tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post5749333539390033478..comments2024-03-26T00:26:19.756-07:00Comments on The Bluebirds are Nesting...: The Christmas Challenge. Ida's Christmas and inexpensive Christmas ideas.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-41651192911122732762016-11-28T19:11:46.362-08:002016-11-28T19:11:46.362-08:00Thank you for your comments Bridge I am sorry to t...Thank you for your comments Bridge I am sorry to take so long to reply! Childhood memories we have give us a lot of information about what it is that children love and will cherish. It is mostly the simple things! I don't remember much about WHAT I was given more about what we did! And the excitement! And back then how long it took for Christmas to come around! Thanks you Bridge. I know you will make it a beautiful Christmas! Love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-31194458643107957422016-11-28T19:09:32.588-08:002016-11-28T19:09:32.588-08:00Dear Janine, I think thats a good idea! Sorry I am...Dear Janine, I think thats a good idea! Sorry I am so slow to reply! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-84053152831958549072016-11-26T18:56:07.363-08:002016-11-26T18:56:07.363-08:00Wow. Vicky should do a blog about Ida's life r...Wow. Vicky should do a blog about Ida's life regularly. I love hearing about her life. What would appear frugal to us was just her wsy of life. Lots of lessons to learn from such a wise woman. She would probably find it funny that so many from around the world as interested in her life.<br />Thanks for the lovely memories too.Janine 16https://www.blogger.com/profile/12355965470722258834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-65162872209524476322016-11-26T18:55:52.807-08:002016-11-26T18:55:52.807-08:00Wow. Vicky should do a blog about Ida's life r...Wow. Vicky should do a blog about Ida's life regularly. I love hearing about her life. What would appear frugal to us was just her wsy of life. Lots of lessons to learn from such a wise woman. She would probably find it funny that so many from around the world as interested in her life.<br />Thanks for the lovely memories too.Janine 16https://www.blogger.com/profile/12355965470722258834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-76172982819295079932016-11-25T12:53:58.911-08:002016-11-25T12:53:58.911-08:00What a beautiful post. Thank you Annabel for shari...What a beautiful post. Thank you Annabel for sharing it with us. Thank you Vicky for relaying Ida's Christmas. I really loved reading it. It meant a lot to me. I have a young family now and reading Ida's Christmas keeps me grounded as to know what is important about Christmas. It is incredible her level of creativity and resourcefulness. I am really in awe of it. Thank you Ida for sharing it and thank you Vicky for passing it on. I love that the children had really thoughtful presents, but that they weren't over-stretched by them. I also love that the day was about a special meal and company. This is exactly what I want to achieve. Funnily enough I don't remember what presents I received when I was a girl. I know I was excited to get them, but I remember going to church in the morning. I remember the drive to see the lights with mum and dad. I remember the food cooking (and smelling the glorious smells, usually some sort of roast), while Christmas Carols were playing. I'd eat juicy stone fruit, and would just love playing with my cousins and being with my grandparents. I loved being with family and having some special food. I hope with my son this year we can read lots of Christmas books by the tree in Advent and go and visit the lights and go to the Christmas Carols. I am excited! Just seeing his face light up when he sees the twinkly lights of the trees is so cute! Lots of love, Bridge Thanks again for reminding us the real meaning and joy behind Christmas- it's not how much you spend.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-49850834514137492792016-11-24T19:37:58.559-08:002016-11-24T19:37:58.559-08:00Just wanted to add that Bendigo Bank in Australa s...Just wanted to add that Bendigo Bank in Australa still do Christmas club accounts! I have had one now for 25 years! It comes due from Nov 1st. The interest is pathetic nowdays, but I still like having one. :-) You can draw out until the end of January, then have to pay a penalty to get it out earlier than the following Nov. I find it is a great incentive to keep money specifically aside. Love, Kaye xoKayeBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02893434891123813140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-51030738421792505152016-11-24T16:40:16.582-08:002016-11-24T16:40:16.582-08:00Dear Christine,
Andy told me they also left beer f...Dear Christine,<br />Andy told me they also left beer for Santa which he always drank! lol<br />Several ladies said this abut the new dress made for them and I love that. Plus one for your doll! <br />What beautiful memories of your Nana and it is wonderful that you have carried on making her pudding. Have a very happy Christmas Christine! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-75978900182646253182016-11-24T16:37:47.599-08:002016-11-24T16:37:47.599-08:00Dear Jen,
