Christmas is a time of reflection for me. It’s a time when the smell of bread baking or the refrain of a Christmas carol can bring back a flood of memories of holiday traditions which have been handed down from generation to generation. It also brings back memories of those who came before me, of those who made me who I am. They live on in me. They are in how I think. They are in the stories I tell my son. They taught me how to cherish my family and friends. This year is no different.
As part of my reflecting, I look back at my cards of Christmases past. Today’s post features what may be my favorite card of them all, created several years ago, when my style was much different than it is today. Although it was heavily distressed, the snowflakes seemed to take on a glow of their own. Pearls adorned their centers, and a beautiful bow was the finishing touch. I would like to think I still had this beauty tucked away somewhere, but sadly it was sent off to someone, a name which I do not recall. I would like to think that that they loved it as much as I did, and that it is tucked away among their mementos. Perhaps it is framed and displayed during the holidays. I hope that no matter what happened to it, it brightened their day.
My heart is warmed by memories of Christmases past and the memories of those who enriched and blessed my life. But I also rejoice in those who share my life now.
The Princess Sixx – Her love for all is as big as her personality
Uncle Q – May there be many more Christmases in his future!
Good Boy Nueve – The one who holds my heart in his paws.
These three brighten my days with their antics and fill my heart with joy.
As for my human kids, Brady and Korin are not able to come home for Christmas. They are celebrating the first Christmas in their first home. They will be building their own holiday traditions. And thus, the cycle of traditions continues on. Although they will not be with us physically, we will video chat with them. I will hold them close in my heart.
Always at this time of year my thoughts turn to my childhood and growing up on the farm. Although we were poor in terms of material goods, we were rich in those things which are truly valuable…family and friends. Christmases past were not about the presents or the tree. They were about family. Grandmas and grandpas; aunts, uncles and cousins; my mother, my father and sister and brothers — all would join together during the holidays, sharing in a fellowship of love. Although most of those who shared these memories with me live on only in my heart, I realize that I am still blessed with a wonderful family of friends – my stamping friends – whom I have met through the years. We share. We care. We form alliances and relationships. We inspire. We encourage. We laugh together. We cry together. From my heart to yours, here is my holiday wish for you: I wish you a blessed holiday season and the happiest of New Years! May all your wishes come true!
Love, Ann
What a beautiful card and beautiful memories, thank you for sharing. A blessed New Year and all year through
What a beautiful post! And card!! May 2026 have many more memories for us all to treasure. God bless you, Ann.
I love your festive card and sharing your memories. Thank you for that. You are so lucky to have these wonderful dogs. Nueve has my heart too. I hope your Christmas was Merry and good wishes for a great New Year. Hugs to you and your pups.
Ann, I hope you had a Blessed Christmas! You posted a lovely message about your memories that we can take to heart in our own lives. Wishing you a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!
A beautiful card and beautiful memories! Thanks for sharing! Wishing you and all the members of your family, human and pet, a wonderful new year!
Magnificent card and heartwarming post. Merry Christmas.
I love your nostalgic post. My childhood Christmases were similar to yours. Not a lot of gifts but such fun times with grandparents, aunts, uncles & 30 cousins! Give all the kids a kiss on the nose for me. They are so adorable!
I wish you and your family many blessings in 2026. Huggs from sunny Florida!
Merry Christmas Ann. It’s wonderful to see you and your loyal fur babies. And, yes, I do remember that particular style of card making…..everything had to have pearls! You have always made gorgeous cards, regardless of your style!. Thank you for remaining faithful to your blog and your talents.
Oh, that card is fabulous! It’s the style I tried to emulate when I first started stamping. Your childhood Christmases sound like mine! My grandparents’ farm was “over the river and through the woods”, and it was my favorite place to spend Christmas. ¡Feliz Navidad! 🪅 You have brightened my life these past years!
Isn’t it interesting how our styles evolve over the years? This card, however, is a masterpiece! Thank you for sharing and thank you for your friendship. I feel as if I know you from across the miles.
Great card! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and an even happier New Year!!! Love the pictures with the fur babies!!! You can see the love you have for them in your eyes!!!
Your posts and pictures bring me joy and I wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Beautiful card of past.
Very well said. Such great looking pups.
Glad I found you as a Stampin up demonstrator I feel like we have become friends through stamping and love of critterz 💜🐴🐱🐕
What a beautiful post, Ann. And I have every confidence your beautiful card is cherished and displayed each year by its recipient. Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas. What a beautiful card and post. Nueve has my heart too!
Merry, Merry Christmas, my friend!
Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a healthy happy 2026, Ann! I love reading your posts. You have such a wonderful gift of expressing and sharing your heart!
Hugs
Pauline
🎄😘
LOVE THIS Ann! Merry Christmas to you also