Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas 2011 at the Barlows-- in the Dark of Night

I've been doing a bit too much of what you see to the right, so in lieu of a Celebrating Mysteries post, I'm going to share my Christmas decorations with you. I know, I've already done it, but this time you'll be able to see what everything looks like at night.

You see, I want everything to look good during the daylight hours, but a special part of Christmas for me has always been seeing everything at night. There's just something magical about Christmas decorations at night. I love the play of light and shadows, and reflections... even if they're "only" light gleaming on the spines of books. Some of this light play has been done intentionally, but several instances have been pure serendipity, and I love that.

I've been asked over the years why I do it. Why do I go to so much trouble? It's not like I have a huge family or conduct an open house. To some people, this just doesn't make sense. Fortunately, it only has to make sense to me. I've been very fortunate in that many cherished family members and friends have given me decorations over the years. Most of them have been handmade. Using the gifts these very special people have given me makes them all a part of my celebration.

I'm going to let the pictures speak for themselves. Click on the photos if you'd like to see them in larger sizes in new windows. I will number them so if you have any questions about any of them, you can refer to the photo number in your comments.

Happy Holidays!


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#22 My very own elf!

12 comments:

  1. Cathy, all of your Christmas cheer is just beautiful!! Thanks so much for sharing "Christmas in Arizona" with us. I hope you and Denis and have a lovely day tomorrow.

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  2. Cathy - These are all just breathtaking! You've created a real Christmas fantasy here and if you love it, that's reason enough to take so much effort. It's gorgeous, so thanks for sharing. My best wishes to you and Denis for a Merry Christmas and all the best in the new year.

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  3. I love to see Christmas lights at night too! I have some handmade ornaments from other family members that I treasure. We have some expensive ornaments, but the ones that are put front and center of the tree are always the handmade ones. Merry Christmas!

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  4. Wow, what an effort you put into it. You must be sorry when you have to take it all down.

    Have a great Christmas!

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  5. That is just beautiful. I admire your energy in getting it all done and done well. I'm lucky if I get one little tree and a few knick knack out, but I do love to look at other people's holiday displays.

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  6. Absolutely incredible! My favorite things at night is to shut off all the lights except the Christmas ones...such peace and joy...Merry Christmas to you!

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  7. Merry Christmas, Cathy. The blessing you have brought me this year is that you have helped me find some wonderful books I might not have found if you had not recommended them.

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  8. Cathy, this is so magnificent! If I wasn't in the Christmas spirit before, I certainly would be now! Beautiful!

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  9. Kay-- Merry Christmas! Denis and I did enjoy the part of the day we could spend together. (He had to work, as usual.)

    Margot-- The very same to you!

    Kathy-- Merry Christmas to you and yours!

    Judith-- Yes, I am sorry when I have to take it down. Merry Christmas!

    Jill-- Merry Christmas!

    Leslie-- I love to look at everyone else's, too! (Excellent source of ideas! LOL)

    PPhD-- And to you, too!

    Joe-- Thank you so much... Merry Christmas!

    Natalie-- Thank you! Merry Christmas!

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  10. I know that I'm late to the show but this was just like a Christmas card; a Christmas fantasy! Thanks for sharing this moment!! I hope your holidays were/are Merry and bright!!

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  11. IAB-- They are, and I hope yours are, too!

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Thank you for taking the time to make a comment. I really appreciate it!