...and then there is Christmas

Christmas at Harmonie House

My Dears..

The chill is in the air or should I say the frost? Need I also say that I'm ever so delighted? Tis the season and I am filled with the spirit of Christmas and of winter...for you know I am a snow bunny! There is no hiding from the low temps..no way! I await patiently for the first true snowfall of the season...followed by snow angel making in the back yard. Harmonie House is bedecked in all its Christmas splendor and the scents, sounds, and colors permeate each room. The wood is at hand for cozy evenings by the hearth and the chestnuts are ever ready to be roasted. As the song says...this is the "most wonderful time of the year!"

One of two Christmas village scenes.
This one is the shop and skating rink village.

Nook area looking all merry and bright.

Can you tell I've got a thing for nutcrackers?

This one says it all...

November came and went by like lightening! It was a wonderful month however, and my fella and I enjoyed some fancy footwork at the Armistice Ball followed by the after-the-ball Afterglow Party at Harmonie House. Twas a magical evening.

After the ball...

Before we knew it, Thanksgiving was upon us! Oh but what yummy food was to be had. Not only was there the traditional turkey fare..but also a deep-fried turkey! Mmmm...can we do that again please? *smiles* I had a most delightful time with my fella and his family! Many thanks again to that wonderful clan for a most warm and loving Thanksgiving!

Turkey just before it came out of the oven...yumm!

Naturally, when December rolls around it's time for my Annual Christmas tea. It was a lovely affair with all my Victorian/Edwardian friends in attendance and a table laden with scrumptious treats. The secret Santa session in the library/music room was filled with laughter and lots of contented sighs as the ladies received the most delightful gifts. It was quite a lovely afternoon topped off with caroling around the piano. *contented sigh*

Would you believe me if I told you we had to make room for more food?

Hamming it up with dear friends right before
the room became filled to the brim with the ladies.
The Secret Santa gifts were to be handed out thereafter.

Playing Santa and handing out presents.

Getting silly during caroling!

And truly, you didn't think I'd forget to post a couple of pictures of a most important member of Harmonie House? You know, he'd never let me forget it if I did that. *impish grin* Needless to say, he'd find a moment to take over my post and blog all about it.

Yes..Mr. Knightley enjoys Christmas!

Cozy and comfy under the tree...

By the way...did I mention that in this most wonderful, magical month I turned 40? Oh yes I did! I had what seemed like a week-long celebration which began with a surprise party (thanks to my honey) and concluded with a blissful day in NYC! There is nothing like Christmastime in NYC.

My 40th by the Rockefeller Center Tree
(picture not so clear due to the quaintness of my phone cam *sigh*)

I cannot believe that Christmas is just next week! I'm so not ready..but still, I'm a little girl excited by the magic of it all. Oh how I wish for a white Christmas!

May your stockings be filled with joy, good health, and loads of bliss for Christmas and everyday after. Make every moment count and count your every blessing. Life is a gift and each day a new canvas. Make sure to paint the most amazing life, for you know we have the ability to do so...simply because we can.

Blessings and love! xoxo
Miss Sandra