Monday, December 29, 2014

No wrapping 'round here!

Christmas this year was just what I'd hoped it would be... more about family, less about gifts!  Can you believe I didn't buy one gift?  Not one shred of ribbon, or sheet of wrapping paper was used!  Now before you start thinking that I'm a bit of a Scrooge, let me say this: I made each of our six grandchildren a cute little gift-card holder, tucked the appropriate card for each inside and hung them like so:

 
Of course they had their very own table, and a special little place-card:

 
It comes complete with a jar of chalk - here is the highlight of the drawings this year.  Samuel got his inspiration from their little Charlie Brown Nativity:

 
Tom and I had the pleasure of having our precious group of fourteen together, sharing a wonderful meal, and giving from our hearts to a very, very worthy children's hospital.  This healthy, happy, family is all the gift we ever need.
 
I know I'm being long winded... you know me so well!  I couldn't leave without sharing my little card tree decorated in all its splendor of Christmas wishes:
 
 
You can see my tree has runneth over =]  And to those of you, my wonderful blogging friends?  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Not only do I feel blessed by your friendship, my life is truly enriched by knowing each and every one of you.  Such beauty!

 
One last thing: let me send early New Year's wishes to each and every one of you for health, happiness, all life's best, and crafty goodness in 2015!! 

Thanks, as always for stopping by!!

10 comments:

Lynn said...

Love the beautiful drawing by your grandson! Your Christmas sounds absolutely perfect to me!

~amy~ said...

♡♡♡

cm said...

Hello Michelle, my apologies for being tardy in visiting your blog to say THANK YOU so much for the warm, supportive, heart-warming comment you left on mine, regarding our life-transforming situation. Please know: your prayers and hugs are appreciated immensely. The journey of waiting continues. Your post here brings tears of joy to my eyes: spending time with family IS the essence of Christmas, and I love what you did to make that happen. The chalkboard table is fabulous, as is your tree that 'runneth over' with gorgeous cards. Your Christmas sounds ever so special and meaningful!
Hugs~c

Chriss Blagrave said...

Love your crafty settings! A Christmas with children cannot be beat and we are so blessed to have healthy families! Wishing you and your family a very healthy and happy year!
XOX chriss

Kim Heggins said...

I love the way you and your family celebrated Christmas, just the way it should be, all about family. And that table for your grandchildren (still can't believe that you have 6, you don't look old enough to have 6 children). What a wonderful way to spend the day. And your Christmas card display, so so beautiful. I finally got some of my cards mailed this morning, yours is on its way. Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year!

Bobby said...

I would be making that drawing my Christmas card for next year, Michele. Your Christmas sounds like a fabulous time. We pared down the gift giving this year, too, and I made gift card holders for my grandchildren.

Shona Chambers said...

Happy New Year!! It certainly seems like your family had a wonderful Christmas and what a lovely way to celebrate without the presents getting in the way. Love all your cards too and even recognise a few of them. I received so many wonderful cards too, more than I have received in years, so feel very special indeed! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with this year, I know the cards will be fabulous!!

Tracey McNeely said...

Michelle your Christmas sounds lovely! An adorable table for the kids and an immaculate house! Thank you for sharing your Christmas!

Anita in France said...

What a wonderful Christmas you had, Michele ... full of the joy of simply being together! What a brilliant idea the chalkboard table is ... so lovely for the children to have their own special places! Your home is beautiful ... love your card tree and just adore those silver reindeer on the mantle ... they're stunning! Happy New Year to you, my friend! Anita :)

Marybeth said...

Sounds like a wonderful Christmas! You have a beautiful home, love the picture window ! Such a sweet table for the kids.