I was excited to put up our tree this year so I could place our new Mariner’s Compass tree skirt under it!
Once it was in place my husband commented that it matched the Christmas quilt we’d just hung on the other side of the living room.
I hadn’t made the connection – WOW! I guess I do have a Mariners Compass addiction 😄.
Since the day we put up the tree – it snowed! 6″ of heavy, wet, beautiful snow! I love it and I couldn’t resist going outside while the thick flakes were coming down and snapping a few pics.
As I approached our bird feeding area there were birds everywhere. My presence caused them to scatter, so I decided to stand very still and wait. Mike looked out our bedroom window and couldn’t resist photographing me waiting to photograph our feathered friends.
A brave chickadee made the waiting worthwhile (look to the right – he’s small, but he’s there!)
One of my favorite parts of the season is baking cookies with my parents, kids, and grandkids. Our son and his family live nearby but are concerned about gathering this year. Our grandkids in Washington should have been here by now, but the pandemic has delayed that visit. So I set up a time to bake with Mom and Dad. After all, they’re the ones I’ve done this with consistently since the time I was very young 😊. Then, while talking with Hanna via Facetime, she had the idea of baking together virtually. She and Willy “gathered” with us on my computer screen.
They made peanut butter kiss cookies
And we made all our traditional ones:
A yummy time was had by all!
Now we await a church service on Christmas Eve and a quiet and small gathering for Christmas dinner to celebrate the birth of our Savior.
So grateful to have so many blessings. A very merry Christmas to all of you. God bless us everyone!
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And here’s a quick update on Sharon and my “Ringing and Singing” for the Salvation Army
Each year during the Christmas season I’ve posted about the wonderful time my friend Sharon and I have ringing and singing for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle drive at our local grocery store.
This wonderful program has become yet another casualty of the pandemic. I received a letter from Marie, the head of our local campaign, saying that they won’t be manning the kettles with volunteers this year (it would have been our 18th). The good news is they have an alternate plan to support this very worthwhile organization. I wrote Marie that I would share it on my blog:
“Due to Covid, & the safety of our bell ringers, the Watertown Salvation Army Kettle Campaign will look a little different this year. There will be no bell ringers at kettles. New this year is a way to donate to the Virtual Kettle. Please text to Local to 24365. Donations made online will be credited to Jefferson County’s Kettle Campaign. Check donations may be mailed to PO Box 774, Watertown, WI 53094. Thank you for all the past generous contributions to the local Red Kettle Campaign.Marie Miller, Volunteer, The Watertown Salvation Army”
If you don’t live in the Watertown area, I’m sure the Salvation Army is taking donations wherever you live.
Many things are going to be very different this Christmas season, but the real reason for the season will never change – Joy to the World, the Lord Has Come!
We have much to celebrate!
Deanna D. Waltz says
Beautiful email!
Geraldine Sharp says
So much more of donations benefit needy people when given to Salvation Army than when given to some other places.
Julie Vandermause says
So inspiring as always Chris. yes we have much to celebrate.
Dawn Ellen Weideman says
Thanks for the photos of your beautiful work and home.
I donated to the Salvation Army online this year and when you enter your zip code, that’s the area that receives your donation.
Patti A. says
A wonderful blog today. Merry Christmas to you and yours!!
Juleen J. says
Wishing you a very Blessed and Merry Christmas, Chris. Let’s hope the New Year is a happy and healthy one for all of us. God bless and keep you always!
Carmen Sommers says
Merry Christmas, got my gift early, my grandson came home from the army for a visit.
Have a great holiday season.
Laurie Neubauer says
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Chris and your family. We celebrate the birth of Jesus and the coming of the new year that He will bring Peace on Earth and Good Will toward man. Also that this pandemic goes away forever and we can all be together….
Love to you all, Laurie N.
Laura K says
Your house looks beautiful! I don’t think we got that much snow. I may have to come visit you. Your photos lift my spirits. It truly is a different kind of year. But one thing we always have and what never changes is Gods love for us. And he will never let us be alone. He is always there taking care of us. I don’t know what I would do without knowing that. Cuz some days are harder than others. One day at a time with Gods guidance we will make it through. I love all your Mariners compass quilts too by the way! Merry Christmas my friend !
bev says
thanks for sharing your wonderful Christmas with us.
Karen Moore says
Have a very Merry Christmas, Chris. Looking forward to next year when we can be together. It’s amazing how a few miles make a difference in the snow fall…we just got about a inch. The bell ringers have been manning the kettles here in Waukesha.
Eileen Diercks says
Your home is beautiful! Thank you for sharing your pictures. May you have a blessed Christmas and a healthy new year, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Nancy Hansen says
Merry Christmas to you and yours. Love the photos. We’ll have our very first Christmas without Jane, but will Zoom a couple of times.
Jane Walton says
Merry Christmas to you, Chris, and to your family! Thank you for the weekly
messages. Happy 2021 which has to be an improvement on this ’20.
Cheers, Jane (Walton)
Vangie Kaus says
Merry Christmas a little late, I have a new phone and email account so could you add me to your blog as I miss reading it every Sunday thanks.
Cathy Borneman says
Such a busy time! Thank you for sharing your life, Merry Christmas, and the very BEST New Year yet! Cathy