It’s Christmas! (2020)

 

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Hi Farmgirl Friends! In the words of Andy Williams’ carol, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, and as far as 2020 goes, that statement could not be more true- though for 2020 to have anything be wonderful this year is a stretch. It’s been the worst year ever, we all know, and the thought went through my mind (briefly) to not celebrate Christmas at all. Then I realized, just like Nora Krank did in “Christmas With The Kranks”,  that I adore the holidays, and this year, more than ever, we need some cheer! We won’t be seeing friends or family this season, so grab a cup of cocoa and share a little holiday with me, won’t you?

What do I love about Christmas? We are missing so much of what we normally do during the holidays. So many lost loved ones this year, and for them, I totally understand not celebrating. I personally have known nine people, some close friends, some acquaintances, even children, who have passed away in 2020 (none, amazingly, from Covid). With so much bad news at every turn, Christmas may not be for everyone this year, but for me, I think holidays make life extra special. 

“Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Let your heart be light

Next year all our troubles will be out of sight”

 -as sung by Judy Garland,

Meet Me in St. Louis, 1944

Christmas is about hope, and anticipation. Are you a “Christmas Eve” or a “Christmas Day” kind of person? I’ve always loved Christmas Eve best- the anticipation of Christmas, the excitement of things to come, and the peaceful feeling of Christmas Eve night. Next year has to be better than this one, so bring on the hope!

“We need a little Christmas, right this very minute”. Right you are, Mr. Mathis!

The first December blog I ever wrote here ten years ago (OH MY! IT’S BEEN TEN YEARS!) was titled, “A  Few of My Favorite Things”. I have a few favorite things about Christmas that just bring on joy! 

“When I’m feeling sad,

I simply remember my favorite things

And then I don’t feel so bad”

 -as sung by Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music

CHRISTMAS CAROLS! I LOVE Christmas music. I will admit, from November 1st to January 5th, I listen to Christmas music all day, much to my daughter’s dismay, literally non-stop. It springs from my car radio, it wafts through the house from every speaker- even my chickens listen to Christmas carols! (I keep a small transistor radio on in the chicken run to ward off predators. From Thanksgiving on, carols play on a local station. Nothing is cuter than hens scratching to the beat of Brenda Lee singing “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” or Burl Ives’ “Have A Holly Jolly Christmas”). I love all vintage Christmas songs, but Bing Crosby is my favorite Christmas crooner. What are your favorite carols?

Best. Christmas. Album. EVER!

Best. Christmas. Album. EVER!

CHRISTMAS MOVIES! There are so many fun movies that come out every year, but for me, I love the classics best. My all-time favorite is “White Christmas”, with Bing Crosby. I was an adult before I found out from my dad that he once knew Bing Crosby! As a child, my dad lived across the street from a famous golfer. That famous golfer used to play golf with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, and my dad as a preteen learned to play golf from the three of them! Funny thing is, Daddy never liked the game, but how cool is that? Anyway, I digress. Other favorite flicks are “It’s a Wonderful Life”,  “The Shop Around the Corner”, Hallmark’s “A Dog Named Christmas” and anything by Rankin-Bass- you can never be too old to love vintage claymation! As I write this, my family and I are enjoying a major snow day, and after shoveling out for hours, are now watching “The Polar Express”, another good one. What are your favorite Christmas movies?

Our town hall theater in town shows a classic Christmas movie each year. It is a town wide event. Fingers crossed they will be back next year. Until then, it’s Christmas classics at home.

Our town hall theater shows a classic Christmas movie each year. It is a town wide event. Fingers crossed they will be back next year. Until then, it’s Christmas classics at home.

The Griswolds strike again...

The Griswolds strike again…

CHRISTMAS TREES! Ya can’t have Christmas without Christmas trees. Picking out a tree each year, we resemble the Griswolds, and I love it! I’ve given up the notion of having a fake tree, and I’m glad I let my husband win on that discussion.

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Did you know that by first watering your fresh-cut tree with hot water will help it last longer? It loosens the hardened sap so the tree can take in water better and stay fresh. This year, at our local tree farm, we bought this long tube to fill the tree stand with water – best $7.00 spent in a long time!  

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I also love ceramic trees and silver tinsel trees (a nod to the kitschy, vintage ones), but I’m really loving little bottle brush trees. They can be as small as a ½ inch, or as large as a foot tall, and are an inexpensive way to add a retro Christmas touch anywhere there is needed cheer. I have found glittery, fun bottle brush trees for as little as $1.00!

