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Post by Woodpecker on Dec 14, 2020 17:50:32 GMT
How are you spreading the Christmas spirit this year? Everyone here in my area are going way beyond previous Christmas’s with their outdoor decorations. I did a little more than usual, but not much.
I bought a live wreath which is on ,my front door & a large white star is hung on the side of the front porch. We have our all white Cross up on the front lawn, along with two white lighted reindeer. There are red bows on the cross and reindeer.
I decorated our barrel pot at the top of our street. I used Holly that a neighbor let me pick and Christmas branches that I was able to get for free from our local Christmas tree man. I have white birch branches in the pot and artificial poinsettias. Easy, delicate and bold at the same time.
There is one tall evergreen near the cross that has all white lights, the four other bushes, two in front and two on the side of our house are multi colored lights. On that side we set up the strobe lighting that randomly shoots red, green and blue designs all over the house.
Those strobe lights go over our house and hit the side of our neighbors house.😉
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas...tell me what you’ve done, please, to spread some Christmas cheer...God knows we need it❤️🌲
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Post by susannah on Dec 14, 2020 18:53:28 GMT
I didn't really feel like setting up the Christmas tree this year, but I went ahead and did - and I'm glad I did. In the interest of transparency, I NEVER feel like setting up a Christmas tree, and only started doing it many years ago when dh and I were first dating. He seemed kind of appalled that I didn't decorate for Christmas, took me out to a tree farm to get a tree - and we've been decorating for Christmas ever since. Before you think I'm a total Scrooge, I've always decorated at least one outdoor tree with treats for the birds and/or wildlife, and I always will. But since my husband loves having a Christmas tree in the house (even though it's now an artificial one due to his allergies) I do decorate right along with him.
Of course, living in the woods with the house hidden from the road, no one sees the tree in the window. Okay, it's on the lakeside so someone would have to be ice fishing on the lake to see it.* But I do love all those lights and icicles on the tree. And I now have a rule that any ornament on the tree has to be one that we love, was made by our grandchildren, or has great sentimental value. So each time I see the tree, a different ornament makes me smile.
Okay, this isn't really bringing Christmas spirit to others, is it? Although our grandchildren will come up after Christmas and they'll be excited to see the tree, so there's that.
One thing I've done is, I've sent a lot more cards this year - more than in a "normal" year - and wrote long letters to family that I haven't seen in awhile. And the great thing is, I'm receiving cards in return that have long letters telling me about the adventures of family members I don't get to see often enough. Ironically, at my aunt's funeral last November, a number of us set up a family reunion for this past August - up near where I live, because these family members all vacation or visit other family up here. Well, COVID may have destroyed that plan, but we're in contact once again via Christmas greetings - and still plan to have that reunion when it's safe to do so.
Oh, and I HAVE seen that a lot more houses - the ones that I can see along the roads and highways - are decorated this year. I do love seeing Christmas/holiday lights, and in my head (and heart) I'm thanking these neighbors for their pretty decorations and the smiles they give me.
* Edited to say that I just looked up to see someone walking past on the frozen lake, who paused to look at my tree lights. So I guess I did share a little bit of holiday cheer by having that tree.
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Post by Woodpecker on Dec 14, 2020 21:13:47 GMT
Yes you did susannah, spread the Christmas spirit, even if only a few people see your lights and get a cozy, warm feeling inside...you made someone happy. That’s what Christmas is all about, Jesus’s birthday and hope , faith and love. We too only put on the special decorations, like the kids ornaments they made in pre-school, ornaments from my childhood, those sort of ornaments. I have way too many ornaments that need to be discarded, but never have it in me to give them away...
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Post by lindy on Dec 17, 2020 5:14:57 GMT
I also put up twice as many decorations as usual and anyone who can see my apartment window from the street can see some of them. This year I sent out two dozen Christmas cards, some with crocheted snowflake ornaments inside that I've been making over the last couple months. Last year I sent out five cards, no ornaments. I won't see anyone for Christmas this year so most of the decorating is for ME, and well, the few colleagues who see the decorations in the background during work video meetings.
