Christmas Challenges

Merry Christmas Eve Everyone!

Since I am ALL READY for Santa's arrival, I thought I'd play a few Christmas Challenges posted out there in Blogland.  This MIGHT be my last Christmas card for the year ... no promises however ... I LOVE making Christmas cards!

It's snowing here in N.E. Ohio, USA ... and we already have had snow on the ground for most of December so this year it has really felt like the Christmas' I recall from my childhood.  In fact, with today being Christmas Eve, I'm a bit melancholy with memories of those days oh so long ago.

 MAY I SHARE A LITTLE STORY WITH YOU??

 My Dad worked in the local Steel Mill and every Christmas they provided gifts for all the employee's children.  I can remember my parents, my sister's & I all dressed up and headed to the 'mill' to get our gifts . . . and it always seemed to be snowing when that 'special gift' day came. (One year we even got stuck on the hill coming up out of town and had to have my Uncle Tom tow us up the hill with his truck!)   There would be Christmas carols filing the air as you approached the hall and everyone greeted you with a very joyful "Merry Christmas!"  As we came into the huge hall there were tables all around set up by AGE and BOY/GIRL so we'd have to find 'our gift table' to see what we were blessed with that year.  (I can remember receiving a Tea Set two years in a row and since my older sister & I are only 13 months apart ... we both received a Tea Set two years in a row ... many, many tea parties went on at our house to say the least! LOL)  As we mingled around with our parents, as they greeted so many local folks they knew, THERE HE WAS AS BIG AS LIFE!!!    SANTA!! 

We always got to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what we were wishing for that Christmas and upon leaving we were always given a box of hard tac candy and the biggest apple you've ever seen ... oh yea, and a huge orange too!   What wonderful memories ... I only wished I had a photo to share with you but my folks didn't take many photos back then (1950's) ... in fact, I don't even think we owned a camera!  Hopefully you can envision the sweet image that is in my head right now and have enjoyed sharing this childhood memory with me today.  It seems like this happened only yesterday ... yet those days are so long past!  Where does the time go?? 

I may not have a photo of my sister's and I at that precious time ... but I DO have a photo of my brothers-in-law back in 1948 visiting Santa at Gimbels Department Store in Pittsburgh, PA.  I just love the 'wonder' in brother-in-law Alan's face as he "checks out Santas" authenticity!!  Check out the wool snow pants too ... they certainly kept you warm ... though not very dry!!

Well, I guess you'd like to see that last Christmas card I told you about at the beginning of this post.  Here it is . . .

 The recipe for this creation:
Papers:  Very Vanilla, Gold Metallic, DCWV Glitter paper, K&Co. designer paper
Image:  Nicecrane Designs 'Old Merry Christmas' ATC/backgrounds
Accessories:  Wilton paper doilies, Wright ecru lace, Martha Stewart snowflake punch, Darice 'cross' charm, Deco Art Glamour Dust, Stampendous diamond dots, Recollection pearls, Ranger Vintage Photo distress ink, distresser

Challenges entered:
City Crafter Challenge - Vintage Christmas
Moxie Fab World - Glitter is Glam
Southern Girls Challenge - Vintage
Dutch Dare Card Challenge - Winter
Aud Sentiments Challenge - Anything Goes
Charisma Cardz Challenge - Pearls & Lace
Digi Doodle Shops Best - Anything Goes

Well, that's all from me today!  Mark & I would like to wish you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS & Happy 2011!!  Enjoy your family and I look forward to hearing all about the new memories you have made!  God Bless!


Hugs ... Darlene