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A small-scale vintage bottle brush tree, Santa ornament and candy container from the 40’s look great on the tin dollhouse from 1948. I made snow from scrap felt and the lights are from the dollar store.

A small-scale vintage bottle brush tree, Santa ornament and candy container from the 40’s look great on the tin dollhouse from 1948. I made snow from scrap felt and the lights are from the dollar store.

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A red and a blue bottle brush tree grace the vintage stove...

A red and a blue bottle brush tree grace the vintage stove…

While a modern pink one is festive with “frosting”.

While a modern pink one is festive with “frosting”.

The 40’s elf dear friends gifted me a few years back approves of the tiniest tree.

The 40’s elf dear friends gifted me a few years back approves of the tiniest tree.

Bottle brush wreaths like this one from the 50’s were sold at retailers like Woolworths. I always think of ZuZu when the door closes and the little bell rings. Angels getting wings!

Bottle brush wreaths like this one from the 50’s were sold at retailers like Woolworths. I always think of ZuZu when the door closes and the little bell rings. Angels getting wings!

CHRISTMAS CARDS! I was on the fence about sending cards this year. It seemed like an added stress and expense. But when I got that first Christmas card in the mail, it brought such joy!

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I decided I would not let go of sending real cards through the mail.

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I found really pretty ones in the dollar store this year, with a pretty plaid. (I’m MAD for PLAID)! Sitting down and writing out cards made for a bit of normalcy, and what better way to say, “I’m thinking about you” than a hand-written note? If it overwhelms you to send cards this year, then don’t. It’s okay. Christmas traditions should be joyful, and not seem like a chore.

Years ago, MaryJane sent me these Christmas card bowls. They are cherished pieces, as is the putz house given to me by a special friend.

Years ago, MaryJane sent me these Christmas card bowls. They are special, cherished pieces of Christmas. 

When my daughter was little, this Danish advent calendar held treats. Now, it displays vintage Christmas postcards, and a precious handmade card from a teacher of my father’s that holds a photo of my dad with classmates from the 1940s.

When my daughter was little, this Danish advent calendar hanging on the curio cabinet held treats. Now, it displays vintage Christmas postcards, and a precious handmade card from a teacher of my father’s that holds a photo of my dad with classmates from the 1940s.

SANTA CLAUS! In past years, I have written several whole blog posts on Santa. Y’all know how much I love that red-suited elf! This year, I was giddy waiting to put out a special Santa. This year, in lieu of flowers, my husband found me a Harold Gale Santa for our anniversary.

My aniversary Santa sits in the playroom (on the vintage 50’s table I got for $10. It was covered in rust and paint and took a lot of elbow grease to get it gleaming, but we use it all the time for casual eating, crafts, and Zoom meetings.

My aniversary Santa sits in the playroom (on the vintage 50’s table I got for $10. It was covered in rust and paint and took a lot of elbow grease to get it gleaming, but we use it all the time for casual eating, crafts, and Zoom meetings.

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Harold Gale was a gentleman who, with his wife in the 40’s, began making hand-made Santas for store displays across the country. Some were mechanical, some were smaller and meant for countertops, but all had so much charm! Table top ones were eventually made for the public by popular demand, and the company grew and lasted until the late 1980s. Christmas came early when, “on the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me” – an “old Santa” we found offered on Facebook marketplace! It turned out to be a three-foot-tall Harold Gale! He stands by the door, greeting us every time we take the dogs out! Santa makes me smile, and we need reasons to smile!

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COOKIES! Christmas baking is still one of my favorite things to do. We have no family here in New England, and it is difficult with work schedules for any family to visit this time of year. But, we have wonderful friends, and each year we host a “Party Like It’s 1955” Christmas soiree. What started out as a few friends for dinner one Christmas holiday, when my in-laws from Denmark were visiting, over the years the gathering morphed into a tradition. The guest list grew each year, with friends asking as early as November what weekend would we be hostessing our party. I do all the baking and cooking, and we love having families and friends of all ages fill our home with cheer and laughter. We’ll greatly miss them this year. I have also hostessed our neighborhood cookie exchange for several years. We pray that next year we will be able to have friends enter our home, but for this year, we’ve decorated the house like a frosted cupcake, just for us, and I am still baking all our family favorite cookies! 