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Post by Woodpecker on Dec 17, 2020 14:55:21 GMT
Sounds like you are spreading the Christmas spirit to me! I celebrate the birth of Jesus and that calls for LIGHT!
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Post by susannah on Dec 17, 2020 21:29:44 GMT
Our new neighbor next door is up here ice fishing - so he can actually see our tree from his yard as well as when he walks on the lake to fish. Actually, there have been more people ice fishing this year than I've previously seen, so it turned out well that I moved the tree from where we used to have it (you had to be in our house to see it). Now I realize the tree is actually getting seen by others. It's a pre-lit and we bought the one that had the most lights of any of the trees. Really, for a 4' high tree it pretty much can light up the house.
Something else just occurred to me - the LED grow lights in the basement give off an incredible pink glow. And it's very visible from the lake - I've seen it. So I'm lighting up the place more than ever. Even if the grow lights aren't specifically for Christmas.
One small thing that I did different (but this can only be seen in the house): I have a "bridge" candle holder that holds five votive candles. I burn candles in that on winter nights when we don't have a fire going in the fireplace. I've always used clear votive holders. But this year when I placed my usual order with a Wisconsin candlemaker, I added five GREEN votive holders. Mainly because my favorite color is green. But when I used them last night, I realized just how much more Christmas-y they look. I think the grandkids will appreciate them.
I had to put out a few more peanut butter birdseed pinecones on the birds tree today. I seem to be spreading Christmas joy to the birds, whether they realize it or not.
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Post by laurazone5 on Dec 19, 2020 14:03:29 GMT
I went FULL GRISWOLD. I decorate a little each day and will leave everything up until I see my grandkids.....and that could be until MARCH. My neighbors on one side have 2 littles and they oooo and ahhhh everytime they come and go out of their house!! Though you cannot see my face (because of the mask) I smile HUGE with my eyes. I wave to everyone. I make eye contact and conversation with everyone: Grocery store, hardware store, gas station! I dance, to no music, I hum and sing to myself under my mask without shame. I over tip when I go out. Even the starbux drive thru line. Sometimes, I buy the persons drink behind me. I laugh SO LOUD (that's my normal, lol) At work, I say thank you for dirty dishes. I say hello to everyone as they get to work. I say good bye/ good night to everyone before I leave. I am SO GLAD that MDD is held at bay so that I can shine when it's really dark all around me!!
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Post by susannah on Dec 19, 2020 15:57:45 GMT
laurazone5 , your pictures brought a big smile to my face - thank you for sharing some of your Christmas spirit with us! Full Griswold - I love it (and now I want to watch that movie again). And thank you for sharing the spirit with all of those around you! Your post is a good reminder of all the things we can do to help bring smiles to others. And to never underestimate the impact of an act of kindness. My inadvertantly decorating for the lake is something I guess I'll be doing from now on - well, as long as we live here anyway. While out walking yesterday, we saw some neighbors from down the road and one of them said "I love how you put up a tree in a lakeside window. Such a nice surprise to see when we took a walk on the lake." Dang. After thinking for years how it was a shame no one saw my tree (due to the woods blocking the view of the house from the road) the solution was actually pretty easy. I guess I didn't realize how many people walk on the lake as well as ice fish on it in winter. Ski, yes - but we don't have enough snow for that. Yet. Nature has helped in the Christmas decoration department - while we got less than an inch of snow overnight, what we did get is clinging to all the pine branches and it looks like a Christmas card outside.
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Post by Woodpecker on Dec 19, 2020 18:46:33 GMT
Yes laurazone5, great job of spreading cheer and joy at the time of Jesus’s birth. You did really good...it looks awesome and made me smile, thank you❤️🌲
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Post by susannah on Dec 21, 2020 21:48:13 GMT
I've been spending more time on YouTube lately (go figure). Somehow, I came across the East Idaho News Secret Santa videos. For the past several years, an anonymous man has donated large sums of money to help as many people in his community as possible. I cannot get through most of these videos without tears falling, and a few of them had me crying like a baby. I've just been thinking of how amazing this is. Those videos have really inspired me. We donate a percentage of our income to local charities and organizations - we always have, and we will continue to do so as long as are able. And we've always upped our giving around the holidays. Now, I want to do a little more for people in my community. There's still time before Christmas, and while I won't go into any details, I did my first secret santa inspired act today. I'll never have the resources to do things on the scale that the East Idaho Secret Santa does, but that doesn't matter. Small acts can have big impacts, too. Thank you to that wonderful man for inspiring me to do more. And thank you, Woodpecker , for this thread.
