Wednesday, December 19, 2012

For The Children



Better late than never, I'm joining the good ladies in the Note Card Party at  A Haven For Vee. That's the party which allows us to share four pictures previously featured on our blogs which might make good note cards.

They don't have to have a theme, but generally speaking, I live my life from one theme to the next, so...

This month, my photo theme is:

For the Children



I've mentioned before that the children who live near the Duchess  call her The Christmas Lady.  That's because she always decorates her home with a little story just  for the children.


Nothing gives her greater pleasure than looking out her window and seeing a car full of  little ones trying to spot all the details in the story the Christmas Lady is telling.




In the wake of the horror that happened less than a week ago, it's tempting to turn off the lights and forget about the merriment this year. But then,  I remember that every year, in every town, there are families for whom the Christmas season isn't a merry one.  This year, it's just so much more conspicuously so.

If it causes us to pause and consider those who mourn and grieve among us, then we have found something good in all the evil. If it causes us to cherish the little ones around us just a little more this year than last, we've found something even better.

So she turned on the lights as usual this week, not in spite of the children but because of them.


Because maybe the best way we can honor the little ones who won't be here this Christmas is to bring a little laughter to the little ones who will.


*****
By the way, for those who asked if I'm going to share her "story" this year, the answer is:  As soon as I have five good minutes and five good pictures.




50 comments:

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

I like your seasonal header and these note cards are really sweet.

Anonymous said...

Aaahh. I beat you to Vee's by about 5 minutes. So I wouldn't call you - or me - late!
The Duchess is indeed one amazing lady. I suspect that all the ladies in your family are.
Thank you so much for all you bring to blogging. It's more than you'll ever know.

Vee said...

What a destination in the neighborhood at Christmas time. I know the children in my family would very much enjoy that experience. Yes, we keep going with a smile and joy because of Who He is and for those around us. We know that He is on the case. I'm so glad that The Duchess kept the lights on.

Red Couch Recipes said...

The Duchess is quite the holiday person. I remember her pumpkins that she carved. I always admire those who put so many outside decorations up for the little ones. Their homes are the destination homes. I agree with you, that we do these things for those that we still have with us. I have had several dark Christmases, but I have had to pull myself together for my children. Debbie, I always love coming by to visit, you always have something meaningful, funny, or thoughtful to say. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Joni

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

Sweet!

I agree with what you've written. We must Keep Christmas...

HE is the REASON for the Season!

Deanna

Barbara F. said...

So happy to see this post, Debbie. You are so wise. And so good with words. ;-) Love the Dutchess's decor. If I don't get another opportunity, wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and all the best for a bright and happy 2013! xo

Debbie said...

Good morning! I enjoyed this. I too am glad she kept her lights on. It is hard I know what you mean to just keep going on, but for the little ones still here I too think it is important. Hope you have a good day! HUGS

Ann said...

Oh I so agree with your sentiment, Debbie. Not only "for the children" .... but for ALL of God's children! We all need to recognize the Joy behind the sadness.

We've had two deaths in our neighborhood this year, and I've noticed neither home is decorated. I often wonder what their loved ones would say?

Both homes used to be decorated with love and care. It is so sad to see them undecorated and I can not help but feel those who live within could use a little joy.

I hope they do not pass up Christmas all together.

Anyway, I love your comments, and really love your mom's decor! One of these days I will pull out the old jigsaw ..... maybe.

Cheers!

Alycia Nichols said...

Thank God that for every evil soul in this world there are at least 1 million good ones! All hail the Christmas Lady!!!

Crickit said...

Love the pics for the note cards that you chose. I am looking forward to your mom's story this year! Merry Christmas to you and your family! :)

Christine said...

The Duchess... great name and I'm sure her story is just as great.

I like how you put it," not in spite of the children but because of them.".
You couldn't of said any better.
You have such a wonderful way of saying how you feel. That is one of the many reasons I love your blog.

Cheryl said...

What fun for the children in the Duchess's neighborhood! I'll bet they look forward to these stories every year. Thank you for sharing these peeks with us...

Anonymous said...

Such festive photos and fun for the children. I greatly appreciate your visit to my blog. Vee's party is great fun and a way to meet new bloggers. Wishing you a merry Christmas.

bj said...

3 cheers for The Dutchess. I'm pretty sure I now know where YOU get your sweet spirit...
These are a fine choice for note cards and I would buy them in a New York minute.
Once more, I am using your words...

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Hi Debbie,

I remember these pictures from your post last year. I think it's wonderful that the Duchess brings so much joy to children of all ages every Christmas with her colorful story displays. In bringing such joy to others, we always seem to feel more joy ourselves.

Thanks for sharing this well-worded Christmas post. Christmas Joy and Blessings to you and all your family!

Denise

Lynn said...

Well said Debbie! Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas:@)

Donna Heber said...

Hi Debbie,

I love your notecards for Vee's party. They all have a storybook quality to them - so lovely. Thank you for stopping by my blog. I truly appreciate it.

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

I agree I love your header.

Wow what a wonderful display! I'm sure the children and lots of other people look forward to seeing her Christmas decorations every year. Which is an important thing to remember, that children especially need to have the comfort of routine to get through trying times - adults too.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

aww, so cute. i love them all ... we are all just big kids at heart. so perfect. Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year in 2013. big hugs. ( :

Snap said...

