Christmas Pillows

Christmas pillows were waiting for me when I got home from vacation.  I ordered them from an Etsy shop called Prim - N - Shabby - Me.  I fell in love with vintage Christmas decor several years ago and am slowly adding like items to my Christmas decor.

Her pillows are handmade

And the images are  from vintage prints and postcards.

You can get the fabric tea stained to give them an aged look.

Aren't they lovely?

Advent

I arrived home from vacation just in time for Thanksgiving - and now the beginning of Advent is upon us.  Whew!  I haven't had much time to devote to making my house cheery and bright as of yet but I am blogging about the serious side Advent on my regular blog if you are interested.

That said, those who belong to liturgical churches can be rather rigid in their thoughts about Advent and Christmas.  Some do not put up a tree until Christmas Eve, some wait until then to start saying Merry Christmas -- it can be very controversial in some circles. 

I take my spiritual life very seriously BUT I do decorate as I can.  Decorating for the season brings me great joy.  It is mostly a solitary task now that my children are older so that I can pray and ponder as I work.   I love my home being cheerful and bright - as to welcome with joy and love family, friends, and even strangers who may come knocking.

You never know who you might be entertaining...

I want to be ready spiritually and  in this earthly presence.

What do you think? 

More Signs of Christmas on the Beach

This fun tree is on the beach at the Mucky Duck on Captiva Island, Florida

Good food (try the duck fingers and/or crunchy grouper) , live entertainment and plenty of good cheer!

They aren't singing Christmas carols yet...

They do offer Christmas souvenirs this time of year

But I spent my discretionary funds on Etsy

Christmas pillows coming!

Santa on the Beach

I know Christmas happens around the world in all climates but it just seems so foreign to me to see this:

Santa climbing a palm tree?

I have always lived in the Midwest.  Santa is associated in my mind with cold and snow!

Santa has been climbing this palm tree at Tween Waters Inn on Captiva Island, FL for as long as I can remember.  He looks out over the Gulf of Mexico.  Perhaps this is his summer home and Mrs Claus has him putting up lights before they head up north?

Yes, I'm still on vacation...

...but Hubby promises the Christmas boxes from storage will be waiting for me when I get home!

I'm linking to Sundays with Santa hosted by Yuletide Seasonings

Christmas in November

I'm on the road - vacationing in sunny Florida - but Christmas has begun.  

Without hubby who is home - so kind of him to let us enjoy the beach.

Oh, I know it's only November but some of my extended family has come to stay with us for a few days.

And they came bearing Christmas gifts!

So this is my meager offering for Sundays with Santa hosted by Yuletide Seasonings

Don't you just love the gift bag?

More on The Bubble Room

A restaurant on Captiva Island, Florida - where it is Christmas everyday!

The Bubble Room not only celebrates Christmas every day but is full of Christmas  memorabilia and whimsy

A Christmas greeting at the entry!

This is my youngest daughter - yes, she has Down syndrome - and loves Christmas more than anyone I know!

Santa up on the roof in his sleigh inviting us in!

Another shadowbox tabletop filled with vintage items revolving around Christmas.

I did not take a picture of our bubble scout - aka server - wearing a "scout" uniform and whimsical hat.

(I was totally embarrassing my family with my picture taking)

This bubble light chandelier revolved over our heads

(Blurry due to motion) 

Santa flying overhead - guess the reindeer were napping...

Christmas lights (including my favorite bubble lights) add to the ambiance.

The Christmas room

Where Santa rests

And elves play

The gift shop is fun - more Christmas and whimsy!

AND...the food is excellent!