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Post by Woodpecker on Dec 22, 2020 14:42:54 GMT
I wish I could post a pic...but no clue. Everyone here did go all out with their decorations this year. I think many people find that decorating actually says a lot about you & me. I know it sure helps me when I am down and see I see light and hope in everyones hard work to remote joy. After the snow storm last week on face book someone here made a sculpture in our Village of an Angel. It stood about 6' high and the detail is amazing! They made the Angels dress to look like it was blowing in the wind. It is spectacular and I've never seen anything like it! That sure lifted my spirits. I love your new thoughts susannah, about giving more of yourself. I donate to two Hospitals and 4 missionaries. I get much joy from giving that, but I too feel there's more I can and should do. I'll try, like you Sue, to do more than my smiles and Hello's. I want to spread kindness in this dark world we are now living in. You're a sweet lady Sue!
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Post by Billie on Dec 23, 2020 5:03:04 GMT
susannah, we have a secret Santa here in the big city near me. Been doing it as long as I can remember. A few years ago he died from cancer. However, before he did, he revealed his identity to the public (he was a local business man) and said that he had set up a trust fund for his money and had chosen a new secret Santa to carry on his work. I did not decorate this year. Combo of reasons. Main reason is that we are sanding the ceilings and stairwell in the house getting it reading to paint. There is fine white dust everywhere!! We have a few things covered but will need to do a deep deep cleaning when done. Plus my bull in a china shop pup, Sassy. I do have a Christmas wreath hanging on the inside of our front door. No one can see it but us. Been there for 2 years!! I have a wrought iron hanger struck in the ground outside by the door we come in at. I have small flags (@12" wide, lengths vary) hung on the hanger thru out the year. Oh there are two balls hanging from the ceiling in the sun room. One is covered in red berries and the other one is holly with white berries. Been hanging there for 2 years, too! I do have a handmade wooden nativity set that sets on top the tv cabinet. It stays there year round. My grandmother had a small wire Christmas tree (little over 12" tall) with sparkles, beads and a star on top that I put next to the nativity. It stays year round, too. I have another nativity set packed away that I always had up year round. It is a ceramic southwestern Native American Indian set. When I find it again I will do some rearranging and have it up year round again. It has been nice reading what everyone is doing. Sorry there is no spirit spreading from me.
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Post by Woodpecker on Dec 23, 2020 15:52:19 GMT
Grasp your faith Billie,and hold on tight...there will be light! I do hear you though...this is a rough Christmas all around. I still try and bring some joy to those around me and remind everyone to cherish Christmas, the birth of Jesus. I guess I can be a pain in this regard, but I want LIGHT not DARKNESS. I want everyone to light up this Christmas, it's only a wish. Prayers for you...
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Post by Billie on Dec 24, 2020 3:51:08 GMT
Woodpecker, thank you. Christmas was a favorite of mine as a kid but as an adult it has been anything but that. This will be my first Christmas without my dad and I am really struggling with that. So many devasting things have happened to me near Christmas thru the years. I had a daughter die 9 days before Christmas one year. I just really struggle this time of year for many reasons. I do enjoy reading what everyone is doing and love seeing pictures of their decorations and wish I could snap out of it.
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Post by Woodpecker on Dec 24, 2020 14:24:19 GMT
I know how you must feel, as the Holidays are and will always be difficult for me, since I lost my daughter almost 5 years ago...it never ends, the pain. Billie, I know my girl is with me in spirit, as I get many signs from her. Prayers for you at this most Holy time, that you may feel the joy Jesus's birth brings us all and as your child's love surrounds you. hugs...
