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And, what I understand is: you don't have to have a blog to comment, just click other or anonymous in the choose an identity area and you don't have to enter a web page, even though it asks for one.

Jolly Old St. Nicholas...

I love the tradition of Santa Claus. I always have. But, even more than the myth, I love the real story. Nicholas was born in the third century in the village a Patara located on the southern coast of Turkey. He was raised by wealthy parents who were devout Christian and who died leaving him a wealthy orphan. He was made a Bishop of Myra while a young man. To follow the example of Jesus, he used his entire fortune to bless the needy. He was known for his generosity to children and his love for them.

In 2006, we have added some glitz, a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer to the mix. But, the idea that someone could do some small kindness for children and then have so many millions of people try to commit similar small acts of kindness1800 years later in an attempt to do likewise is a miracle that cannot be surpassed by Santas that come down the chimney and fly all over the world in one night. That is the kind of Santa it is so important to believe in, just a normal person who wanted to do some good and who made the lives of the people around him a little better.
In our current culture where the idea of personal responsibility seems to take a daily beating in the media, the concept that one regular person can make a real difference seems less and less popular. And yet, one person makes a real difference all the time.
In order to become a Catholic Saint you have to have so many recorded miracles to your name. I don't know about those or what they are. What I do know is that he did perform one miracle of which I am sure. He was a good example.
I believe in Santa Claus and in the idea that anything or anyone that can inspire us to reach beyond ourselves to do a bit more for someone who needs us is something to believe in at Christmas time and all the other times of the year.
And, I believe that the real story of Santa is better than the myth, as it often is.

Merry Christmas...

Yesterday, I ate cake...

I ate some chocolate cake that was amazingly tall and very delicious and it had a green mint frosting with chocolate ganache. It was very good! And I ate some other cake that looked kind of like this. It was chocolate cake with chocolate bits inside and it had whipped cream topping with crushed candy cane on top. Amber, please send the recipe?

Matryoshka Dolls...

I know several people who love these dolls and this ebay store has a great selection at very reasonable prices..

See them here.

A Star for Christmas...

As I have written before, I love the work of Art Glass Artist Robert Held. Amazing! Look, a STAR for Christmas! Beautiful! See his site here.

Eddie Walker...

I love Santa. What a great guy! And, I have a small collection of Eddie Walker Santas, but as I was telling Michelle yesterday, you just don't see them around much. Duh? Ebay. There were quite a few listed including this cute guy. Speedy Delivery.

Gift of Organization...

These might be cute for just the right person on your list. See them here.

Great Quote...

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill

Fun Granny Chic Website...

See it here. Sorry they won't let you copy pics out. Still fun though.

Granny Chic Tub...

Isn't this darling. I love this tub. See it here.

Great Quote...

Love your friends. Give them dignity and richness, and help make their time alive abundant.

Alexandra Stoddard in Time Alive

Granny Chic Cute of the Week...

Anything quilted counts in this category. I adore these shams. They even come in Euro Squares. Does everyone love Euro Squares? I really do. Find them here.

Granny Chic item of the week...

I think these old-fashioned refrigerator dishes are very cool. And, look at this:

Holds 2 cups
Microwave, freezer, oven and dishwasher safe
Will not stain
Glass
Dishwasher safe

There are several sizes available. I think it would be darling wrapped up with some homeade treats and a red bow.

See it here.

Has anyone heard this album?

It seems like the perfect thing for the Rock-n-roller on your list. These guys were great at the 2002 Winter Games in SLC. I really hate to buy crappy Christmas cds don't you and it's all about having the tunes going during the holidays. :)

Love this Armoire...

It seems to belong with Alice in Wonderland. See it here.

Great Quote...

In the pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted to remain children all our lives.
Albert Einstein

Visible Storage...

I have to decorate my home out of Pottery Barn Kids and Teen because they have my colors throughout the year, not just in the spring. Aren't these great? Cds, dvds, mags... the possibilities are endless... See them here.

Mom, this Marimekko bag would be cute?

Very cute, and very red! :)

Beth's Market Bags...

Beth has darling new bags... see them here.

My Nutcracker and My Nutcracker Poem...

Our Nutcracker's fixed with a perilous gaze
He's grumpy, he's worred, he's stressed
you could say

He's shopping & wrapping & baking & spending
& running & raving & driving & grazing...

Too much!!!

He wants each of his friends to know that he cares
So he comes and he goes and he stands and he stares
At this one and that one and that one and this one
The blue one, the pink on, the red one, the right one

And he goes back and forth on this maddening track
until he drives himself nuts and he cracks

But don't you be like that...

Christmas is JOY it is Happiness & Love
IT is Peace that alights in the heart like a dove

Besides...

Your commotion is good it sends grace and a tear
Just to think there is someone who cares around here.

Know that your motions means a lots to a many
Your trinckets and troubles go far. They do. Really!
They remind us of one who was born without cradle
Long ago, far away in a poor little stable.

So think of poor Nutcracker, but
Don't be like him
Ring bells, sing and shout!

Good Tidings and Cheer
are what Christmas' about!

copyright 2005