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