Just Like a Kid But With Memories of a Lifetime

It doesn't matter that it is just Arville and I this year -- no kids in the house anymore -- except for me. I love putting up the tree, the smell of pine in the house, lights and candles, and something with cinnamon baking in the oven!! Do you really ever get too old for those things? I hope not.


This year, my tree decorations are very special to me. They are all handmade (and many by friends). Some are made of wool that was spun by hand, some were crocheted by the ladies in my sewing group, some I have had for years now - and from all over the world, and some I made myself. Maybe remembering the people who have influenced my life when I place each ornament on the tree makes this tree decorating so special to me.




















Habibe made these snowflakes for me last year.



A Macedonian friend of mine who does stained glass made this ornament for me.



And here are some photos of our little apartment -- all decorated for the holidays.



A friend gave these to me for Christmas about 10 years ago.



And Dot Laux (member of Wilshire Baptist Church, Dallas - and one of our first volunteers in Macedonia) made these angels for me.



A friend in Missouri gave me this angel




Traditional Macedonian cloth and Greek Horns are part of the table decorations.



These ceramic houses were given by friends over the years.





And Kathy Smith gave me this beautiful Santa last year for Christmas.



I bought this Nativity set here and watercolored their faces to look more authentic. Handmade wool sheep are grazing on the coffeetable.

A young lady in Texas made this handpainted glass -- it hangs in the window in our dining room.

This holiday season, I hope you have the occasion to remember friends and family that have made a difference in your life, too.

Shelia