INSPIRASUNS

I’m guessing, if you read the title of today’s little blog, you now have a popular Christmas tune running through your head? Well, while that was not my intent, dare I say there are worse things that could be running through your head than a catchy Christmas tune this time of year!

Sorry, I digress, back to my ramblings for the day. You all know that lately I’ve been talking about traditions and either revisiting them or making new ones. Last night I grabbed one of my favorite books from the shelf. I think I’ve mentioned it here before, but if not, what I can say is it’s a cookbook of sorts. It’s actually much more than that. It was a gift from my sister-in-law more than 20 years ago, and it’s titled “Christmas from the Heart of the Home” by Susan Branch. She wrote a whole series of books like this, but the Christmas version is my favorite, hands down.

Yes, the book is filled with all sorts of recipes, from appetizers to desserts, but it is also filled with the author’s suggestions on ways to “share” Christmas with family and friends.  For instance, there is a page for ideas on holiday hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, and yes, decking the halls.  I could sit and read through these pages over and over again, because they just bring a smile to my face.

So this morning, I thought I’d share a few of those decking the halls ideas she mentions, not to encourage you to decorate your house, but in hopes that these suggestions bring a smile to your face as well. Here are a few of my favorites from Susan Branch:

• Tape your Christmas cards around a doorway, window, or mirror.
• Hang pictures of friends & family from previous Christmases on your fridge with little magnets.
• If you have school-age kids, make a “Yay! Christmas Vacation!” banner to hang over the front door to welcome them home.
• Sugared fruit: a very elegant & old-fashioned decoration or centerpiece – the fruit looks frosted & icy. Dip plums, red grapes, peaches, etc. into egg white & roll in sugar. Put in a pretty bowl.
• Tie ribbon around the dog’s neck, put a bell on the cat, dress up your children, put on a cute apron, send your mom a corsage, get dad a boutonniere, put jingle bells on the baby’s shoes. Fill your house with love ❤ .

The vision of a home filled with these ideas makes my heart happy. Simple things to spread the joy of Christmas and the love of the Baby Jesus. A different little blog this morning, I know, but that’s ok, I guess.

Have a wonderful day, everyone. Take a few moments to spread the joy and love of Christmas to those you meet today. And hey, maybe tie a ribbon around the dog’s neck too 🙂 .  

Luke 2:10
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.