Me, after cooking, baking, cleaning, and hostessing. But how I wish I could hostess my friends again. Prayers for next year that we may all gather again safely!

Me, after cooking, baking, cleaning, and hostessing. But how I wish I could hostess my friends again. Prayers for next year that we may all gather again safely!

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CHRISTMAS CAMPER! Gidget the glamper is decked out for Christmas and is now the “Holiday House”! After the first of January, we will close her up completely and put the cover on for a long winter’s nap. Until then, the heater inside warms her up nicely, and when we need an escape from the news/change of scenery/a break from online activity, there is nothing more cozy than a cup of cocoa inside the lil’ camper. 

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After grueling on-line finals of her first semester in college, Audrey relaxes in the camper with cocoa.

After grueling on-line finals of her first semester in college, Audrey relaxes in the camper with cocoa.

I can’t wait until the pandemic is over and I can have friends over for lunch in her or go camping with my family and see our vintage camping friends again; but for now, I hope she brings you a little joy. How’s that cocoa you’re drinking? Need a refill?

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CHRISTMAS LIGHTS! Nothing warms the heart more than the warm glow of Christmas lights. I saw a Facebook post recently where someone in another country asked if small towns in the USA are like they are portrayed in Christmas films such as Hallmark movies. I answered, “Absolutely”! Many of those festive flicks are filmed here in Connecticut. One of the reasons I love living here is how everywhere is decorated like a Norman Rockwell scene this time of year.

Connecticut looks postcard perfect, like this pretty little church  in Middlebury, CT.

Connecticut looks postcard perfect, like this pretty little church in Middlebury.

“Over the river and through the wood...” A bridge in winter, Sandy Hook, CT

Over the river and through the wood…” A bridge in winter, Sandy Hook, CT

We always drive around looking at lights, but this year, everyone’s homes are really decked out! There’s even a posted map in my town, to help residents find a route to see the houses with the best decorations and lights. It really makes us feel like we’re all in this together, and none of us are really alone!

I’d love to show you my outside lights, but after last night’s blizzard, I have to find them...

I’d love to show you my outside lights, but after last night’s blizzard, I have to find them…

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Whoever wished for a “white Christmas” may have wished a little too hard!

Whoever wished for a “white Christmas” may have wished a little too hard!

Gift-giving is harder this year, shipping is worse, but it isn’t the gifts that make holidays like Christmas special. It is love

Running errands anywhere makes me nervous these days, but God’s gift of a red December sunset made being out and about better.

Running errands anywhere makes me nervous these days, but God’s gift of a recent red December sunset made being out and about better.

It came without ribbons, it came without tags, it came without packages, boxes or bags…what if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more”? 

-Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas

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My family will have a nice dinner, Danish style, on Christmas Eve, and another nice meal on Christmas Day. We will hunker down and enjoy being together, the three of us. We will phone our far-away families, and snuggle on the couch with our pups, watching movies. I hope this last blog of 2020 finds you all well, finding some joy, some love, and hope for a happier, healthy New Year! Much love your way! See you in 2021!

Stay jolly, my farmgirl friends! Love you all! XOXO

Stay jolly, my farmgirl friends! Love you all! XOXO

I hope this post brought you a little bit of joy! Wishing you all happiness this holiday season, and a healthy New Year! Remember to leave me a comment so I know you dropped by! 

Until Next Time, Farmgirl Hugs (still masked, virtual, and 6+ feet away),

Nicole

 

  1. Marlene Capelle says:

    Happy and safe holidays to you and yours.

  2. Another Nicole (Nicki) says:

    It was so much fun reading your Christmas post. Merry Christmas!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Nicki! Thank you so much! I hope you have a wonderful, cozy holiday season! Merry Christmas and Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  3. Meredith Williams says:

    Hi Nicole! Your favorite Holiday things are my favorites too. But remember, Jesus is the reason we celebrate! No one can cancel His birthday!! ❤️❤️

