Christmas-time favorites ... part 1

Wow, the month of December is crazy.  I'm beginning to wonder if the errands and to-do lists will ever end.  But even with all the endless tasks, unavoidable stress and sleep deprivation, I really do love this season.  There's a feeling of excitement and peace and love all rolled up together.

Each year, I love pulling out all my Christmas decorations and making my house feel "Christmas-y."  And, while the garlands, wreaths, and candles all add to that special feeling around my house, I have a few items that I really, really love.  Here are some of them ...

* my Christmas stockings:



I knit these beauties a few years back with my own two little hands.  Each one took countless hours (I'm not a very speedy knitter).  Maybe that's why I like them so much.

* my nutcrackers:

A soldier, a king, Santa, a hiker, a peddler, a shepherd, and more.  Some were painted by my cute mom, some were gifts from her, and I brought some back from Europe years ago.  I don't necessarily have a favorite.  Each is special for a different reason ... the fur scarf worn by the shepherd is the softest fur you can imagine ... the green baron was the first one my mom ever painted for me ... I brought the hiker back from Germany and it reminds me of hiking in Germany and Switzerland ... I could list something special about each one.  My boys love to see these old friends re-appear each year.