"Christmas Time is Here" for No Place Like Home

Snow flakes in the air
Carols everywhere
Olden times and ancient rhymes
Of love and dreams to share.

Sleigh bells in the air
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there.

Christmas time is here
We'll be drawing near
Oh, that we could always see,
Such spirit through the year.... ~ From A Charlie Brown Christmas

Hello my lovely friends and welcome to another No Place Like Home! 

I love the song above, don't you? I just love this time of year! Our kitchens are filled with the aroma of baked goods fresh from the oven. You know, those treats we only bake for Christmas? The Christmas lights twinkle from our trees and windows and the sound of music permeates every room of the house. There is a sense of expectancy in the air and one cannot help but feel thankful for such a beautiful season. 

I have been enjoying all the Hallmark Christmas movies. I have simply enjoyed them for the warm story they tell without the usual smut you see on every day TV. Oftentimes, I am inspired, how about you? I even learned of a new recipe a couple of weeks ago.

What is the Christmas spirit? It is the spirit which brings a smile to the lips and tenderness to the heart; It is the spirit which warms one into friendship with all the world, which impels one to hold out the hand of fellowship to every man and woman. ~ Anonymous

Today, I am having a tea time in front of the tree. I have set out two teacups; one for you and one for me.

Pretty teacups

I think it's important to take some time to relax and not allow the hustle and bustle to rob us of the beauty of this holiday season. 

Taking time for tea is a lovely way to just sit and savour not only tea and treats but the traditions passed down. Perhaps like I do, you have a tree that is filled with ornaments gifted to you by loved ones. I call both of my trees, Memory Trees, and I can recall pretty much who gave me which ornament and when. These ornaments make the tree so special.

Most importantly, it is good to slow down and remember the Reason for the Season; the first coming of our Lord Jesus. Think about how dark our world would be without Him.

Christmas is that moment in time when God, in His unconditional love, stepped out of heaven and onto earth, in order that we might one day step out of earth into heaven. - Charles F Stanley 

This wee Bible ornament came from a family member and I have had it for years. It holds the book of Psalms and Proverbs. 

The rocking horse is from Avon which I've had since my children were young.

This little drum is one of the oldest ornaments on the tree. It represents all of my children and their musical gifts. All of them play drums although our youngest prefers the keyboards and all the percussion instruments while the oldest guy loves to play guitar. Our middle guy loves the drums best of all.

This is a demi-tasse my beloved Auntie P gifted me with. I have two of them on the tree. They had been part of her Rose Chintz Collection before she passed them on to me. 

I have been doing some baking. I finally got my fruit cakes made and I am sending some to my two sons and their families who live away. 

The sultana cake above and the dark cake below. Both of which are heirloom recipes that have been passed down. The dark cake is moist enough that sometimes we use it for pudding with a sauce over it.

I also made some wonderful cranberry muffins for our tea today. These are really good!

The sugar on top makes them look like they have a dusting of snow.

I cut one open so you could see the cranberry goodness inside. They are very festive and moist.

What kind of treats do you bake for Christmas?

Home is the nicest place there is. ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

A cozy atmosphere with Christmas lights and soft music, with a fire blazing in the fireplace. There truly is no place like home.

I am delighted to have you join me today. If you have something to share, simply let me know in a comment and I will add your blog to the list of participants. I will be happy to come and visit you.

Please share any of the following: Cooking and baking, recipes, antiquing, artwork, ceramics, crafts, crocheting/knitting, quilting/sewing, collections, floral arranging, home decor, homemaking tips, hospitality, refinishing furniture, tea time, tablescapes, thrift shopping etc....Maybe there's a new baby in the family or you have a new fur baby you would like to introduce us to. They are welcome too! Anything and everything which makes your HOME more enjoyable to come HOME to, for your family, your friends, and yourself.

Lord, this humble house we'd keep 
Sweet with play and calm with sleep. 
Help us so that we may give 
Beauty to the lives we live. 
Let Thy love and let Thy grace 
Shine upon our dwelling place. - Edgar A. Guest

Party Participants:
Tea in the Valley
Kitty's Kozy Kitchen
Thelma's Days
Mrs. T's Christmas Kitchen
A Debbie-Dabble Christmas




Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi