French Influences for Christmas!

 ~Each gift is wrapped with  the thoughts of the one who will recieve....."if our hands are fully occupied with holding on to something, we can neither give or receive"~

 ~French Coffee in a beautiful French cup~

 ~Almond Cookies~

 ~A Gift should be wrapped up and special~

 ~Our French inspired Christmas cards~

~A Touch of Greenery~

 ~A collection of Santa's from around the World~

 ~These beautiful ornaments sparkle~

~Joy to the World.....Glory to God in the Highest!~

Jesus, the Savior..."For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.  The government will rest on his shoulders.  And He will be called:  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  Isaiah 9:6

~Oh to be in Paris.....at Christmas!~

Those of you who follow my blog know, for sure, one of the highlights of this past year was visiting one of our daughters and her husband who live abroad in England!  England is a beautiful country and I can hardly wait to go again to London for the museums, the parks, the fashion, and the shopping, of course to see Kara and Phil!  As much as I loved England, I will have to say.....I fell for France!  The quaint villages sitting perfectly up on hillsides, the thrill of seeing Paris, the food, the people, the cafes, the parks,  the history, the art, the artist, the fashions.......need I say more?  I wish I had realized earlier in life how easy it is to travel abroad but life kept me very, very busy until I had a true and wonderful reason to travel there.....my sweet girl!

This year, in my home, I decided to use a few French influences to brighten our home!  I love, absoultey love being at home during December!  I love knowing that most of our children will be with us and that the preparations that I make will help them all feel special and feel loved.  Traditions are important in building bonds within families!  In France, Christmas time is similar, all about family and friends.  The decorations are beautiful, but the importance of helping the poor is very much a part of their Christmas celebration.  Giving to others is a large part of the French Christmas!  Also most villages and in many homes the Nativity Creche' has a place of prominence and children are involved in pagents and programs.  Midnight mass is a large part of the holiday for those of faith in Jesus Christ. The churches are filled with Believers at Christmas.  Many gifts that are shared are handmade with love and  include gifts from the kitchen,  shared with both family and friends.

One tradition that I enjoy is the sending of Christmas cards!  This year, I was inspired by another blogger with a French influence to make a few cards......"Joyeux Noel"!  I do hope you are blessed with a spirit of joy this Christmas.  Joy comes from our hearts....it spills from a heart that is full with gratitude and love.  It comes from a heart that knows that God is in control of this world and that HE is fully aware of our circumstances, whether they are good or not so good!  God's desire is to mold us and make us into vessels that He can use throughout the world to bring both glory and honor to His Name!  There is not better time, my friend, than Christmas to share your blessings with others.  A kind word, a kind deed, a smile that says "Merry Christmas!"  I pray that your home and your heart are filled with love and most importantly the joy of the Lord!