Khartoum Camel. I made this dromedary while living in Khartoum, Sudan from a real-life model!

It’s Christmas Eve – my favorite day of the year. The wonderful combination of childhood anticipation of things to come, paired with the adult relief of projects completed (and a few days off), is total bliss.

In our home it’s time for special foods - both old and new – but all from our families. On Christmas Eve we’ll enjoy the tradition of my Mom’s Mushroom Meatballs and Black Walnut Cake from James’ sister Brenda. Our Christmas ham will be baked to James’ brother John’s recipe, and in the evening we’ll graze on my sister Ellen’s Mozzarella Cheese Bread and Party Mix from my sister Nancy,  then try a new taste sensation of Curried Crab Rangoon from my sister Susan.

So while you’re drifting off to visions of sugar plums, I’ll leave you with a few of my favorite things – our Christmas ornaments collected over time … and place. Just click on any image for a slide show and behind-the-scenes details. Sweet dreams.

Peace and Love,
Terri

Angel Bell. My first Christmas memories include the set of angel bells my Mother cherished. Now my Sisters and I share them on our trees.

Global Monkey. What could be more appropriate for a couple of nomads than a monkey embracing a globe.

Bubble Ball. For our 1st Christmas in Dallas, James gave me this stunning crystal ball. It’s the definition of simple elegance.

Turtle Doves. I’m a big fan of the “Home Alone” movies, so a pair of turtle doves is a must.

Indian Tiger. While on Tiger Safari in India our guide lost his way as the sun set. I swore if we got out alive I would commemorate the occasion. Voila!

Disco Ball. Years ago my sister Susan surprised me with this. It’s always the first ornament on the tree, where it twirls and shimmers endlessly. Thanks Sue!

Faberge Egg. This little jewell of an egg never fails to make me smile. Thanks Cheryl and Wolford!

Egyptian Royalty. With my love of Africa, this Egyptian beauty was the perfect addition to my collection. Thanks El!

The Manger. This is the ornament that launched my Christmas collection. Given to me by my childhood Sunday School teacher, I’ve always treasured it.

Topo Gigio. I stumbled across this tiny Christmas mouse in a St. Augustine antique shop and knew it was coming home with me.

The Sisters. I cherish this photo of the first Christmas for all 4 Sisters together. And Santa brought me a guitar!

Howling at Luggage. Where else can you have a Mexican coyote milagro howling at the newest addition to my suitcase collection from my sister. Thanks Nancy!

Puppy Wagon. The old-timey innocence of this ornament is what I love. It makes me think of my sister Sue who was great at getting our dog Katie to push or pull her around in any vehicle!

Texas Armadillo. If you live in the South you know that we love our armadillos.

Good Glinda. She’s always a reminder that “There’s no place like home”.

Suitcase Ready. Our friends know us so well. Thanks Susan and Harper!

Joan Rabbit. My great friend Joan Crawford made this ornament for me when we all lived in Sudan. The hand stitching is glorious!

Mom’s Snowflake. My Mother was a wizard with a crochet hook. She created sets of these lacy snowflakes for all the Sisters.

Spanish Dancer. We sent this postcard to James’ Mom while traveling in Spain. The woman’s skirt is actual Spanish lace.

London Teapot. While living in London I fell in love with the custom of afternoon tea.

White Rabbit. I spied this tiny bunny at a flea market and snapped it up because it reminded me of my Granny and all the wonderful little porcelain animals she kept on glass shelves in her windows.