Show and Tell Friday

Boy, Friday seems to be coming around faster each week. Next week at this time, we will be on our way to Florida. Please pray that the weather holds out for us to get into the southern US. Last time we went, we were three hours aways from home and hit a huge snowstorm. I75 was closed by the time we reached Monroe, Michigan. I would rather not drive in those conditions with the boys in the van, so prayers would be much appreciated.

Now, on with Show and Tell, which is hosted by Kelli at There is No Place Like Home. If you would like to participate, please visit her blog for more information.

Earlier in the week I showed you some things my hubby bought me. Today I'd like to show and tell you about some Christmas decorations that are precious to me. They are all part of my Christmas village.

First is the Santa Claus that Brandon and Jordan gave me about seven years ago. I love him and he is so much more precious because the boys made him with a little help from Mom. Remember they would have been only 5 and 3 years old. They did a great job.

Next is the red barn that Mom gave to me three years ago. Being a farm girl, she thought it would add a unique twist to my village and so it does. I love it.

Beside the barn sits a windmill and just near it, drinking from the creek is a doe and a fawn, which was given to me by the boys.

Then there's the farm house. Mom made this when she was into ceramics and she did a great job. It will always be a part of Christmas for me.

A village just wouldn't be the same without a train. This is one that Dwight's mother gave to us the first year we were married. The boys both love trains and this is a special piece to all of us.

Then there is the Post Office and the Carriage Maker building that Dwight gave to me a few years ago. They are an integral part of an old fashioned village.

The snow couple beside the Post Office was another gift from the boys. Don't they look happy while strolling along in the snow?

Santa has been talking to the kids outside of the Carriage Maker's shop. He is bald. hehe. I guess he forgot his hat. I hope he doesn't catch cold. Who would deliver all of the presents on Christmas Eve if Santa got sick?

Above is the entire village lit up at night. That is a Santa in the window, but I have him facing onto the street. He lights up as well and I have no way of hiding the cord. Notice the stone bridge across the stream just to the right of the barn. The boys wanted a creek in the village three years ago, so I went to the dollar store and bought some turquoise tissue paper. I cut it and we lay it under the snow. It looks very authentic. You can see it in a couple of the photos above. Right behind the Post Office and in front of the train. How lovely that the train runs along the creek. Now all I need to do is find some skaters.

Believe it or not, Brandon and Jordan put this all together. Grandpa and I unpacked the village and the boys set it up. Then Grandpa plugged in all the buildings. This is a Christmas tradition at our house. The boys always set up the village after Grandma places the snow and the creek.

It was lots of fun watching the boys rediscover each new piece. There is a church that goes with the village, but so far we haven't come across it this year. I'm going to have to dig deeper into the closet where I keep all of the Christmas decorations. Brandon really wants the church to be a part of the village since we aren't having a Christmas tree this year.

I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the very special Christmas decorations that I've collected over the years. It just wouldn't be Christmas without them.

Thank you for stopping by. May the Light of Christmas shine in your homes and your hearts this holiday season. ~Blessings, Mary~