Gather: Well, That Was Unexpected... Last Minute Christmas Gifts, "It's Not Christmas Unless..."

Encouragement for Every Season & Reason

Kit's Typewriter

WELL, THAT WAS UNEXPECTED... As I unboxed our daughter Katy's American Girl Dolls that she had loved and played with when she was a young girl, tender memories flooded back now that she is a grown woman, living too far away. But present day had tasked me with finding Kit and Felicity in the attic for our granddaughter Lydia to continue that love and fun.

I first pulled out Kit, she wore her red Christmas dress with white broad collar, her hair was styled in a cute bob. Next was Felicity, lovingly stored for years, she wore her purple with flowers traveling gown. Like Kit she was in very good condition except... her hair (is tragic too strong?) Katy had wanted to cut Felicity's hair all those years ago and I had encouraged her creativity. Before boxing her up Katy braided Felicity's shoulder length hair. Now that Lydia had unbraided it, it wasn't what we expected - it stuck out all over in different directions, no matter what we tried her hair was unfixable!

What we're my options? A new doll was out of the question so I looked into the American Doll Care Center (yes, that's a thing!) for a fraction of the cost of a new doll Felicity would recieve "TLC and wellness from head to toe." (could I go with her?) So off she went to the Care Center, with a promise of letting me know when she arrived (they did) and when she would be leaving (they did) all repaired and heading home. Well, today I am waiting for her to arrive all "lovingly refreshed and restored."

As I await Felicity's arrival I am reminded that Christmas can be a season of waiting for some of us, of expectations instead of refreshment and restoration (God's best plan). Kathy Cunningham shares "As your children become adults, Christmas changes in ways you never could have imagined, the gatherings look different and traditions you once held dear may no longer fit." click here for Christmas words of encouragment and finding Him in the imperfect places.

"But this season is not about holding on to what was -

it's about opening your hands to what God is going to do now."

Kathy Cunningham

A Home to Keep: DIY! Christmas Jingle Jar Centerpiece and a Framed Travel Memory

JINGLE ALL THE WAY! This mason jar craft makes a beautiful centerpiece and a wonderful hostess or teacher gift as does this easy framed map.

Both are so simple to make you might want to put a favorite Christmas movie on and make several. Click here for step by step directions for both.

Mixing Bowl: RECIPES! "It's Not Christmas Unless..."

TREASURED FAMILY RECIPES, gifts made and given and long-standing traditions intertwined with heartwarming memories is what I received back from a text I sent out that read, "It's not Christmas Unless...?" Enjoy going over the river and through the woods with these sweet responses. Try the recipes out and I'll come over! Click here for my Molasses Crinkles and more of YOUR shared memories and recipes.

It's Not Christmas Unless ...

(L to R: Lorna S., Linda T. and Harriet B., my sisters.)

“We put up the Christmas tree.” Lorna S. "

I put out all my nativities scenes and make my Molasses Crinkles." Linda T.

“I make Cranberry Bread and Mama Reno's Butter Crunch Toffee, because it’s a family tradition and it’s yummy.”  Harriet B.

"I exchange a special ornament that represents the year with Daniel." Natalie T. (our son and daughter-in-law.)

"Decorating makes it Christmsay!" Leah T. (our son and his family.)

(L to R: Linda, Trudy and Lynn)

 "I've made Pecan Sandies with a Hershey Kiss in the center." Lynn B.

"I've made some homemade gifts, It's a joyful thing to me!" Trudy T.

We are now in the 5^th generation of our family to enjoy clam chowder on Christmas Eve. Yum!” T.J. Seabert

 “I’ve made Clam Chowder for 42 years straight every Christmas Eve since the first year Dave and I were married.  Sometimes I use Knorr’s Mix and it’s very good.  I have also made it from scratch.  I just google creamy clam chowder and use one of the recipes that come up.  I always use half-in-half because it makes it creamier. I use minced clams. We always add little oyster cracker! We love it and we love the tradition of it. 

Click here for wonderful memories and traditions shared by my family and friends!

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold,

I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,

which is Christ the Lord."

Luke 2:10-11

From our home to yours this blessed season, Linda and Mr. Keeper

"Emptiness is written upon everything

until the heart comes to it's Saviour and Lord."

Spurgeon