A few days ago the calendar turned over to reveal the last month of 2024.
December.
Which is clearly the most wonderful time of the year.
Or at least that's what everyone says.
I was actually listening to Andy Williams belt those words out this morning, with freezing fingers and toes, waiting for my car to warm up and found myself wondering....how is this better than sitting on the beach in my bathing suit?
Then of course, I got caught up in the music and saw the wreaths hanging on the lampposts in my charming town.
And from the bow of boat in our harbor, as I crossed the bridge on the way home.
 |
| RED HONEYCOMB TREES |
And my holiday spirit was back.
Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas.
Weather aside.
There are carols, family gatherings, church celebrations, holiday movies and really good food.
And let's not forget about the decorating and Christmas crafting.
Of course, that's where my focus has been lately.
Although, this year, with an empty nest, things have been a bit different.
I decorated with less, but have been traveling more.
The house is quieter, but that means the music can be louder.
And there are fewer shopping trips to make, but a lot more time for crafting.
There's always a silver lining.
However, before I share my December plans, let's talk a little bit about what I shared in November.
- A Way To Upcycle A Table Runner For The Holidays
- A Thanksgiving Thrift Flip
- A Lighted Christmas Wreath
- An Easy Christmas Sign
- An Upcycled Angel Craft
And a Second Hand Sled Makeover
Busy, busy, busy!
I also decorated my house for Christmas the weekend before Tom Turkey made an appearance. Since I wasn't hosting the big day.
Well, I did have my family over earlier in the month, when everyone was in town and I prepared a traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings.
 |
| Glass Cutting Board Makeover |
But since that took place on a relaxing weekend when people were more hungover from Halloween candy, than hyped up for Black Friday it wasn't taxing at all.
Instead, on Thanksgiving, we drove through three states to visit my daughter and had a lovely meal in her charming apartment.
Then today, we took a short trip to the city to see the sights and meet family.
Even in gridlock traffic, it was beautiful.
Now, back home and excited for this new month, I'm ready to dive into the holiday festivities.
My cousin sent me a fun moose cookie cutter that I'm going to use for decor before I use it for baking.
Can you guess what I'm going to make out of this?
I started this new paint by number kit. It's just beautiful.
 |
| PAINT BY NUMBER KIT |
I also have a plain blanket that needs an upgrade...
And so much more.
Which why, despite the cold, December truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
Well.
Almost.
😉
What are you doing in December?
Merry Christmas, Friends!
Hi Kim. I am so happy you had a great trip and enjoyed all of it. I know you will be getting your Christmas crafty on and I know I will love all the beautiful's you come up with. Can't wait to see them all. I have the house decorated but need to be home long enough to take some pics to post. Everyday it has been a Christmas luncheon with friends or a birthday luncheon or appointments. Crazy how fast everyday goes now. Big hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteDecember is the fastest month on record, Kris, I totally agree! It sounds like you are having a wonderfully festive month though! I hope you continue to enjoy all it has to offer and I can’t wait to see your pictures when you have a chance to take them…trust me, I get it!! Xo
DeleteHere in Buffalo NY we are freezing with about 3 ft. of snow on the ground and there is more coming tomorrow. Yikes I need a warm vaca and we have only had 1 storm. Have you seen the Christmas trees made out of doilys yet? they are beautiful and all over Pinterest, but no instructions. I bought all the supplies and will probably have to wing it. Crafting is not my thing, cooking is but I am going to attempt this tree. Stay warm, and have a wonderful holiday.
ReplyDeleteYikes, 3 feet? I've heard about all that crazy upstate snow...you my friend are heartier stock than I am, for sure!! I have not seen the doily trees. Of course, now I need to go look for them. I'm the opposite, cooking is not my thing, crafting is more my jam. Too bad we didn't live closer, we could help each other out!! Hahaha! Good luck with the tree...I'm sure it will be great!!
DeleteOk not sure if you'll come back to the post, but if you do, I'd love to know which doily trees you're referring to? Are they the paper trees or cloth? Are they on cones, 3-D or flat? Gosh there are so many variations!
DeleteIt's funny how things change when those little birdies leave the nest. Isn't it? I just love your new paint by numbers kit - that house! Moose decor? I can't wait to see it since I have a friend who loves moose decor. Merry Christmas, Kim, and Happy Crafting!
ReplyDeleteThings are different for sure, Ann! We're adapting! The moose is so cute, I will definitely use that cookie cutter to make cookies...but first, we craft!! Merry Christmas!!
DeleteHi Kim I love it. We have the same feelings. Empty nest status! I love your positive points. We bought an early Christmas gift for youngest child for the NYC cold months. It's cold in CO but we have 300 days of sunshine. xo, laura
ReplyDeleteOh Laura, 300 days of sunshine sounds glorious! I think I could deal with a little extra cold for a little more sun!! And we were just in the city this week and it was blustery! xo
DeleteI feel like you - love Christmas, but the snow? Not so much!
ReplyDeleteGlad you've been doing a little traveling. How fun to go to your daughter and let her host. I bet she loved it too.
Are you making that globe into an angel?
I love the moose and can't wait to see what you do with it.
Thanks so much, Mari, it was fun to watch her host, she was so excited to do it! And you’re so smart, I am making an angel! I had a little trouble with the head, but this weekend, with the help of a friend, I think I finally figured it out…and with all this cold and snow, I’ll be happy to stay inside and work on it. Stay warm!
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have a great few weeks....An empty nest does have it's advantages....More rooms to decorate is one in my book!! LOL! Looking forward to all your Christmas posts and can not wait to see the cottage all decked out for the Holidays... I have been taking my time and "playing" more with my decorating this year...Changing things up a bit here and there....Even though it will be the first Christmas without Joe, I am looking forward to it as it will also be the first Christmas with my twin grand daughters....
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
I know it will be a bittersweet holiday for you, Debbie. Those babies are adorable, I'm glad you'll be spending Christmas together!! Hugs!
DeleteWow, you've been so busy with crafting and I love all of your Christmas projects. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and stay warm.
ReplyDeleteIt really is a favorite December past time, Julie. I hope you stay warm, too...feels like 11 degrees outside today. Brrr!
DeleteHi, oh this empty nest stuff is so hard to get use too. I am so thankful that the boys came home for a weekend before Thanksgiving to help decorate the tree, it makes me happy that they love to unwrap those old keepsakes and but them up on the tree.
ReplyDeleteHappy December my friend... love you!
It really is, Carla! I'm glad to hear that you were able to spend time with the boys. Those little moments mean so much when they're older! Happy December!
DeleteI haven't done near enough crafting and I want to make some handkerchief angels like yours. I need to get over to DT for the butterfly wings!
ReplyDeleteTime flies in December, doesn't it? I hope you can find some time to make those angels. They really were a lot of fun to do...
DeleteI'm behind crafting and December goes too fast. I have a remedy I'm working on for the new year. Your paint by number kit is pretty. The City looks gorgeous and it was a clear day!
ReplyDelete