Sunday, December 13, 2009

Christmas at Bunny Cottage . . .




















As a young girl growing up in southeastern New Mexico, the small town where I lived only had a few large department stores. One of those stores was Sears and Roebuck. At Christmas time, the store would always decorate their large front store windows with Christmas things. In one window was a life-size beautiful Santa all decked out in his velvet red suit and snow white beard. He was animated and as he moved, he would wave and greet us with "Merry Christmas". I guess this must have been when I first fell in love with this jolly plump elf!! Another memory I have of this store is that one Christmas my daddy and I went to the store to buy a special present for my mother. We decided on a set of beautiful china dishes. I will forever see those pretty white dishes with a yellow rose on them (We later said that rose was for the "Yellow Rose of Texas"!) Even though I grew up in NM, I was born in Texas, and my whole family is 5th generation Texans. I think I loved beautiful dishes way back then, too. Every Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter or special Sunday dinner, especially if the preacher was coming to eat, my mom would decorate her table with these dishes. My niece, Robin, now has them to enjoy, and they, of course, will always stay in our family. I love to reminisce this time of year, don't you? The older I get the more I think of Christmases past. I hope that each of you my sweet friends are having happy memories of Christmases past and are looking forward to Christmas present. Many blessings and much love to you in the week ahead!

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful memories..... I try to think of the good memories but sometimes the "other" ones come creeping in.
Happy Holidays!
Love,
Marilyn

Julie Harward said...

MEMORIES...AREN'T THEY SO WONDERFUL, THEY MAKE UP WHO WE ARE! I LOVE THAT ANGEL COOKIE JAR...HAND IT OVER! IT IS SO CUTE! LOVE THE CHECKERED BOW ON THE WREATH..YOU ARE JUST LOOKIN VERY FESTIVE AT YOU HOUSE..ENJOY! Come say hi :D

Julie Marie said...

Hello Vicki, Christmas at Bunny Cottage looks wonderful! I so enjoy hearing about your precious childhood memories, so many of them are very similar to my own...what a special gift those dishes must have been to your mama that Christmas, and so nice they are still in the family and always will be... happy memories and family traditions are my favorite part of the season... love to you... Bisous... Julie Marie

Mrs. Cherry Heart said...

Bunny Cottage looks precious all decorated to welcome in the holidays!

I had to write..... I have that same CHERRY scarf that you have on your mantel.
Mine is on my kitchen hoosier, she is a bit faded and worn but beautiful in every way! I love it!

Hugz, Dolly

La Petite Gallery said...

Speaking of I HAVE well, I had those pale green dishes with the cabbage roses.
about 1958 I loved them so.
Every thing looks so cozy.

Yvonne. PS.
next week doing a post on Ireland.
I have been 3 times, to old now to go..
have family there..Now I am going to watch another BETTE DAVIS MOVIE....>>

Jocelyn said...

What special Christmas decorations. And such sweet Christmas memories. Yes even dishes certainly bring back memories.

Jocelyn
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Your home looks so pretty with all the decorations. I loved looking at each and every one. And, yes I'm like you....the older I get the more I think about Christmases past.

Have a wonderful week!

~Sissie~

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Everything looks so warm and cozy at your house and all decked out its Christmas best! Loved seeing this and hearing about your past Christmases. Yes, I like to remember, too. It's always a joy!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Connie said...

Yes, it is wonderful to reminisce this time of year, honey. Your photos are lovely, especially that wreath on the fence. My heart is always a little extra tender this time of year.

Oooooh, I'm showing the Pink and Roses Christmas tree on the 17th so be sure and not miss it. I think you'll love it.

I'm wishing you a very Merry Christmas but I'm sure it will be joyful for you, sugar!!

xoxo,
Connie :-)

maría cecilia said...

Hola Vicki, què dulce y tierno es todo en tu hogar... how sweet and lovely is everything in your home, Vicki...you have so many sweet items around, even for christmas decor... love your style...
Cariños and hugs
Maria Cecilia

Maria said...

Yes, Vicki! I too remember the life sized animated Santas! Oh the anticipation of Christmas was overwhelming sometimes...
My mother and grandmother would make so many cookies to enjoy and to pass along.

The angel cookie jar must have heavenly cookies in it ;o)

blessings Always ~ Maria

June said...

Vicki, bunny cottage looks so festive! I love all your touches of Christmas everywhere. The tree is beautiful. I'm not sure if I'm doing a tree this year. Did you just gasp?! I'm gettin a little lazy in my old age.lol
I too remember the great windows that the department stores used to do in the 50's and 60's. My mom would take my sister and I on the city bus (Boise was where I was raised) to look at all the downtown windows decked out for the holidays. Sweet times!
hugs

Nanette said...

Hi Vicki,
Your house is always decorated so pretty. Your santas are adorable! Fun to have nice memories to treasure.
Valerie

Duchess of Tea said...

Wonderful memories, lovely decoration...simply a precious post.

Love & Hugs
Duchess

Anonymous said...

I just love everything you are showing. That cookie jar is so cute and the tree skirt.

When I was growing up we would go up town and look at the lights and window displays too. When I was little I wanted to grow up and be a window dresser. Now we have malls and they are just not the same or at least here in our town. I miss those days.

Willow

GwendolynKay said...

Such lovely memories about the china and santa. I enjoyed the pictures from your house. .Blessings!
Gwen

Ana said...

Dear Vicki,
I think that the best memories I have are of my childhood especially during Christmas. They were such simpler times, but always full of happiness, love and innocence. I will forever cherish them. Thank you for sharing your wonderful Christmas memories with us. By the way...Love all your beautfiul Christmas decorations...in particular that cute snow couple you have on your beautiful white wicker chair...too cute. Wishing you a wonderful new week.

Much love to you,
♥Ana

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Lovely as always. That plump little angel is the cutest. And your nativity set is beautiful. I am getting my decorating done, slow but sure. Wishing you a blessed week. :) Tammy

Twyla and Lindsey said...

Bunny cottage sure looks pretty at Christmastime. Thank you for the look around and for the sweet memories. Have a merry week! Twyla

Sue McPeak said...

Love your 'Yellow Rose of Texas' Dishes Story! I'm a fifth generation Texan, with West Texas Pioneer roots Deep in the Heart of Texas. Loved seeing all of your Christmas Collections!

Pink Roses and Teacups said...

Hello sweet Vicki,

Love your decorations! My favorite is the waving santa, and I just love snowmen. thanks for sharing all of your pretty things with us.

Debbie

maría cecilia said...

Hi Vicki, memories of our childhood at christmas time are always so welcoming...
I would like to wish you a very happy christmas together with the ones you love and may it bring to you lots of happiness, peace and love, and a delicious meal too!!
Many warm hugs to you dear Vicki
María Cecilia

La Petite Gallery said...

Hi Vicki ,
I am doing 3 post's on Ireland
stuff you did not learn in school.. check in
Where is your new post. Ha ha
Busy gal.