Two-Three-Four. Opening New Advent Calendar Doors

Source Unknown

Let's Begin. As I thought about what I'd like to focus on during the December count-down this year, there were several thoughts swirling around in my head -- much like the snowstorm that happens in those pretty little snow globes.

When the snowflakes finally settled back down, one thing became clear -- I wanted to open the doors to this online advent calendar each morning to share some small treat for you -- whether it's a favourite photo or painting, a song that feels special this year, words I find meaningful, something lovely, something sweet or jolly, something peaceful or sacred. Maybe a guest post or two. Or even a little giveaway.  

The path is still not quite clear as to where I'm heading with it yet; it feels a little like taking a walk on a misty morning, and so every morning I might be as surprised as you! Because I'm on the look out for what will make this Christmas special for me -- what catches my breath or imagination, or just makes me feel happy as we anticipate these next weeks. What I do hope is that you will be glad you stopped by for a moment before you head off into your own day of preparation and waiting.

As you will note I'm a little behind at getting this going, so today we're catching up on what I would have posted earlier this week if my 'bright' ideas had arrived sooner. This morning we have Doors 1, 2, 3, and 4 for you as you scroll down. Then we hope to post every morning until December 24th.

Wishing you a happy Friday with hugs,

Brenda

xox

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 
Door 1. December Is Here

As you know I did welcome December on Day 1 with that pretty holly photo along with my accompanying list of 43 seasonal favourites. If you missed it on Tuesday, here's the link.

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Door 2. Medieval Carol

I heard this lovely version of a seasonal favourite O Come, O Come Emmanuel this past weekend over at Nancy's. Once I'd heard the last note sung of this beautifully poignant carol, I knew Advent had officially begun for me.

This carol was originally written in Latin text in the 12th century. Apparently both the author of the words and the composer of the music are unknown, although it is believed the melody is of French origin. Wherever it originated, I'm grateful it survived the centuries so we can enjoy its beauty in 2015.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 
Door 3. Vintage Ornaments

Source: bing.com/images, artist unknown

Isn't this painting of a box of old fashioned tree baubles lovely? I love it for it reminds me so much of the fragile boxes of ornaments we had when I was a girl growing up. Just seeing this picture with these pretty ornaments -- so easily crushed if not handled gently -- and I'm standing in our cozy farm living room where we're surrounded by The Boxes from the attic, waiting for the moment to hang that first ball on the tree. First, thoughtfully choosing which one it will be. Oh joy, oh bliss! I feel a grin spreading across my face at the thought of those happy moments that are now decades old.

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Door 4. Cathedral Window Cookies 

My mom used to make them for our family at Christmas time, and ohhhh, they were a toothsome concoction. Sweet, chocolate-y, with wisps of coconut and crunchy with walnuts or pecans. I love these straight out of the freezer, no need to let them thaw.

It's been years since we've had these, but in my old fashioned mood this year, these have been added to my list of Christmas baking to serve at our family Christmas get together this year. I went in search of a recipe for these cathedral window cookies and plan to use the easy recipe from allrecipes.com. It looks very much like the one my mom used.

Apparently cathedral window cookies get their name from the colorful miniature marshmallows that are thought to mimic the appearance of a stained glass window. I don't remember what name my mom used for these sweet treats, but as kids we loved them.

  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------