A Few of My Favorite Christmas Things
There are a few things we’ve gotten this year that have made Christmas brighter for me. While I LOVE using the same holiday items over and over, it’s always fun to add a few new items.
#1 I’ve often seen Waechtersbach (I have NO idea how to pronounce that word) Christmas Tree cups, plates, and platters on eBay and Replacements.com, but I never thought I would own a piece of my own. I lucked out yesterday and found these two platters at Goodwill for $1.99 each. I put quesadillas on one of them tonight for Mexican food night.
#2 A friend of mine told me about the Adventures In Odyssey app last summer. It costs $9.99 per month, and every child in the house can have their own account to watch all of the old, new, and special “club” episodes. You can also cast the episodes onto your TV screen if you have Roku, or some other casting system. They have special lessons relating to all the holidays. I can’t wait to watch the Peace episode from the Life Lessons Series during school on December 7th.
#3 A few months ago, a friend took me with her to a family yard sale in a private neighborhood. Someone sold me the antique store, firehouse, church, haberdashery, and some little people from the 1992 Department 56 Dickens Village, for around $15. The Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, is my absolute favorite Christmas story. I love to see the redemption of Old Mr. Scrooge. I tend to be a little cynical about people, but that story reminds me that the Lord can change anyone’s heart.
#4 I had a goose down pillow form that had a raggedy pillow cover on it. I threw the old one away, and ordered a handmade flannel pillow cover on eBay from The Twin Brook Quilt Shoppe. She also has an ETSY Shop. It’s a Nordic snowflake pattern adorned with buffalo plaid deer! I was amazed at the quality and cuteness, all for a mere $12.
#5 I found a gorgeous green birdcage at a second hand store for $2.99. I plopped a Yankee Candle in the middle, surrounded it by fresh pears, and tied two buffalo plaid ribbons around it. I plan on using it in an upcoming Christmas tablescape post. Read about my Victorian Shabby Christmas Tablescape here.
#6 One thing I’m loving this year is all of the chalkboard-patterned stuff. As a former public teacher and current homeschool mama, I never get tired of the chalkboard look. The ribbon garland on my tree, and the gift wrap, features this style. I love the black and white paired with just about any color, but it looks especially well with any type of plaid.
#7 I love Debbie Mumm’s folk art dishes. I’ve only been able to find a few of her items in thrift stores or garage sales. I’m crazy about her Sakura Nutcracker salt and pepper shakers. The stoppers were missing, but I measured the hole and ordered new ones online for just a few dollars. My family knows I have to have a shaker set for every season and holiday.
#8 This year we bought our first blow-up yard decoration. It is easy-peasy to put up, and will help keep the peace between you and the man in your life. Read for further tips on keeping the peace during the decorating process here.
#9 I brought this gorgeous Zygocactus plant home from my husband’s office Christmas party. Sometimes it’s referred to as Thanksgiving Cactus or Christmas Cactus. It was wrapped in red foil, like a present. Hopefully I won’t kill it before Christmas. Order your own, for around $10, here
#10 My favorite thing is not new, in fact, I’ve probably had it for 10 years or more. It’s my hard plastic manger scene. It is easy to display, and requires only a simple light bulb. But most of all, it tells the story of how Jesus came to earth over 2000 years ago, to save us all from our sins. If I was stranded on a desert island (with electricity) and could only choose one Christmas decoration, this would probably be it.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. Matthew 2:10
Merry Christmas! I’d love to hear about your favorite Christmas things.
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Linked to: Create With Joy, Purple Hues and Me, Blogghetti
Kristie
Melissa says
You are so clever. I think having a salt and pepper set for each season is a neat idea.
Kristie Schubert says
Thank you, Melissa. It is exciting to find vintage holiday shaker sets in the thrift stores. That makes it even more fun!