Spreading the Joy

I've been really focused on keeping Joy in our Christmas this year.  The kind of Joy that comes to us because of a baby born in a manger for ALL, 

that we might have JOY!

I've written a little meditation about Joy for our family newsletter. In case you missed it, you can read it here.  

I want Joy for myself, for my family and for all of those whose lives I'm able to touch in some small way.  

So today, I wanted to share some of the things that are bringing
JOY 

to our friends and family.........

Not only did I declare this to be a Christmas filled with Joy, but also a Christmas filled with fun......

I've declared this to be a 

REDNECK Holiday!

Every year, I open up our home and become the 

hostess with the mostess 

for Hubby's family.  

I enjoy it.

I enjoy going the extra mile each year.  

I try to make it fun and enjoyable.  

Here are just a few of the homemade gifts I've given over the last few years...

*maxi pad slippers* 

 *signs*

*tampon angels*

 *herb and vanilla basket*

So this (redneck) year I made a chicken bag out of these feed bags for each family.....

My niece plans to be a Vet so I made hers from
this dog food bag.

......And filled each one with something

recycled,

reused,

repurposed, 

redneck,

and/or homemade!

Here are a few samples

(keep in mind this was just for fun!)

A redneck (spring) candle

These smelly earrings were crafted by using a
car freshener lei.  

We had a lot of fun with the redneck gifts.

I also made an ornament for every family made from the feathers of our chickens and turkey. (Recycling at its best)

Each were unique,

and many had

peace

joy

or

let it snow

written on them.  

I made these as well..

Jack and I made this to give to his mama and daddy.

I made this one for the snow lover in my life.

This may be my last post before Christmas, unless I find the time and energy to post some recipes.  So I'd like to leave you with our Christmas card.

I made 25 of these buggers, everyone unique. 

But so much fun!  

white embossing

green embossing

Wishing you all a
Very Merry Christmas
Tammy

The 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS ......CAROLS -Angels we have heard on high

Angels We Have Heard on High

Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o'er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.

Refrain

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?

Refrain

Come to Bethlehem and see
Christ Whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

Refrain

See Him in a manger laid,
Whom the choirs of angels praise;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While our hearts in love we raise.

Refrain

Angels we have heard on high is the announcing praise of the newborn King.  Its a song that has withstood the test of time. 

In many homes, angels are a staple in the Christmas decorations.  They deck the halls and adorn the trees.  So this year, keeping with my own homemade tradition, am making angels to give to friends and family.  Only my angels are a bit different....

Here they are decorating my little tree...

and up close .....

These little gals are tampon angels..yep, you read correctly.  TAMPON ANGELS.  I'm sure they'll add some fun and humor to our Christmas gatherings!!

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