MERRY CHRISTMAS!

After about 15 years of not putting up a Christmas tree (shortly after we acquired three kittens and then continued to add), we decided this year to try with a small tree on a small table.  For the most part, it’s working.  Of course, this go-around, all the ornaments are shatterproof! This is not a good picture at all as the ceiling light was on and reflecting in the window so the lights, etc., on the tree don’t really show.  But, you get the gist.  After having the tree up for a few days, I thought we were going to actually pull it off.  We came really close as you can see.  But he didn’t stay there too long and he didn’t try to do anything to the tree (shocker)!

FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS,
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

And for all of those who may not celebrate Christmas,
HAPPY HOLIDAYS

 

LIGHT THE WORLD

Please enjoy this two-minute video on celebrating the holidays then go to Mormon.org for daily ideas!

 

For availability in other languages, go to Mormon.org and click on “Country: Worldwide” at the bottom of the page.

#LightTheWorld

 

Sharing the Gift

I truly cannot believe we’re approaching the year’s end. It has been an amazing roller coaster year but one I am so grateful for. I’m sending holiday cheer and wishes for a very Merry Christmas to all of the friends I have made and hope to make through this blog. I share some holiday videos that have great meaning to me. I hope you enjoy these short but meaningful videos and that your holidays are merry and bright! This will be my last post for 2014. I’ll be back after the first of the year.

THE PIANO GUYS

HE IS THE GIFT

Every Christmas, we celebrate the first gift of that holiday. That gift did not come from the shepherds, the Wise Men, or the innkeeper. The first gift of Christmas came from Heavenly Father, who gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to the world. Heavenly Father gave this gift to us because He loves us and desires our happiness. Watch and share an inspiring message about the first gift of Christmas.

Click to LEARN MORE

Happiness

Come join Ese’s Weekly Shoot & Quote where this week’s challenge is HAPPINESS!

Time always seems long to the child who is waiting – for Christmas, for next summer, for becoming a grownup:
long also when he surrenders his whole soul to each moment of a happy day.

Dag Hammarskjold

Following are some photos of Christmas in downtown Winter Garden!

Night time in downtown Winter Garden at Christmas time!

“Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values. It is peace because we have found peace in the Savior’s teachings. It is the time we realize most deeply that the more love is expended, the more there is of it for others.” 

Thomas S. Monson

As this year draws to a close, I wish to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation for all who have visited and/or commented on my entries. This was a new venture for me this year and I have enjoyed it immensely. I have “met” so many wonderful people all over this beautiful world by visiting your blogs and you visiting mine and I hope you don’t mind that I count you as friends! I’m wishing a very Merry Christmas to all of you who celebrate this glorious season and sending blessings and best wishes to everyone everywhere. I look forward to the coming year and spending more time with my friends! May God bless each and every one of you.