  4. Mary Rauch says:

    Oh Nicole, here’s a virtual hug and a very Merry Christmas wish to make you remember that there is someone in Ohio that thinks you are terrific! Is that good?
    I am 81 and Himself is 82 and we are in satisfactory health. That is a very good thing.
    I could make you long lists of reasons why you should not shun your pleasure of Christmas at Nicole’s house.
    For instance, You have the most beautiful smile! I think you should share it, so why not get online or take some pictures and send them to all your buddies that need one of your smiles to encourage them!
    I can you starting to grin right now….THERE IT IS! Thanks for the smile!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Mary, aawww…thank you so very much for all your kind, sweet words. You have made my day, my week…my holiday! My heart feels all warm!!! I wish you and your dear one continued health and much happiness. Thank you for reading and commenting, and much love your way!! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  5. Bonnie says:

    Thank you so much for all the love and cheer! 5:32 am on December 23rd looks a lot brighter for me!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Good morning, Bonnie! Thank you…I am drinking coffee right now along with you! I hope you have a wonderful, cozy Christmas! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  6. Diane Loehr says:

    Merry Christmas to All and may you enjoy what is to come in 2021, putting 2020 in the past. May we continue to love each other and be there for total strangers who are falling on hard times. And for everyone may they know the true meaning of Christmas is Love & the birth of a baby in the manger. Diane

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Dearest Diane, what a beautiful comment. Yes, may we all continue to do just that. Keep the faith, pray, and be grateful for our blessings. May 2021 bring you much happiness. Thank you for visiting the blog; it is always so good to hear from you! I never made it to the Knit-In; maybe 2021 will have some normalcy, and I can attend the next one! Merry Christmas! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  7. Deanna Taylor says:

    Nicole, thank you for such a fun and uplifting post. Even tho I’m not hosting my family this year we’re making the best of it and praying for better days ahead. Decorating the house helped and music and cookies make everything better. Every year I decorate with vintage family Christmas cards and postcards. My favorite is one my mom sent to one of her brothers in WWII with a little envelope taped to it that contains a lock of my hair. He mentioned in later correspondence that the guys all gathered around to look at it and touch it. I guess they were all homesick for their own families. My cards bring such comfort to my heart because they remind me of my warm and loving heritage. Hopefully some day we will look back at this season and be thankful for our many blessings in spite of the circumstances. I am wishing a very Merry Christmas to you and yours!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Deanna, Merry Christmas! Wow – what a treasure you have in that card and lock of hair. I can just visualize all of the brave men gathered ‘round looking at your card, missing their families. Thank you for sharing such a precious story. May we all stay brave like those men, and keep the faith for a better 2021! Have a warm, cozy Christmas! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  8. Karen Nash says:

    Love the post. Thanks for sharing! Especially loved all the pictures. Some brought back warm, wonderful memories. They all brought smiles. You did indeed brighten my day!
    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Blessings!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Karen, Thank you ever so much! I hope you have a wonderful week and into the new year! Today I am baking a few more cookies, getting the house “holiday clean”, and enjoying some family time. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  9. Donald Ramsey says:

    Thank you so much for this blog Nicole! You are a modern day Gladys Taber who wrote about her experiences on the Still Meadow Farm in Southbury, CT back in the 40’s. The most wonderful thing about you is that everything you have written in your blogs over the years brings the generous spirit of Christmas to everyone all year round. You are authentic and beautiful in all ways as expressed by your crafts, gardening, vintage collections, and love of traditional community values. Your blogs are reading materials of tremendous value for young and old alike… By the way, thank you for the “Farm Girl Hug” on the high meadow last summer! You know I needed that encouragement!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Dearest Mr. Ramsey, you have brought tears to my eyes. Our family holds you with such high esteem, you are so dear to us, and for you to say such nice things about my writing means so much. Our family misses you, especially at Christmas…you light a room up brighter than any Christmas light. You are the true spirit of Christmas the whole year through. Much love your way my dear friend. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  10. Beverly Battaglia says:

    Beautiful blog, Nicole. Your Tree looks so good with the train at the bottom. Proud of you too!
    Love you,
    Mother

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Mama, thank you! I will talk to you soon! Fingers crossed the weather holds up for us here and we don’t lose power on Christmas – they are predicting wicked storms! Love you, Nicole

  11. Marge Donsldson says:

    Nicole, one of our favotite Christmas movies is Babettes Feast. Its a Danish film with English subtitles. Have you sern it? We watch it every year.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Marge, how do I not know that film? Danish AND a Christmas movie? I will have to look it up and see if we can stream it! And ask my husband if he remembers it! Thank you for telling me about it. Have a wonderful Christmas! I will let you know if I can watch the film! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

