Christmas in the Country

     Stockings aren't just for the mantle.  Well, we don't have a fireplace, so I have to create a different spot.  But, I like to hang other stockings around in various places.  I hang them on doors.  You can also put them on bedposts, doorknobs , or on the backs of chairs.  They are a nice splash of Christmas color !  Have fun hanging!

Bathroom door    




And on the bedroom door        

                                                                   
                                                                             

Christmas in the Country

Here is a recipe for a flavored creamer for coffee or cocoa.  Fill a vintage milk bottle with it, and it makes a neat little gift or stocking stuffer!

Pepperminty Creamer Mix

1/4 cup non-dairy coffee creamer
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup instant coffee granules
2 T baking cocoa
2 hard peppermint candies, crushed

Combine all ingredients in a blender.  Process until well blended.  Store in an airtight container. 

This recipe came from a wonderful book I have called "Christmas in the Country", by Gooseberry Patch.

Christmas in the Country

Place some candy canes in a Mason jar and tie with a pretty bow.  What a simple, country touch of Christmas!

Christmas in the Country

Place silverware inside pretty winter mittens for a whimsical look.  Add a scarf as a table runner.  What a cozy tablesetting for  breakfast on a frosty morning.

Christmas in the Country

Want to create a fun, simple tabletop decoration?  Place a vintage ornament atop  a candlestick. 

                                                                            

Friday's Fave Five hosted by Living to Tell the Story

Every Friday I will be posting my five favourite things about the current week.  This is a fun thing hosted by the blog "Living to Tell the Story."  Here are my five faves from this week:

1.  I learned how to can apples and canned 12 quarts.  What a great feeling of accomplishment and
     security!

2.  We had some wonderfully warm weather on Tuesday, and I spent a great deal of time outside.  I
     raked   some leaves to put in the chicken coop later this winter.  The chickens will love digging
     through that this winter when there's nothing but snow outside.

3.  I decorated the house for Christmas!  I LOVE my Christmas village even more than having a tree. 
     And pulling all those decorations out is like meeting old friends again every year.

4.  I also got out my Christmas music and started playing it.  I often wonder why we only listen to it
     this time of year.

5.  Along the same lines, I baked Christmas cookies yesterday.  My husband enjoyed those last night.

Christmas in the Country

Today is December 1st and the Christmas season is upon us.  What a wonderful time of year.  We try to keep Christmas simple so that we can remember the true meaning of the season.  We thank God for sending His Son Jesus to us.  When I decorate, I tell the Lord that this is for His birthday.  It helps keep the focus on Him.  Every day from now until Christmas I will read a passage of Scripture from the Christmas Story, or sing a Christmas carol, or read a poem having to do with His birth.  Remember the Christmas Ideals books?  I have several, and they are a wonderful source of Christian inspiration. 

 In this post I am going to give simple Christmas tips/ideas for making the season special.  Choose whichever ones you think you'd enjoy.  Post your own ideas to share.  I am going to do this daily right up until Christmas Day.  Enjoy your holiday season!!

I keep all of my Christmas books and movies in a wicker basket by a cozy chair.   Set aside one night a week, or however many nights you have time for, to read or watch a favourite.