Oh, Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches!
I tend to be an early riser, even on these dark days before Christmas. I love to watch the morning sky flush with colour at daybreak. But sometimes I pull the cover up and think I’ll just snuggle a little while longer.
Until my Christmas tree goes up! Then it doesn’t matter if I’m still half asleep. The second I plug my tree lights in, the magic of Christmas is there. The warm scent of pine needles tickles my nose. I make my morning coffee, and settle down beside the Christmas tree, to start my day.
Beneath the tree, the Nativity Scene; above, the angel smiles fondly down.
Unto us a child is born, king of all creation.
More of Lisa’s handiwork!
I had no intention to write this post today, but when an old friend comes calling, what can you do but respond? As if by magic, Jake’s Sunday Post appeared in my Reader, bearing a beautiful Christmas Tree. I’ll supply the carols. Coming round for mince pies, anybody?
restlessjo 
Coffee by our tree is my favorite time of day too. 🙂
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Almost finished the first cup 🙂
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Merry Christmas, Jo. Nothing like the scent of a Christmas tree and special ornaments to create magic. I have just come home from my second outdoor house concert this week that promotes songwriters and musicians who want an appreciative audience. Listening to the lyrics under the palm trees hardly reminds us that Christmas is here, but our sense of community brings us together for these special occasions. 🙂
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The spirit of the time is there in your heart, Lynne, wherever you are. Does this mean a new post from you? I keep checking 🙂
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I keep telling myself to put the blasted paint brush down and get a blog out. Thanks for checking. 🙂
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Your Christmas tree and ornaments are really stunning, Jo. I’m looking forward to seeing our son’s tree when we arrive in NJ on Friday evening. 🙂 Thanks for the link to Jake’s post. I might have lost him, otherwise. 🙂 xx
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Lovely to have Jake back, however briefly, isn’t it 🙂 I read NZ first go and thought “good grief, she’s off again!” Hope the weather’s ok for travelling, Ad. Have a lovely Christmas!
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Lovely Jo – and wasn’t it special to see Jake again?! Happy Holidays to you!!
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I nearly fell out of my armchair when I saw him 🙂 And to you, Tina!
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On cloudy, dreary days like today, my Christmas tree shines all day, filling our house with peace and joy. Beautiful tree, Jo!
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Thanks, Jill 🙂 Yes, it’s a bit like that here today. I think a spot of Christmas wrapping is called for. (after the coffee!)
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Beautiful!
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Merry Christmas, Dawn 🙂
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Merry Christmas.
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Eariy mornings, christmas trees and little dolls that look like Dolly Partons I like.
That is why I like this post. Lisas handy work really cute.
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Morning, Jack 🙂 Here I am with my coffee, again.
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I’m the same way once I get the Christmas tree up. The lights just captivate me.
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It takes all that dullness outside away, for a little while 🙂
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May the Spirit of Christmas be with you Jo ,Thanks for sharing my friend 🙂
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And with you, Jake. Lovely to have you around again 🙂
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You’re really in the spirit of the season 🙂
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It might not last? 😦 (but I hope so!)
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🙂
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I am glad I am not alone in rushing to put the Christmas lights on in the morning – all still kids at heart 🙂
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Great isn’t it, Robin? Brightens those gloomy mornings a treat 🙂
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A beautiful post Jo! Love all the ‘crafty’ details! Off now, to welcome Jake back 🙂
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Another party, Madhu! 🙂 We do love a celebration.
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I feel the same about the Christmas lights, Jo. Your tree looks lovely 🙂
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Thanks, Marianne. I often think it must be strange to have Christmas away from the UK. It’s something I’ve never done, but you’ve had lots of practise 🙂 You can still be cosy with your log fire.
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What beautiful pictures and a great reason to enjoy such a lovely scene… Save me some pie too!
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I don’t have a very big dining table so it’ll be strictly informal, Meg 🙂
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Your tree decorations look lovely Jo. Lots of memories I expect. I passed on my old family decoration to my daughter, so it is her tree which holds all the memories now. I’m definitely up for the mince pies along with a glass of mulled wine maybe? I make a good mulled wine 😀
Jude xx
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You’re on, Jude! 🙂
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Putting us in the mood, thanks. love your daughter’s crafty heart.
Merry Christmas it will be at your place!
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I’m relying on you to bring the mince pies, Ruth 🙂
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Your tree is beautiful and I love the crafty heart 🙂
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Thanks, Colline 🙂
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Oh, I feel all Christmassy now, having read your post and looked at your lovely photos. 🙂
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I bet you had a sing-a-long too 🙂
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How did you guess? 😉
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Love this time of year. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
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