      • Marge Donsldson says:

        Hope you can find Babettes Feast. It tells the story of Jesus symbolically. Happy Christmas. Marge

        • Nicole Christensen says:

          Marge! I am so excited! I found it! My husband had not heard of it, either, by the way, and loves when we find Danish movies to watch. We ordered HBO Max on Christmas Day as a present to the family, so we could watch the new Wonder Woman movie (WW1984). We have Babettes Feast on our watch list now, and will watch it on my husband’s day off. I will let you know what we think. Can’t wait! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

        • Nicole Christensen says:

          Marge, we finally got to watch it! Thank you so much for telling us about it. We loved it. We recognized some of the areas it was filmed in, loved the story, and really enjoyed it overall. I also found out it was originally written by Isak Dinesen, the pen name of Karen Blixen. Her real life story was the inspiration behind the movie Out of Africa with Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.I have visited the museum in Denmark where she lived and wrote. Babette’s Feast also takes place in the Jutland area of Denmark – my in-laws lived there many years! Jutland is a beautiful, breath-taking area. Thank you again for telling us about the movie; we would never have known about it otherwise. Much love! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  12. Rosie says:

    Merry Christmas and happy healthy new year to your family and friends!

  13. Pam says:

    Hi, Merry Christmas! I really enjoyed reading your blog.
    Best to you and your family in the New Year.

    Pam

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Pam, thank you so very much! Christmas isn’t the same but we are trying to make the best of it! Merry Christmas to you and Happy New Year! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  14. Marilyn says:

    Thank you for this uplifting post. We are just about finished with our wrapping. We have that Bing Crosby album. our favorite Christmas movies are A Christmas Carol starring Alastair Sims, Christmas In Connecticut starring Barbara Stanwyck, The Bishop’s Wife starring Loretta Young,It’s A Wonderful Life, Mickey’s[Mickey Mouse] Once Upon a Christmas, and also Twice Upon A Christmas, Miracle On 34th Street and of course A Charlie Brown Christmas. Wishing you and yours a Blessed and Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2021.
    Joan,Marion and Marilyn

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Marilyn! Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed the post. I love all the movies you mention, as well. We watch It’s A Wonderful Life several times a season. This year, we also saw a colorized version on Prime, but we prefer the original black and white! Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas – I love that one, too. Maybe I will watch that later today…Have a wonderful holiday, and a very healthy Happy New Year! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  15. Grace says:

    Oh Nicole,, Luv your Tinsel tree and all your goodies…
    Wishing you and your family a Safe, Healthy and Merry Christmas.
    katmom

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Grace, thank you! Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas as well, my dear farmgirl friend! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  16. Sharon McBride says:

    Thank you. I am reading this Christmas Day in California. No family, and illness in the house. It was nice to read this uplifting blog. Merry Christmas!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Oh Sharon, I am so sorry. I hope everyone feels better soon, and you were able to have some little bit of festive. I am glad my blog cheered you a bit. Much love your way. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  17. Judy says:

    It’s Christ-mas once again! Happy Birthday Jesus!
    Thank you for wonderful memories that a lot of us share.
    No matter our age, you always seem to hit on SOMETHING
    old and wonderful that we all remember! Amazing!
    Thank you for this cheerful post!
    Have a merry-merry, Happy New Year too!
    Stay safe and healthy!
    Hugs&Squeezles

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Judy, thank you! I have always been told, since I was a child, that I am an “Old Soul”. Maybe that’s why I love old things so! Hope you had a Merry Christmas and will have a wonderful New Year! I am making a yummy meal and watching some great movies. AND WILL KICK 2020 OUT THE DOOR, LOL! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  18. Nancy Zychek says:

    Your blog DID bring some cheer to my heart! Thank you for your wonderful articles! Let’s hope the new year brings us much better times and we can gather together with friends and family!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Nancy,thank you so much! It means alot to me. I hope you had a good Christmas, and will have a nice New Years. Here’s to a better new year! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  19. Linda Severs says:

