I wanted to send one more Merry Christmas/Season's Greetings to all of you! Since the house feels festive (and finally tidied up - well this part anyway...) I thought I'd share some of my Christmas decor - including my three Improv Holiday Patchwork Forest Tree quilts.
Yes, there are 3 of them. I've given away other Christmas quilts over the years, but haven't been able to part with any of these. They each have their own special place in the house so I think it's okay to keep them all. Right? (Asking for a friend...) 😉
The Red and White one lives on the aqua chair in our family room. But that room is NOT tidied yet, so it will pose here nicely on the banister for the picture. You can find the info for all three Patchwork Forest Quilts here, here, and here.
The lights and garlands and trees have made me happy this dark time of the year. Last year we updated our stairway, but this is the first year I've hung lights and garlands on the banisters. (Last year I had a hand out of commission when I cut off the end of my finger so garlands and stringing lights were just not on the agenda.) But this year they're up and I love them!
This Christmas definitely feels different than normal - we're missing celebrating with extended family, but at the same time grateful for the option to gather for the traditional family Christmas Eve program over Zoom. Who'd have ever thought?
As Christmas is prone to make me sentimental, I've always loved the song Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. (This version with John Denver and Ralph the Dog is one of my favorites.)
Hopefully next year our "troubles will be far away" and "faithful friends who are dear to us" will "gather near to us, once more."
I know life weighs heavy for so many of us. It has been a challenging year in so many ways. At the same time, personally, I've had a tremendous shift in perspective this year, mainly as a result of those challenges. Being forced to simplify so many things has brought unexpected clarity and reminders of what really matters. It's been a humbling time, and clearly I still have a lot to learn about life, but I can say with honesty that I'm thankful for what I've learned.
This season, this video has become a favorite - and the best simple reminder of what’s most meaningful about Christmas to me.
Whatever way you are celebrating this season, I’m sending much love and joy and best wishes for you and your loved ones from my house to yours! ❤
Seasons Greetings! Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Joyous Kwanzaa! Happy Holidays! Happy New Year!
But most of all, Peach on Earth, Goodwill toward all.
Thank you for all of the light and good will that you bring here. I'm so thankful for the encouragement and support you give.
XOXOXOXO
Richard
Merry Christmas to you and yours! Thank you for being online and keep up the good work.
Amy
Thank you!
Sarah Craig
Merry Christmas, Amy!! PS Love all your decorations....
Amy
Thank you, Sarah. Merry Christmas to you!!
Ginger Parker
Currently cuddling under my Pine Hollow quilt while the kids open their gifts. Merry Christmas and thank you for all your wonderful inspiration and quilt patterns!
Amy
Aww, that is the best xo
Lois Palmisano
Hi ya, MERRY Holidays and peace always, I am happy I found you!!we are out here and loving your historical web page!!
And Zoom what a concept. I do my physical therapy via Zoom!! Yes, historical ! Remember 2020!! LOIS in Omaha
Amy
THanks Lois! Merry Holidays to you too!
rtrittel
Such lovely quilts and sentiments. Merry Christmas!!
Dawn J Reid
Thank you, Amy, for a wonderful Christmas post. Your posts are always a joy to read and your generosity in sharing your talents is much appreciated. Happy Holidays and best wishes for a much better 2021!
Amy
Aww, thank you for your kind words, Dawn. xo
Squirrel73
Love all those gorgeous Christmas quilts adorning your beautiful home!
Amy
Thank you. xo
Judy
Your Christmas quilts are beautiful! Merry Christmas to you and your family. 🎄
Amy
Thank you, Judy!
Julie Vogel
I always look forward to your blogs. Thank you for being honest in this one that your whole house was not straightened up and ready for Christmas. I am a church music director and, after a month of setting up and recording for virtual worship, I had one room that was decorated and pretty! I could imagine taking pictures like yours. The actual picture would be lovely and decorated while right behind me were three piles of music on the piano, a laundry basket overflowing, and six dog toys! Your pictures were lovely and your quilts are amazing! Thank you for sharing! I look forward to more inspiration in 2021!
Amy
Hah! Yep I relate! The rest of the house was quite a bit more chaotic! Good for you pulling together a virtual Christmas musical worship - I'm sure it was so much work, but probably lifted so many spirits. Christmas music is so powerful. xo
Barbara Barnett
Thank You for sharing you're a lovely person. You have a very nice home from what I can see of it and your quilts are beautiful as usual. Merry Christmas and stay safe. God Bless 😊❤️
Marion Rudasill
I really loved the video you posted. I've saved it to watch Dec. 1 of next year (and every year) to focus on what's most important at Christmastime.
Margery Pinnetti
Amy, your efforts are a gift. You are SO good for our mental health, especially in this 'twilight zone year!" God Bless you always, dear one!!!!
xox, marge
Jay
I haven't made my Pine Hollow quilt yet, but I make sure it remains on the top of my to-do pile -- it makes me happy just to look at the pattern! Imagine how happy I'll be while making it, and when it's finished!! Thanks for the glimpse into your lovely home. I agree, it's been a singular year, and we're all hoping for a much, MUCH better 2021!
Cindy Berry
Thank you Amy for all you do .... I hope I have some new perspective on my life and how to live it too.... blessings in the new year.
Donna Caughlan
I look forward to your blogs. You say the kindest things. It is good to have a friend who keeps the real reason for Christmas in mind. I love the Christmas season and decorating my home for the Big Birthday Celebration. I love putting up several Christmas trees. Last year after Christmas I sewed your beautiful Pine Hollow Patchwork Forest Quilt to use this Christmas.. It is one of my favorite Christmas quilts and I loved snuggling under it in front of the fireplace during the holidays. Like you, I really don't want to put it away. Thank you so much for all your inspiration. May God bless you and your family this New Year.
Amy
Aww, thank you, Donna. That is so kind of you. Wishing blessings for you in the New Year too!