Monthly Archives: December 2012

Letters to Santa 2012

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Did you know that it is the 100 year anniversary of the Letters to Santa program started by the US Postal Service?

This program helps Santa’s elves respond to the voluminous letters written to Santa every year.  These letters don’t always ask for toys or frivolous items.  Letters to Santa often ask for things that many of us take for granted.  This program and its volunteers work hard to help make Christmas wishes come true. Learn more about the program here on the US Postal Service website.  You can also check out this cute video about the program –  video link.

To commemorate this important program’s anniversary, this year’s Christmas stamps depict Santa in his sleigh in a scene that encompasses 4 stamps.  This whimsical scene was also fashioned into an adorable Christmas ornament.  The ornament is 3D metal with 24k gold detailing.  And it’s Made in the USA! (How often do you find ornaments made right here in the USA?)

I didn’t even know about these ornaments until I was standing in line at the Post Office several days ago, but when I saw the ornament I had to have one.  It adds whimsy, sparkle, and the magic of Santa to the tree.  You can get the ornaments at your local Post Office or order one online.

The Letters to Santa commemorative 100th anniversary ornament from the US Postal Service.

The Letters to Santa commemorative 100th anniversary ornament from the US Postal Service.

 

No, the Post Office didn’t pay me to advertise their ornament.  I just love this ornament and wanted to share in case someone else is an ornament collector.  Even though I’m not a kid, I still love the idea of Santa Claus and the magic, mystery, and spirit of giving that the legend of Santa Claus brings to the Christmas season.

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It’s Finally Looking a Bit Like Christmas

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It’s three days before Christmas and the tree finally has more than just lights and mitten garland on it.  With so much of our lives revolving around animals, most of the decorations are animal themed with a few special ornaments we have made or collected over the years to commemorate special things in our lives. In the last couple of decades together, there has only been a handful of years that we weren’t able to go cut down our tree and bring it home.  Some years we have had to drive literally hours to get to a tree farm but it is always worth it.  Spending time choosing the right tree and bringing it home to fill the house with good smells and good cheer makes for terrific memories.

 

This tree farm has activities for families in addition to getting to cut down your own tree.

This tree farm has activities for families in addition to getting to cut down your own tree.

 

Lumberjack hubby cutting down the tree.

Lumberjack hubby cutting down the tree.

The tree farm gift shop.

The tree farm gift shop.

The finished Christmas tree.

The finished Christmas tree with soft, non-fragile ornaments at the bottom to keep curious furballs safe :).

Lit up and reflected in the window.

Reflections of Christmas.

 

This year’s tree came from Yesterland Farm in Canton, Texas.

Please Note:  Our tree is not decorated with icicles – AKA tinsel.  Although we love the shimmer effect that icicles give to a tree, we gave them up years ago because they are unsafe for pets.  Just one long, thin strand can cause injuries like a strangulated tongue, intestinal obstruction, or even death if ingested by your pet.  And just because you don’t see your pet eating things like this doesn’t mean it can’t happen.  How often do you find icicles months after Christmas is over – or Easter grass when you are cleaning for Christmas?

Think safety for your pets when you do your holiday decorating.

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