Seasons for All at Home

Christmas Breakfast Buffet

 

The family has gathered and Christmas Day has finally arrived.  A festive buffet is the perfect setting for breakfast, whether it is in the kitchen or dining room.  Wreaths, garlands, and red bows add to the excitement of the day.

 

~~~~~

 

Bon appetit!

 

Credits: Photos from Country Living and Southern Living. 

   

Macy's BELIEVE Campaign & Two Giveaways

The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day mark the season of thanks and giving.  And while it's fun to receive treasures from dear ones on special occasions, the old adage of "it's better to give than to receive" is especially true this time of year. 

I was contacted by the online public relations company M80  on behalf of Macy's.  I was asked if I would be interested in participating in this year's BELIEVE campaign.  I didn't hesitate for a moment before I said yes.  It just so happens that "believe" has been my favorite word in the English language for many, many years.  Here's part of a poem I wrote five years ago as the holiday season was beginning.  It includes my favorite word; Annie is my niece and Sherryl is my sister.

 

For it’s all about family and friends who are dear

And about choosing behaviors from love and not fear.

It’s now the holiday season, my time to thrive

And to relish the thrill of being alive.

.

I’ll spend time with Annie to teach her the ropes

How to make Christmas so special and to inspire her hopes.

Hope is Annie’s favorite word as we learned recently

You see Sherryl is collecting favorite words from family.

.

So Annie’s is Hope, Sherryl’s is Imagine

Mine is Believe as in all that can happen

To people we love and to ourselves if we’re true

To generosity and integrity in all that we do.

.

Mom and Dad’s legacy of love will live on

In my sisters and me and we’ll pass the baton

To each of our children and their children, too

The lesson of Giving – because you want to.

 

 

So, the campaign caught my attention the moment I saw it, and I made a mental note that I will indeed donate to this cause.  Macy's nostalgic BELIEVE holiday campaign was inspired by the New York Sun’s famous “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” editorial from 1897 and includes letter-writing “Believe Stations” in Macy’s stores across the country.  For each letter received, Macy’s will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, up to $1 million.

Macy's has generously offered two $25 gift cards for me to give to two of you!  So, please consider sending a letter to Macy's so the Make-A-Wish Foundation benefits.  And for a chance to win one of the two gift certificates, please leave a comment.  It would be great to hear brief descriptions of either a favorite letter to Santa or a favorite story about the importance of giving during the holiday season, but that's optional.

The deadline to post a comment in this post is Monday, December 21, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.  EST.  Two winners will be selected randomly.  Good luck, thank you for all you do to give, and Happy Holidays! 

 
   

Christmas Wreaths ~ In Windows, On Mirrors

While Christmas wreaths often serve as a welcome to visitors arriving at the front door of our home, adding one or more wreaths inside our homes add to the festivities of the holiday.  Hanging a circle of greenery above the mantle or sideboard and over a mirror is a great way to give these beauties the attention they deserve.

 

And hanging wreaths in windows is especially charming and a site to behold from inside your home and out.  When possible, hang one wreath in each window in a series for added impact and beauty.

Hang Christmas wreaths with a ribbon that matches the color scheme in the room it adorns, then enjoy it for many holiday gatherings or quiet moments alone.  Simple splendor at its best.

 

Be sure to check out all the lovely holiday links over at The Inspired Room.

Credits:  Photos from Traditional Home, Cottage Living, and BHG.