Thank goodness for people like the Duchess! This is something I'd love to see. Wonderful!

Sharon said...

Your precious mom, Debbie.

Her heart speaks volumes to me. She has the most irrepressible spirit. Can't wait to hear her story this year.

Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world...

GOD BLESS!

Chatty Crone said...

Debbie - I am like you - I have a hard time moving forward - but I think you are right - we must move ahead and think of the ones who need a Christmas.

Vickie said...

What a sweet theme! For the children.... love your pictures...

Denise said...

That Duchess of ours is truly Christmas personified. The joy she brings to the neighbors doesn't even hold a candle to what she shares with us. Love your cards and love that dear "old woman". You are both such a blessing. Thanks for sharing.

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Oh, Debbie, there you go choking me up again. I'm not going to come visit anymore if I turn in to a puddle every time I come LOL! I remember after 9/11 I thought that is it, we will never be happy again, but my wise duchess said "Yes you will"! We put one foot in front of the other and just keep, keeping on! The last thing those little angels would want is for us to be sad!

Carol

Sue said...

How I love to see your mom's house at Christmas Debbie. She is amazing. I wish I could bring my 4 grands by, they would love it.
Praying for 5 good minutes.

Unknown said...

How cute and fun! I'm so glad I dropped by. Your Note Card choices brought me a smile.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

These are just wonderful! They make delightful note cards. Your mom is a special lady to do this for the kids.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such a nice comment.
Merry Christmas!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Debbie, thank you for the words that you share. I really did enjoy your note cards, but your message really hit home. XO

Unknown said...

Amen, Debbie, amen. My thoughts are very similar. Post will be up tomorrow.
xoxo
lynn

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

I Love your creative themes...and a great thought to do it for the children

Angel said...

How wonderful, Debbie! Turning on the lights and keeping them on is testimony to all of us living in a dark world that the Light of Hope will never dim. Praise God!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Oh yes! I remember her wonderful decorations from last year! So glad to see them again. Debbie, your words are always perfect, and this post is no exception. Keep the lights on for the children who are here. Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas and new year. laurie

Elizabeth Dianne said...

Yes, Christmas is for the children and I am a big old baby at Christmastime.

Sure hope your day is filled with all the wonder and joy of the first Noel.

Love you dear friend!

Pamela Gordon said...

What a beautiful post. I agree with you that we need to celebrate because there are people grieving all the time and there are still children who need love. I think these decorations are a sweet tribute to children at Christmas. Blessings, Pamela

Donna said...

What a nice way to bring some joy to children in the community! Thank you for sharing the story and photos.

Jacqueline said...

Beautiful displays and beautiful thoughts. Yes, we always have to go on but never forget. Have a wonderful Christmas.

Mary said...

Debbie~ As usual your words and thoughts are thought provoking, give me pause and shed light. I look forward to hearing The Christmas Lady's :) story! If you have five minutes come see how you inspired me. Wishing you and your family the Joy and Magic of Christmas~

Tanna said...

There is a definite bittersweet preciousness to the time with our Little Ones this year... beautiful post, Debbie. Warmest of CHRISTmas wishes to you and yours ~ tanna

Nikki (Sarah) said...

I too agree with what you said....Living in spite of grief....it's a way to shine not just the lights but hope.

Babs said...

Debbie, Thanks so much for the sweetest post. I'm so looking forward to your mom's story. There's nothing more precious than seeing the wonder on a child's face at Christmas. God bless you and your family for the joy you bring.
Hugs and Merry Christmas,
Babs

Merlesworld said...

I like her decorations and I'm sure the children will too.
Merry Christmas Merle......

The Quintessential Magpie said...

This is a wonderful idea, Debbie. I love it. Please do share her story with us.

I was dropping by to wish you a very Merry Christmas. I have found so much inspiration from coming to your blog, and I hope and pray that the blessings you give to others are returned to you a hundred fold.

I'm so far behind with Christmas it isn't funny, but I'm getting ready for littles to visit. So I am doing just what you said, making things merry to make memories with them.

XO,

Sheila

Shabby Brocante, Karen said...

This is wonderful! I agree whole hardheartedly with what you said as well. Made me tear up. Merry Christmas!
Karen

Decor To Adore said...

My husband and I were also tempted to turn off our lights and it was Sweet Boy who said, "But mom, all kids love lights and they will see them from heaven and know we are thinking of them."

May the peace, joy and love of the season be yours all year long!

Debbiedoos said...

How awesome Debbie! I love it. Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful and so kind family~ XO

Barbara Neubeck said...

Hi Debbie....I love the photos you have posted....and I agree with what you say about making Christmas special for the children.
Merry Christmas
Barb from Australia

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

I am honoring those 1st graders by loving very deeply on my own and enjoying the season with him...even through my many, many tears

Your mother always blesses me each year when I see this...she inspires me...thanks for sharing again
Merry Christmas sweet friend...thanks for your prayer support this year
Hugs!

Sue said...

I just knew the Duchess was a beautiful lady, and to be known as the Christmas Lady is the tops. I do hope you share her story, I am still looking for that blog.
I know you alll had a very merry Christmas day today, and may your new year be filled with many more blessings.
Love, Sue

corners of my life said...

Merry Christmas Debbie and thank you for your lovely blog.

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