12.25.2009

Images of Our Christmas

A beautiful Christmas day to everybody!
From my family to yours, we wish you peace, good health and prosperity!

We always spend the holidays with family, and this is only our second Christmas spent at home since we moved in here exactly a year and seven months ago.  Having our own home is truly one of the greatest blessings we could receive.  One would expect that with a fairly new house, it would be decked out to the roof...well, maybe next year  =) 

Green, red and gold.  Traditional Christmas colors and symbols are what you will find in our home, and very minimal at that. Gradually, I will collect more decor every year to achieve, as what designers call, a 'finished look' for our house.
The Christmas Tree has been our ultimate symbol of the season.  Just having a tree in our home is enough for us to feel the spirit of Christmas. This brand new 8-foot tree found a place in our living room this year.

Fresh evergreen trees have been used since the 16th century, and the first decorated tree originated from Germany.  The custom was then brought to England by Prince Albert in the 1800s, which eventually found it's way to America.  Now we can find so many ornaments in all shapes, colors, and sizes decorating Christmas trees all over the world.

I have always fancied poinsettias for the holidays. It is seasonal in nature, which makes it more 'desirable' as its leaves will only turn red starting October and may last up to February.  Afterwhich, the leaves will turn green, dry out and fall off, then wait until the next cycle begins.  I was only able to buy fresh pots this year and it truly adds a punch of color and life to our house.

This plant was named after the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Dr. Joel Poinsett, who brought it to America over a century ago.
 

Santa Claus. Kris Kringle. Saint Nicholas. I just call him Santa, and he will greet you as you enter our home.

He is know in so many different names and with so many legends and stories about him.  But I grew up knowing he is the magical and mysterious old fella that puts candies and favors in my stockings, and brings us gifts the night before Christmas...IF we were good boys and girls! Ho-ho-ho-hoo...

This is our Holy Family.  Mary, Joseph and Jesus are the main characters in the Nativity Scene, where the birth of Jesus in a manger was witnessed by the shepherds and the Magi.  These three wise men brought gifts to the new-born king, which was believed to have started the tradition of gift-giving every Christmas. Some call this the Manger Scene or, locally, the Belen -- adapted from Spain which translates to Bethlehem.

 
The Advent wreath hangs on our door which is believed to bring hope and light in our home.

Traditionally, the wreath is made from evergreen branches with five candles, which are lighted every week leading to Christmas day to symbolize the birth of Jesus. And like the Christmas Tree, this tradition originated in Germany as part their Christian beliefs.

Our wreath is quite unique as it features gold branches and a whimsical butterfly fairy, maybe to bring us good luck!
 
More ornaments such as glittery balls, a centerpiece with pears and pine cones, and twinkling tivoli lights that add to the sparkle and cheer of Christmas.


For sure, I will have more to share with you next year. 
Have a wonderful and memorable holiday season!

10 comments :

  1. Nice Christmas decorations. Are you enjoying your new camera? Have a Merry Christmas. :D

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  2. I love how you fixed your home for Christmas. I especially love your nativity set and your front-door wreath.

    Like you, I keep adding trinkets to our tree every year. There are a few home-made by the kids, too. Your tree doesn't look that bare to me, considering you've just moved in last year.

    Merry Christmas!

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  3. Merry Christmas! I guess I'm a bit late because of our time difference! But Merry Christmas. Love the tree and love the wreath as well!!

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  4. Divina - thanks, I am still figuring out the settings but enjoying nonetheless :)

    Tins/Jen - thank you, the wreath is also my favorite

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  5. Happy New Year! I'm missing your posts, but I guess, everyone's pretty tied up and busy this season...Best wishes to your family!

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  6. i love your decors...merry christmas indeed...stopping by from mommy momments:)

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  7. lovely decors you got there!

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  8. Jared's mum / Kimmy: Thank you! hoping to add more in the coming years :)

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  9. beautiful Christmas post.. i think this is actually suitable for this coming friday's theme :D

    i love your decors...

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  10. thanks Chris! :)
    take 2 uli? hehe...

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