I've been off the grid for about a week and will be catching up with you soon. This is the reason why! Triple celebrations!
Our first was with the kids. That started the Friday before and wrapped on Christmas Eve morning.
Of course there was lots of playing but one of the best things was getting the first Christmas tree for the Baby Grands and their parents!
This was Little Big Guy's first tree. I'm not sure he "got" the tree lot nearly so much as he got into the cookies they had inside.
And the pretty decorations, too!
Then it was home to set it up and decorate!
Which, I must add, he thought was pretty cool. (Most all the decorations stayed on the tree too, except for the occasional removal of a little bi-plane that he really liked!)
We had a lovely "Christmas Eve" dinner...
Chef's assistant helped with the salad!
Of course, everyone had Christmas crackers and crowns.
No one was omitted from the festivities (but all choking hazards were quickly removed!)
Then, the annual decorating of Christmas cookies!
And soon it was bedtime. Or, Rockin' around the Christmas Tree.
And snuggling with Grandpa.
The next morning was "Christmas!" There was much opening of presents and lots of happy faces, but the one having the most fun was the Little Big Guy.
But the Little Little Guy seemed to be having a little awe and wonder, too!
The children were nestled all snug in their beds. So were the adults! More festivities await!
The next day, we had breakfast with Greg, who is leaving soon for a new life in L.A.
Then home to "real" Christmas Eve dinner at Rick's. Steaks on the grill, a great dinner and holiday light looking, too!
I loved Rick's tree this year. The easiest we ever found!
Christmas Day brought dinner at my house. When I got back from Rick's I realized that Lizzie-the-Cat, whom I didn't think could even jump as high as the counter, apparently found her Christmas gift and figured she wasn't going to wait for me to get home to open it!
I got the table all set for our guests. Check out the wonderful tablecloth! I was wanting a vintage Christmas tablecloth and contacted every blogger's favorite antique dealer, Rita of Panopoly.
She came up with this beauty (and another -- next year!) and I love it! It looked perfect with mom's silver, crystal and Christmas Spode!
I love the detail on the edges. Thanks, Rita!
Our guests arrived for Christmas dinner. A little prosecco started the evening, then more Christmas crackers, shrimp and grits, kale salad and a peppermint stick ice cream pie inspired by Jenna's recipe right HERE. (I skipped the cool whip and used more crushed oreos on the top. It was YUM!)
There were more celebrations to come -- a visit from my friend Jerry from Paris and gatherings yet to be this season. But I leave you with a photo of my second-oldest Christmas decoration, a vintage nativity. In the first photo we have of this, I was about three.
And, with my favorite photo of the season.
Let the festivities continue and the memories remain.
35 comments:
Wonderful Christmas celebrations with the family Jeanie.
Your grandkids are really cute :) My 2 year old grandson wasn't too interested in the presents yet, maybe next year.
The Christmas table cloth is beautiful and so is the Christmas dinner set.
You have been busy indeed, Jeanie. My favourite shot is of Grandpa Rick napping on the sofa. I snatch about twenty minutes myself most afternoons. Those little kids will grow up before you know it. Our youngest grandchild is about to turn twelve and the oldest just turned twenty-two. You invest a whole lot more effort into Christmas than we do. It’s a pretty low key affair for us, and of course when Miriam was growing up in a Mennonite home it was a religious festival. The only decorations allowed in the house were items like pine boughs, nothing manufactured or glittery was ever permitted. There might have been special cookies and an orange but no orgy of gift giving. And certainly no wine!
Wonderful photos, you evidently had some great celebrations. I love to see how kids enjoy this special time. Had to laugh about Lizzie and the catnip, my Kitty ruined a cupboard door where she could smell catnip. Have a great, hugs, Valerie
The tablecloth with its traditional Christmas colors of red and green is perfect! The "chef's assistant" is, of course, the star of the evening.
Happy 2019 year!
Hello, looks like you had a lovely Christmas! Your grandchildren are adorable.
They are all wonderful photos! Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend ahead!
The magic of Christmas. Great pictures!
Your Christmas table with the antique clothe was spot-on perfect! You have such a good eye for details.
Your cat getting into the catnip reminded me of a time my mom's cat was given some. She was flying all over the house, wild and was never given an opportunity to try it again.
Enjoyed this photo journey Christmas story.
Hand holding at the end is all sweetness.
It does sound like you had a very busy Christmas!
You've had a very busy Christmas Jeanie and it all looks and sounds wonderful. The grands are as adorable as ever. I find that having children around at Christmas really helps give special joy to the season. Your Christmas table setting looks beautiful as does the new tablecloth.
Such a lovely time with family and friends, Jeanie! Love those sweet little grands. You had a busy and wonderful time. The table is beautiful with the vintage cloth and your Mother's china. Wishing you a Happy New Year full of all good things. xx Karen
What a sweet and precious Christmas you enjoyed with your family. ADORABLE grands! :D
Your post made me realize that I forgot our Christmas crackers! Yikes! But we can have fun with them on New Year's Eve!!!!
xo,
RJ
Stop in from Iris and i haven't yet thought of putting up Christmas stuff.