    Hi Nicole
    Thank you for this lovely blog, it has given me such joy to read it. I absolutely love all your decorations, and I agree, residing in New England also, has so many charms but really shines in the Christmas season. Your camper looks great, and I agree with the Christmas music I love it too and will listen to it as much as I can. Yes although this year has been a rough one like no other holiday season, our spirit and hope and kindness makes it so much better. So let the lights shine, the cookies continue to bake, the music to fill our homes, the snowmen to be built and all the bottle brush trees to display, I adore them as well. Thank you for spreading cheer for us all. I am ever so glad to have discovered Mary Janes Farm it is my favourite magazine and I have been reading it for many years now. As we come to a new year soon, peace and love and new beginnings are wished for all
    Thank you for all that you do.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Linda, thank you…what a lovely, wonderfully heartfelt comment! I am enjoying the decorations and lights so much. I don’t want to take mine down! I will take them down after New Years, but will take my time this year. Whenever I get a new MaryJanesFarm magazine in the mail, it is happiness in the box! I am glad you “visited” with me here at the blog. Where in New England are you? Are you also in Connecticut? Thank you for reading and commenting, hope to hear from you again! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

      • Linda Severs says:

        Hi Nicole
        Happy New Year to you and your family. I was so glad to put 2020 behind me. I too will take my time taking down my decorations, I have been watching all the Hallmark Christmas movies although the theme is the same just looking at the homes and scenes is so lovely to see.
        It was nice to receive your reply.
        I am in the New Hampshire seacoast area. I just love being close to the sea. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
        Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
        Stay well
        Linda

        • Nicole Christensen says:

          Hi Linda, Lovely to hear back from you! We started taking our decorations down yesterday. The tree was beginning to look like a fire hazard, lol! We also watched a few more Christmas movies, so we feel like the holidays got stretched out nicely. I will finish the Christmas take-down today. New Hampshire – I love the area you are talking about. It is so beautiful there! I have been a few times. New England is such a beautiful aream all around, and I love all four seasons here. Happy New Year! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  20. Denise says:

    I am just now reading your post and I just loved it! I love all the ways you decorate with the vintage items, I have quite a few myself and just adore them. I have a Christmas card tin too but it is red. Mine came with blank cards inside, did yours? And the tin doll house with the lights, LOVE! And your camper, just too cute. Hope you and your family have had a merry Christmas and will have a happy new year!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Denise! Thank you so much! Happy Holidays! I hope you had a nice Christmas! Isn’t that little tin the cutest? Mine did not come with cards, but looked to be in good shape. I rip the corner of the envelopes of Christmas cards where the return address is and put them in the box. (I keep the cards). I have never seen a red one – same graphics? I just love anything made from tin, don’t you? So much charm. I am debating about closing up the camper this year. We are really enjoying sitting in it, and drinking hot tea and cocoa. With the heat on, it warms up in no time!

  21. Carolann Harris says:

    My Best Wishes to you and your family for the New Year! My tree this year is a small table top bottle brush one ( new, though, not vintage, but nice). Do you know Pink Martini will be on the NPR New Years Eve show tonight? They will also have a show online – there is an “admission fee” for that one. Thank you for sharing all your lovely photos!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Carolann, Darn! I did not know that and missed them. I do really like them! Many of their songs remind me of the parties Audrey Hepburn threw in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I hope you had a nice New Year’s Eve and will have a wonderful 2021! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  22. Sandi says:

    MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR AND MAY THE NEW YEAR BE FULL OF GRACE AND PEACE AND KINDNESS AMONG US ALL.
    Nicole, thanks for the lovely blog and pictures. I saw a snow man in one I think and it reminded me of the one I made with foam balls, , cotton, and a cottage cheese lid, googly eyes, a home made paper hat, and a few other things I had in my craft box. I made it about 4 or 5 years ago and I still like it. I also made one by a pattern with a washcloth, yarn, glue and some other things also in the craft box, but it hangs on my tree. I still have my tree and lights up and won’t be taking them down until next week or the week after. I just love the colorful glow from all the lights and I was so hoping for some snow to brighten everything up even more. We will be painting our house in the Spring and I can’t wait to see how it will turn out. Our front porch is one of the best things we did for ourselves this last year. We love sitting on it and visiting with our neighbors. Again I wish the best for everyone and a peaceful and happy new year to all.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Sandi, your snowmen sound adorable!! I finally took all of my decorations down last week, and this week went ahead and put out my few Valentines Day decorations. I left up one strand of white lights in a ficus tree, and there is always lights in the little stove. I love porch sitting, and it sounds like you have a lovely spring ahead of you. Thank you so much for reading and commenting! Happy, happy New Year! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

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