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Post by susannah on Dec 24, 2020 16:38:18 GMT
Billie , I'm so sorry that Christmastime is such a tough time for you. Virtual hugs to you, to Woodpecker and to all who have suffered losses. And Billie , I'm so happy to hear about the Secret Santa near you, who continues to bring joy to people even after his death. What a special man! Last night my husband was kind of grousing about stuff, totally NOT in the Christmas mood. I asked him to watch one of the secret santa videos with me - I chose one about an elderly woman who was suspicious that she was being pranked when the TV people showed up at her house - then broke down in tears when she realized what she was being given. There was a follow-up video of her this year, and she was just beaming with happiness. She told of all the good that came out of her gift, and was very excited that she is now able to pay it forward and help others in her community. Let's just say my husband dropped his "bah, humbug" attitude and started to get excited about helping me plan a few things that we could do to share the spirit - all year long. And it seems - at least to me - once I make the effort to look beyond myself, things start falling into place in neat little ways. I'd mentioned on another thread that I'd ordered an item for a Christmas gift that hadn't arrived (it was a baby outfit, for one of Amelia's Care Bears - most doll clothes do not fit "stuffies"). The company asked me to review it, and I replied that I would be happy to, if it ever arrived. Almost three weeks had passed since I had received the email that the item had shipped and was "on its way." Tracking showed no movement for two weeks. The company apologized and sent a replacement with expedited shipping. It arrived earlier this week. Then yesterday, the originally finally showed up at my door. I told dh "If it was up to me, I'd donate this one. But I only paid for one outfit, so I'll ask how to send this one back." Today, I got the reply to my email - something along the lines of "No need to return this item. Please donate it to someone in your community." Which is exactly what I wanted to do. I'm very happy that the company agreed with me - even though they had no way of knowing what I wanted to do with it.
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Post by Woodpecker on Dec 24, 2020 19:02:59 GMT
I find if I do something nice for someone, however small, the Lord blesses me. I don't tell people when I do things for them, I like to do surprise things that make people happy. That was so sweet and kind of the company to tell you to keep the outfit susannah, I love hearing things when people are kind and caring. I had no idea that care bears were still around Sue...my daughters favorite doll was a Cabbage Patch doll. We used to go to the thrift shops when she was little and buy baby clothes there for Ali, her Cabbage Patch...Ali still sits on her bed. I hug that doll and my daughters love pillow that grandma made a lot! My mother made all the clothes for my Ricky doll. I can still smell the rubber like smell Ricky had and that was a longggggggg time ago!!!
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Post by Billie on Dec 24, 2020 20:44:01 GMT
susannah , Woodpecker , thank you. I promise I am not all doom and gloom! I craft all year long for our charity group that sends items to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in S.D. Years ago I created a prayer pocket (sewn with fabric) that I always give away. It has a little saying typed onto a piece of paper that I tuck inside. I have probably made at least a 1000 of those, over the years, and more still waiting to be sewn. I have a plan for those not sewn yet for when we are able to travel again. Not saying what as I always wanted that to be anonymous. When it happens maybe I will tell you. I have always wanted to make scarves or cowls, put in a plastic bag and tie it to a post in town late on Christmas Eve. Put a tag on it with some type of saying. Something like, "I am not lost. Please take me home. I will help keep you warm". Another RAOK I saw was to paint words of inspiration on rocks and leave them in places where people could find them. Secret Santa was on the news the other night. He used police officers to help distribute money to random people. Another group gives away cars to people who really need the help. One went to a single mom who has an ill child and needs reliable transportation for doctors visits.
