of year.  

A few years ago, I hosted a Sugar Plum Fairy Tea and my little sugar plum fairy was the center of attention.

This is my little sugar plum fairy atop my little white Christmas tree.

Those of you who are grandparents or those who simply love little ones, will forgive me for sharing a picture of my real live little Sugar plum fairy.

My little granddaughter, Jenna-Lynn, loves ballet. Who knows, perhaps one day she will dance the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Thank you for joining me today for another letter of Christmas ABC's. Please come back on Monday for the letter W and have a joyful weekend.

Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi