The Simple Life

My Christmas Village is all set up inside of my old red cupboard in the Living room. Here are the pictures I promised.  It took me most of the day to set it up. As I stepped back to look upon all my labor I could not help but to wander back in time. A time when life seem to be so much harder but yet so simple.

 I do enjoy all the perks of today...electric heat, electric lights, inside "toilets", telephones, computers, TV and of course my hot tub.  I still remember  and miss the days of sitting around the potbelly stove all warm and cozy in my Grandmothers living room while the light from the coal oil lanterns flickered shadows that danced on the walls around us. We sit quietly and listened as stories were told and sometimes drifted off to sleep in the coziness and warmth that surrounded us.



The days when Christmas was much more simple.  We were told to choose "one" gift and "one" gift was all we received. It made that gift so much more special. When our stockings were stuffed with fruit and unwrapped candies such as peppermint sticks and fruit flavored gum candies. To get a chocolate bar was such a treat.

When a live nativity was expected in your community and not a thing of debate! When kids really believed in Santa and listened intensely as the local television station would broadcast sightings of Santa in the area. When we heard he was close to our home we would run to the bed and jump under the 5 lbs of covers that would keep us warm until morning . When everyone wanted to hear the reading of the Christmas story from the Bible and believed it to be true! When you were able to say "Merry Christmas" to all those around you without it being a big deal! When we believed that "Christ" was the reason for the season!

 Yes, many things have changed over the years.  Again, I must say I do enjoy all the little "perks" that make life more convenient and enjoyable. I still long for the 'good ole days" when life was much more simple and yet still enjoyable! I miss my parents and Grandparents who have all passed away. The way they made Christmas special for our family.  I miss the days of stories and laughter and good fellowship. Yes, all of this came from a small Christmas Village set up in my living room.  So many sweet memories from a much simpler time of life. I pray that even though we have all the modern conveniences that I am still making lasting memories with my Daughters and Grandchildren.   May you take time this Christmas season to enjoy your family, neighbors and friends and remember the real reason for the season.....Jesus!  Here's to all our wonderful new memories!!!!

Blessings to you and yours!

Patty