Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

I hope everyone is having a lovely holiday season.   DH and I did finally get a tree on the 10th.  We went to the Charlie Brown Tree Farm in East Hampton this time.  We didn't really judge the tree size by us standing up next to it, just by shape.  It is the perfect shape.  It also seemed to be very large compared to the other trees in this particular field. 

 

 

 

Until we heard the fellow say, I can just throw this in your trunk......and we had the small 20 year old mercury..........ummmm.

 

But it actually worked out okay, and we are calling it the year of the little tree.  I am only 2 inches shorter than the tree. 

 

 

To put it in better perspective, can you find the tiny tree?  lol

 

 

 

But it was a good holiday.  We were able to see everyone, and I was also able to bring DD (who was able to come home!!!) to visit my DM.  So everyone was happy. 

 

We even had to save the day for the Uncle, who didn't think having people be able to help him get a tree on Christmas Eve would be a big deal (because we really have no other obligations or things to do)  He now calls me Amazon (as in amazon.com) because if he needs something we have it!   His prelit tree crapped out after one Christmas, and it was pouring on Christmas Eve and he didn't want to go to the tree lot.  Though he could get one Monday (ummm, don't think so)  he also thought he could get colored lights on Christmas Eve near him (again, boonies, wrong again)  So, DH and I went to the studio and got the 7 foot tall prelit tree that we didn't put up and brought it over.

 

 

It does look a bit better once it was gussied up.  We only did the delivery, setup and star on top.  Uncle did the rest.

 

 

Now, it wouldn't be the holidays without a bit of family drama, but we will discuss that after the 1st (or when we post the grocery totals, whichever comes first)

 

We were gifted two pounds of FRESHLY CAUGHT cod.  I made fish stew for Christmas Eve.  My first time making a fish stew.  I thought it came out very well (I made it clear, no cream or milk) celery, onion sautéed in butter, diced browned bacon and potato.  Old Bay seasoning.  Was pretty darn good if I do say so myself.   I also made lasagna for Christmas Day.

 

   For Christmas Day we had Shrimp Cocktail, Stuffed Mushrooms (crab and sausage), lasagna filet mignon on the grill, baked potatoes, mushrooms and onions and broccoli.  Dessert was lemon meringue pie (requested by DD) and Raspberry Chocolate Cheesecake made by my Aunt.

 

DH was wearing a Santa shirt on Christmas Eve and a man came up to him at the gas station and gifted him an adorable magnet that he himself had made.  He said he made 40 of them and shared them with people who were filled with the Christmas spirit.  His name was Tony and he signed and dated it.  DH was really excited!  Here is a pic

 

 

I love the wire rimmed glasses!

 

 

Was a good weekend. 

 

My smallest nativity and my DMIL Star of David that I keep at the studio

 

 

My newest nativity gifted to me by a dear friend.  It's nesting dolls!

 

I didn't want to open this vintage nativity, but supposedly it has never been put together!

 

A beautiful jewel crested set that we got last year. 

 

Part of my largest set

 

My newest Amish set, I love this one. 

 

Little Drummer Boy nativity.  We finally figured out my love of crèches and donkeys must be because this is my favorite Christmas Cartoon since I was very little.

 

An antique book of the story of the Birth of Christ.  Love the cover.

 

My first Creche, again I am only putting out the holy family and some of my kings.  This set is huge, from the trip to Bethlehem to the escape to Egypt.

 

I have a rubber peanuts one at the studio as well

 

From Russia

 

Christmas Museum in PA

 

Amish inspired

 

Holy Family in an egg shell with a donkey in a walnut

 

A polish basket nativity complete with wafers...a beautiful tradition

 

Merry Christmas everyone!