My Sister's Christmas Tree

My Sister's Christmas Tree, originally uploaded by confections.

We spent Christmas at my sister's home this year. Her Yule trees (she has at least two, not counting all the miniature ones) are always exquisitely decorated and magical.

Here are just a few pictures to give you a sense of the depth of her Christmas spirit manifested throughout her home.

Happy Russian Christmas!

Vintage Czechoslovakian Handcrafted Doll, originally uploaded by confections.

Today, January 7th, is Russian Christmas. I don't officially celebrate it, but my tree is still up and I definitely kick up my heels on Twelfth Night (January 5th) and Epiphany. I love honoring all twelve days of Christmas.

This vintage Czechoslovakian doll is the unofficial Goddess of my sister's kitchen. This year my sister handmade pierogi for our New Year's festivities, and the doll cast an approving eye over the meal. So here's to celebrating into the New Year!

Musical interlude:

One of my favorite carols is "In the Bleak Mid-Winter".

Another is "To Drive the Cold Winter Away", which you can hear at Cantaria.

Loreena McKennitt has a spellbinding CD by the same name which includes many traditional Christmas carols.

"May you have sweetness and many good things in life and in the new year!" (from the Russian Christmas Eve Blessing)

Merry Christmas!

Miniature House, Front View, originally uploaded by confections.

This miniature house is one of my recent birthday presents, handmade by my two sisters from patterns in a Better Homes and Garden magazine. Since my birthday is two weeks before Christmas Eve, I have always received Christmas-y presents around this festive occasion.

This mica-frosted confection has a place of honor under my Christmas tree this year. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas in Southern California! Hope your celebration is joyful! Happy New Year 2008!