Maybe this weekend I will staart.
If you have time stop in for a cup of coffee
Jeanie, what a beautiful post and celebrations! The grands are absolutely adorable and they sure make Christmas special. Your table is so pretty with the vintage tablecloth that Rita found. I love that you have your mom’s Spode, crystal, and sterling...so many memories I am sure! Wow, the nativity really has memories attached. Wishing you a Happy and healthy New Year my friend!
I have also been taking a little time off, will catch up!
Absolutely stunning photos and a great storyline, too. Those grandees are precious and you captured them perfectly.
I am in love with your Christmas table, the tablecloth and as I've said in years past, your beautiful dishes that I lust over every time I see them. Even your Christmas crackers match. I"m sure you knowI have a "thing" for trees at Christmas. Such beauty all around,
I hope your Christmas was cheery and your 2019 is filled with good health, joy, and happiness.
Such wonderful memories!
What a blessed time! Beautiful family.
You had a ball:) I am exhausted for you :) LOL..Travel and 3 days in a row!
We have eve and day..Noah sleeps over tonight..we had the other 3 last week.Love the pics and too funny re the catnip:) Love that hand in hand♥Bonne Année!!
Looks like your little baby grands made this an extra fun and exciting Christmas! How exciting to get to help them with their first tree. Christmas just gets better and better as they understand the season more and more.
Your Christmas dinner table looked so festive and beautiful! It sounds like you had a really wonderful holiday.
GOod morning dearest Jeanie! And another year is waiting at our doorsteps. Yes, let the memories remain as we move forward. Blessings to you and the family!
Sounds like it was wonderful. That's great that most of the stuff stayed on the tree with the little ones around. I have to laugh about Lizzie helping herself to her present.
What a festive Christmas. I remember the holiday when my daughter was little. You brought back my memories of her first memorable one-she was a little over a year then. Sweet photos. Rick's tree looks great and your table is gorgeous too. I love the matching crackers. Did all you adults wear the crowns also? Happy end of 2018. Hugs-Erika
Jeanie, Little Big Guy and Little Little Guy are adorable! Real show-stealers! Hope you have a wonderful 2019.
Awww, what a very cute pic of your Grandson!! Can´t decide if smile or clothes ;-)
Isn´t that the cutest age.
Christmas crackers I know from Australia, but here in Germany... very slowly introduced, it´s a shame.
I sure had to grin about Lizzie´s ways! Thank you!
Beautiful table, too!
My kale salad was a desaster - do you have a tipp (is it the same kale, the one that needs frost?)...
It looks like you had a wonderful holiday season. So sweet to see the kids enjoying the festivities. Lovely New year to you and yours Jeanie.
Dear Jeanie
What a magical Christmas!
It is such a special time spent with family and friends.
We celebrated our second Christmas with our Frenchies.
Now I don't know how I survived the many empty ones in bewtween!
The little ones bring the magic to Christmas for us!
Shane xx
Jeanie, looks like you had a wonderful Christmas. I am in love with that last photo. Those kinds are more special than any others..Happy New Year, my friend..xxoJudy
I’m glad you had a happy Christmas Jeanie. Your tablescape looks lovely. Yes, you can’t beat vintage tablecloths of different kinds, I like trawling for them on eBay and local shops.
Cath
What a wonderful post full of great pictures. I have a grandson that is about the same age as the cutie in the red sweater vest! Looks like you had some great moments to treasure. My daughter moved a year ago to L.A... what is it with going out West? Well everything is going well for her so I hope it will for your Greg. Loved the vintage tablecloth and the pretty table that was set. Best wishes to you and yours for a Bright and Happy New Year!
What a wonderful Christmas you had. Your photos are priceless. I love the tablecloth. I need to look for one or two for next Christmas.
I’m so far behind on life. (Is that a theme for me?). I hope to read all of your travel posts soon.
Wishing you the very best in the coming year!
Fun to catch up with you and see how the grandbabies have grown! I always love seeing your decorations, Jeanie. That table is gorgeous. I have a great family recipe for peppermint ice cream. The Grands love to help make it. Happy New Year to you and Rick. It sounds like you'll be traveling.
Now that all looks just wonderful. I had a nativity just like yours when I was little too. Love, love the vintage tablecloth. Did you know I collect vintage tablecloths? I use one that has pinecones on it for Christmas. It isn't for Christmas, but I like using it for that. Your table was beautiful with it. And then the best part of all is the grand babies for celebrating and decorating a tree, oh and cookies too.
It's amazing what cats will do for a little bit of catnip! :D
It looks and sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas. Loving Rick's Christmas tree!
All the best for the New Year! :)
Oh, how happy and adorable and everything that is good in this world!! Love the photos, but that last one is very special indeed!!
Jeanie, just recd your note in the mail (thank you!). I must've been in my zombie state at this point of the holidays, and missed this wonderful post! My goodness, what a beautiful Christmas! The table setting is gorgeous. I'm so glad you received the cloths in time for your celebration. Thank you for sharing!
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