Welcome to Our Home at Christmas

Hello Everyone!

Today I'm giving the nickel tour of "Christmas at Plant Lady's". Hope you enjoy your time here!

Santa is ready to greet you as you enter. This jolly old elf was painted by a lady near me. I wish I had her painting abilities. She knows just how to capture all the subtle expressions in Santa's face. I'm still working on learning that technique. I bought this gourd at a craft show and incorporated it into this wreath.

As you enter, you'll notice our Christmas tree. The tree is adorned with a collection of ornaments from the White House Historical Society. As many of you know, Mr. Plant Lady and I were engaged in Washington, DC on December 21, 1998, and we have collected an ornament every year since then. Other special ornaments include an angel ornament I have had since I was a little girl. She looks a little scruffy, just like me! Time and age has taken its toll! A cardinal of some sort graces our tree each year. I have several in my collection, but decided not to put them all out since my tree is becoming crowded. Next year, I guess I'll have to put up another tree! Many handcrafted ornaments are hanging on the tree. Collected from my many excursions into the woods, pine cones were decorated with holly and ribbon along with a coat of varnish. Grapevines were woven into wreath ornaments and tied with a simple grosgrain ribbon. Several glass ornaments are at home with the others as they complement each other.

The mantel is the focal point of the room as it displays the story of the REASON FOR THE SEASON. A nativity rests among greenery in the center along with a special object on the mantel-a hand turned wooden vase made from holly by a fellow in Whittier, NC that I purchased on vacation this year. The color and the grain of the wood is beautiful and there is a marking on it (a knot hole) that looks just like an eye. I think of it as being the watchful eye of God. Legend has it that holly was the wood used to make the cross Jesus was crucified on. I don't know whether or not it's true ,but it's a beautiful legend just the same. I can just imagine while Jesus was hanging on the cross, He was looking down through the centuries seeing me as I "saw" His love for me through that little knot hole in the holly wood vase that I found. Isn't it wonderful how He speaks!

Our tour concludes with dinner. The table is set and you have the seat of honor! A choir of carolers have appeared to entertain as we have dinner together. Silent Night, Joy to the World, O' Holy Night and God Rest You Merry Gentlemen will be the selections as we conclude the tour.

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Mr. Plant Lady and I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Be Encouraged!

Plant Lady