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Post by susannah on Dec 24, 2020 21:14:57 GMT
I have always wanted to make scarves or cowls, put in a plastic bag and tie it to a post in town late on Christmas Eve. Put a tag on it with some type of saying. Something like, "I am not lost. Please take me home. I will help keep you warm". Another RAOK I saw was to paint words of inspiration on rocks and leave them in places where people could find them. Billie , I think "Please take me home. I will keep you warm" is perfect! And you spread the spirit all year round with what you do for the people of Pine Ridge. My granddaughter and I do the painted rocks thing. I bought her a set of paint pens, and we write things like "You are special" or similar thoughts on small rocks and draw little pictures of flowers, hearts, etc. Then we put the rocks along the sides of the road, near the trails, and other places. Amelia is convinced that the rocks will all be found by children, and that "they'll be as happy as I would be if I found a special rock." I do hope they give a smile to people. Woodpecker , Amelia has my old Care Bear and one of the newer ones - yes, they make them again (or is it "still?). Care Bears weren't around when I was a child, of course. But our son had one, and when he was three years old, he insisted that his dad take him shopping so he could buy me "a pink Care Bear" for Christmas. I treasured it, and kept it through the years. Both grandchildren loved that bear, and she now lives with Amelia. However, Amelia has been told that if she ever gets tired of Memo (that's what she named the bear for some reason, "Memo") Memo will come back and live with me again. Amelia's daddy (who has gone on cleaning binges since he was a child - cleaning binges that involve throwing lots of things away) has also been told Memo can never be thrown out. Memo has held up surprisingly well considering she's now 36 years old. Not that I played with her, but she sure was well loved by both Wyatt and Amelia. I'm hopeful Memo lasts long enough to be loved by a great grandchild of mine someday.
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Post by Woodpecker on Dec 25, 2020 16:10:47 GMT
What was I thinking, of course Amelia has your care bear I like so many others here, have never met Amelia, but she sure sounds like a pure bundle of joy, no kiddin'!!!! The "leave a rock" thing is going on here too. The kids paint pics or write something on them. I never know if I'm supposed to take one, so I don't. But now because of what Amelia thinks, I will take one when I see one! Thanks to your sweet Amelia. You sure do a lot of purely kind, loving acts for people Billie, I hope the acts of kindness make you feel warm and cozy inside, they should! I would love to know what the prayer pocket looks like...it sounds like such a cool, kind idea.
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Post by susannah on Dec 25, 2020 22:06:59 GMT
What was I thinking, of course Amelia has your care bear I like so many others here, have never met Amelia, but she sure sounds like a pure bundle of joy, no kiddin'!!!! The "leave a rock" thing is going on here too. The kids paint pics or write something on them. I never know if I'm supposed to take one, so I don't. But now because of what Amelia thinks, I will take one when I see one! Thanks to your sweet Amelia. Amelia loves to guess who will find her painted rocks. It's too bad we don't live closer so you could find one. Because I know how special heart shaped rocks are to you - and why. Amelia also has the gift of finding "hearts", as she calls them. Many of her painted rocks are heart shaped.
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Post by Woodpecker on Dec 25, 2020 22:58:15 GMT
Wow, your sweet Amelia finds ❤️ Shaped rocks too. Special little girl❤️ There are people there who’d best pick up one of those special❤️ Shaped rocks that Amelia finds and writes messages or draws on!!! ! I love your little GD❤️
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Post by countrymom22 on Dec 29, 2020 23:00:32 GMT
Someone did the painted rocks at a local park and not only did they bring joy, at least to me, but they caused people who didn't know each other to have a conversation about them. I have since seem some of these people walking together when they each used to walk alone. So that random gift of kindness has worked out better than expected, I think!
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Post by susannah on Dec 29, 2020 23:14:33 GMT
Someone did the painted rocks at a local park and not only did they bring joy, at least to me, but they caused people who didn't know each other to have a conversation about them. I have since seem some of these people walking together when they each used to walk alone. So that random gift of kindness has worked out better than expected, I think! countrymom22, I'm so happy to hear that! I know I got the idea somewhere online - I'm thinking from one of the blogs I follow. I hope that some of the painted rocks Amelia and I have left have such a positive impact on people. The next time Amelia is up here (later in January) I'm going to have her read your post. Well, she's 6 years old so I'll have to help her with a few words, but she loves to try sounding out words she doesn't know. I'm just about positive she'll light up like a Christmas tree when she reads your post!
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Post by countrymom22 on Jan 1, 2021 0:11:08 GMT
susannah, it's wonderful that she has such a kind and giving spirit at her age! She's a very special little girl!
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