THE COLOR OF CHRISTMAS...

 

"Oh, Tidings of Comfort and Joy

Comfort and Joy

Oh, Tidings of Comfort and Joy"

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
16th century Christmas carol

This is all that I wish for myself 

and all that I wish for you. 

 The joy I feel is just because,
 it's Christmas after all,
 and the comfort is what I hope you feel
 after your visit to the Cottage today
 and throughout the Christmas holidays.

WELCOME...

Santa and Mrs. Claus are, once again,

 the ambassadors of the season 

and they join forces with:

...the patient little boy

 who is always here  to welcome you

 as you enter the Cottage.

This year, even though they have a shorter runway 

and can't hook up the old gray mare to the sleigh, 

Santa and his better half are willing and able, 

with the help of a special silver deer,

 to bring you sacks of good wishes for a Merry Christmas.

We get a peek into the parlor from the entry

 and right away you have to notice that

 red plays a big role in the color of Christmas

 around here this year.

The bright red bows

 and the fairy lights on the mantel

 are very cheery

 and add a note of joy against the dignity of the angels and the books. 

 Bits and pieces of assorted greens and berries are tucked into the garland 

and the glow of the red candles

 make the parlor full of all kinds of cozy and comfort...

...especially 

when there is a warm fire on the hearth.

One of the made-over gingerbread houses

under a cloche, a few greens and another red candle 

sit on a silver tray on the marble top table. 

 A few Christmas pillows add 

comfort to the parlor settee and chairs.

If you look closely 

you will see some paintings are adorned 

with ribbon streamers and greens...

...and there are 

sparkling reflections in mirrors.

In the early planning stages of how the tree should look this year, 

I had decided on everything red. 

It was a leap of faith for me as I have a large assortment of newer and vintage ornaments 

handed down for as long ago as 50 years or more

 and I have always mixed them up on the tree. 

 I have done a lot of one color in the past but always with other colors mixed in. 

 Years ago I did a green and gold only tree

 and I was so disappointed the whole time it was up and I couldn't wait to take it down.

  That thought stayed with me as I was picking out all the red ornaments from the boxes 

but I chose not to listen and forged ahead.  

As I was adding the thin, red satin bows,

 I knew I had made the right choice... 

...it is elegant and classic all at the same time 

and with a small amount of gold added in,

 it shines with  an abundance of comfort and joy for me.

I had ordered a couple of dozen new red ornaments 

when I first had the idea as I wasn't exactly sure how many red ornaments I had.  

If I had known for sure at that time, I would have ordered some more. 

 With the white lights on, 

the tree looks fairly full to the naked eye, but you can't fool the camera,

 and it could use a few more, 

but by now there isn't anything available

 so you will just have to take my word for it.

I have said that I am trying to pare down the decorations.  

Sometimes, to my eye, one simple, very elegant decoration is so beautiful and just enough,

 but then I have to always go that extra little bit 

and then you know what happens!

  It feels like I have done what I said I would do,

 sort of, 

but in the end you will be the judge.

I only painted one Santa this year. 

 He is a different style from the others I have done.  

Years ago, when we had the shop and were doing shows, 

I painted one picture of a Santa that was very country and primitive.  

I took it to the Christmas show that year

 and a woman that always was so kind in following whatever we did,

 snatched it up the minute she walked into the booth. 

 I had not taken a photograph of it and lost the pattern I used along the way

 but I have never forgotten what a favorite it was to me.

  I am not trying to mislead you because you know I can't paint, right?  

I don't have a problem with the painting as such, 

it is the form that escapes me totally. 

 This year, I found a stencil that is close to the memory that I have of that particular Santa

 and the results are what you see above.  

He is definitely done in the primitive style and I do love him 

and will show you where he ends up 

in the whole scheme of the Christmas magic a little later.

The obsession is on going 

and I have been working on two more gingerbread houses.

  I found another little cottage that is so tiny that I don't know how it will turn out 

and a lantern that is crying to be a Christmas gingerbread house. 

 Hopefully, I will get these done to show you within the next two weeks.

There is much left to do so I will be here next week. 

 Hope to see you then...

...in the meantime,

 I wish you are finding all kinds of comfort and joy 

in this Christmas season.

...Judy...

It seems that this scene is becoming a tradition around here. 

 Kai places himself under the tree 

as soon as it is decorated. 

 Our first present this Christmas.

Sharing today with:

Love Your Creativity at Life and Linda