Hello everyone. I hope you all are healthy and happy. The holidays sure do creep right up don't they? I can't believe that today is the first day of December. It's just beginning to get cold on a regular basis. It's so funny because the boys have hardest time adjusting to wearing winter coats and shoes outside while they play. Tobin will often say "I just want summer back so I can just wear shorts."
This weekend we decorated our home with our annual traditions. Our tree is up and happily adorned with handmade ornaments from over the years. It's so fun to see them all again. Below is a photo of our advent calendar. My husbands grandmother, Oma made this when he was only about 2-3 years old. It has been in his life that long. Now we borrow it each year. Eric says he remembers his grandmother wearing dresses made of the same fabric she used to make each and every bag. She was from Germany and after living in Berlin during the second World War she was a woman of "use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" so it's no surprise to me that she used the fabric she had in the house when she made all these little bags. It's so nice to have this treasure in our home; a treasure made by Oma. The stories of my husband and his brother feeling around each bag and swapping them around so that all the best candy was first. On Sundays they would receive a little something like a toy and they would feel those as well. Our boys figured this out right away and I have to fill each bag with candy and then secretly swap the candy out for toys on Sunday morning so it's a surprise. Funny guys.
We also switched out our autumn table for a winter theme. So lovely! The lovely Grandfather wizard is from Winsomehollow. Also that sweet little fire fairy roasting a marshmallow is from Alkelda.
We also have the focus table all set up for Solstice, Tomtens and stories of St. Nicholas. Those gorgeous wool tapestries are from the very talented MoonGoat at etsy. Jessi at MoonGoat has made the coolest wool action figures for my kids this year. I am so excited about them. And the lovely wool St. Nicholas is from Mel of Haddy2dogs at etsy. Lovely candles from Janina; they smell AMAZING, and a sweet wooden Tomten from zooloonaturals.
I have other books coming in and I am so excited about them. Here's a list of some books on our table:
Frog, Bee and Snail Look For Snow
Also, here are some free advent calendar print outs:
I also purchased a fun stamp for stamping the new books I purchase this year for gifts. I also write a little message. Just a sweet touch. Her stamps are so fun.
Okay after typing this all out and adding all the links I am afraid I am addicted to etsy and handmade toys and goodies! :) Maybe also a little bit addicted to books. HA HA :D
We are still focused on Russia and Christmas traditions from around the world. Solstice and all the different explanations from many cultures. Lucas read a wonderful Leo Tolstoy book. We are also listening to Stravinsky this week.
Wishing you all the beautiful week full of the magic that comes this time of year. My boys are already having trouble settling down at night to sleep, they are so excited.
Much love from the Kopp family.
beautiful table!
thanks for the book suggestions. i haven't had time to look for some related themed books for the season and you've just done the work for me, lol! i have a list on request from the library now.
i love the toymaker's print outs. my printer is in the shop and i am having withdrawals...i hope it returns soon!
Posted by: kristine | December 02, 2009 at 11:32 AM
i need to stop reading, as you always put me in a wild crafty-ready-Etsy mood ;)
Posted by: Sally | December 01, 2009 at 06:51 PM