I had to dig and dig through moving boxes, and many decorations have not been found, nor places decided to put them, so this year my decorating is slap-dash at best. Yet, there is the ever-thrill of Christmas. No matter what is happening in my life, at Christmas I become a child again.
I threw these bits around the door– and am enjoying taking part in the blog tour, Doors of Welcome, hosted by Karen at Some Days Are Diamonds.
Our traditions have changed a little over the years. After thirty-nine years of live trees, which we put up the second Saturday before Christmas, last year we succumbed to a pre-lit artificial tree. So much easier, and up at the very first of the month! The earlier the better, I say. My mother’s vintage glass ball still goes at the top.
We call it the ‘War Ball’, because it dates from World War II, when metal was scarce; it was simply painted with red, green, and white stripes, which have faded to pink and white, no green remaining.
Here is a very blurry picture of a rocking horse made of baker’s clay. Remember that?–made with, of all things for me, wheat flour. This horse is about twenty-eight years old, made one winter when my son was a little one. My little Sweetie-Pie now likes to make it rock, so the blurring is it’s natural state.
Then there is the star on top. I spied it one year in, I think, the Dollar General. I loved the vintage look of it. Bigstreetrod saw my delight with it and helped me look through the picked-over boxes until we found an unopened one.
What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. ~Agnes M. Pharo
Each year, I’m tired, behind on everything, and stressed about many things. But Christmas comes just the same. And I am somehow given the greatest gifts, those of kindness, joy, and hope. Guess what–I’m already thinking: “Next year I shall…”
Blessings,
CurtissAnn
Curtiss Ann Matlock 
Thankss for this blog post
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I have bulbs like that I inherited from my parents. One of them is on a tree in a picture taken when I was about 5.
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Curtiss Ann, you have a marvelous door! I just love the molding and everything! Your decorations are just perfect for it. They enhance the door but aren’t so overwhelming that you can’t see the simple beauty of the door itself. Love it!
Manuela
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Curtiss Ann, I have some of those old vintage balls, too. They are faded, often the paint is chipped, but I wouldn’t trade a one of them. They help me hold onto Christmases past and a bit of my childhood.
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Hello Curtiss Ann,
It’s so nice to meet you! Thank you very much for your kind visit to my blog. I really appreciate it and you are always welcome anytime.
Your entryway is really beautiful and very cheerful! What a festive Holiday greeting to all.
~Enjoy the blessed season. ~Melissa 🙂
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Hi CurtissAnn!
Geez, I am so late…I hope you don’t mind 😉
Before I compliment you on your beautiful door, I just want to tell how much I enjoy reading your posts. You write so eloquently that my eyes and thoughts flow gently through your words. True art form 😉
Now back to your so-called slap-dash decorating…your door is beautiful! I love the special and sentimental ornaments, those are always a favorite. I love the ones that can tell a story all their own.
I’m so glad I joined the party so I could meet you!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year~
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Your front door is most welcoming, just like your website. Merry Christmas to you and your dear family. Julie
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LOVE, love that front door! Absolutely beautiful, and so warm and welcoming. tfs
Merry Christmas!
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I love hearing about the history of your decorations. It is a wonderful thing, Christmas.~~Dee
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I too, love the war ball, never heard of it before today. The rocking horse is a rocking. Glad you joined the party. Merry Christmas!
Hugz, z
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I just love your rustic front door such a warm welcome like my Mom is inside making cookies. My wish for this Christmas is that more people would get the opportunities to tell the ones they love, how much. See the ones they’ve missed so long and like you become a child and let the worries and stresses of this life be put aside for a time of pleasure and the pursuit of what really matters, relationships with the people God has put in our lives. Wishing You a Holiday filled with Hope, Joy, and Peace. Fondly, Meg
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Love that rustic door, and simple decorations are the best.
Come by and visit and see my Dollar Store decorations.
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Your door is so lovely!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
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You have a simple but charming door, I love it !
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I just love that door of yours! Wish I had one like that. So reminiscent of the days of old. You wouldn’t have to do a single thing to that door and it would look decorative!
Brenda
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Thanks for having us over! Your front door is so charming! And I have to agree with you about the trees, although nothing beats the wonderful scent of real. sigh.
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The war ball is delightful, I have never heard of them before today.
Merry Christmas from Normandy.
Maggie
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ME too on thoughts already for next year! I love your door, and that war ball… precious memories! Have a blessed day and thanks for having me!
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We do things more simply also. Your home is very pretty…and the rocking horse is precious!
Merry Christmas!
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CurtissAnn – I am so glad you joined in!
I love your front door – it looks like it has been there for forever!
And the star. sigh. It’s a pretty one.
Thanks for sharing! Now I’m on to the next door . . .
Karen @ Some Days Are Diamonds
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