I love the too old for Christmas BUT... ...Dear Jen,<br />I love the too old for Christmas BUT... well it is lovely that they still want to carry on with these gorgeous things. I think we are never too old. Chloe is 30 now and you would think she was 8 when it comes to Christmas which is kind of lovely! Tell them to never lose that!<br />Have a wonderful Christmas! Love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-91037402795812603482016-11-24T16:35:45.352-08:002016-11-24T16:35:45.352-08:00Dear Tania,
I think we can do a lot to keep Christ...Dear Tania,<br />I think we can do a lot to keep Christmas simple in our own home but not too much how it is out at the shops etc. I basically avoid the shops when they go crazy as I don't like crowds and everyone seems so stressed! <br />I also do less running around than I used to do and try and think what is important and what isn't.<br />I hope you have a wonderful Christmas! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-45773656677405189592016-11-24T16:32:25.705-08:002016-11-24T16:32:25.705-08:00Dear Janine,
I think the feeling of Christmas is t...Dear Janine,<br />I think the feeling of Christmas is the same and the gorgeous aspects like how parents tried to make it magical for the children etc even though we have summer vs winter and those differences.<br />I love that your Mum made you a new dress and you chose the material! Have a beautiful time decorating the tree with your Grand children! I remember doing that with my Nan. I loved it. these are the things precious memories are made from! <br />Happy Thanksgiving also! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-66958040422705326422016-11-24T16:28:34.915-08:002016-11-24T16:28:34.915-08:00Dear Vicky,
I love the sled rides. Who needs theme...Dear Vicky,<br />I love the sled rides. Who needs theme parks! I can just imagine them doing that! <br />Watching the snow would have been beautiful! that is like out of a movie to me! With lots of love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-37583971981927601692016-11-24T16:26:57.120-08:002016-11-24T16:26:57.120-08:00Dear Glenda,
Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Thank you ...Dear Glenda,<br />Happy Thanksgiving to you!<br />Thank you for sharing your Christmas memories and even what you do now with the brisket cooking and the smell of it Christmas morning. <br />With much love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-30525046834523380972016-11-24T16:24:00.222-08:002016-11-24T16:24:00.222-08:00Dear Jeanette, We played a lot of eye spy on car j...Dear Jeanette, We played a lot of eye spy on car journeys! When I was little I loved the ornaments. Nana had glittery blue and silver birds they were my favourite! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-51995977207957762502016-11-24T16:22:57.566-08:002016-11-24T16:22:57.566-08:00Thanks Rhonda. Happy Thanksgiving to you! xxxThanks Rhonda. Happy Thanksgiving to you! xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-55704918796460839932016-11-24T16:22:32.501-08:002016-11-24T16:22:32.501-08:00Dear Debbie, Well done on taking over from your Mu...Dear Debbie, Well done on taking over from your Mum. It is a lot of work but it keeps it going and the family together on Christmas Day. Plus your Grandchildren are going to remember all you do.<br />Now I wonder what Harper will call Santa and have to say about it all with her little vocabulary!? Three is a gorgeous age.<br />Have a wonderful Christmas Debbie! Love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-61052149285144305622016-11-24T16:20:21.405-08:002016-11-24T16:20:21.405-08:00Dear Paula, Thank you for sharing your memories! T...Dear Paula, Thank you for sharing your memories! They are so happy and I love your Aunts silver dollar! All these stories are really showing how simple and sweet was beautiful. Lovely! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-7703069550326986032016-11-24T13:27:15.043-08:002016-11-24T13:27:15.043-08:00I loved this post hearing everyone's Christmas...I loved this post hearing everyone's Christmas memories. It brought back some lovely recollections of my own<br /><br />We always left beer and fruit cake for santa and carrots for the reindeer. We always found a new Christmas dress in our sacks (made by mum and nana ) and what we always found so exciting a similar dress from the same material for our dolls.<br /><br />Mum always had a Christmas Club account and nana always made the pudding with the sixpences in. My most precious memory is my nana sitting at the table enjoying lunch with the paper hat around her neck because she was small and the hats in the crackers were so big. I still make the pudding from nanas recipe and lef everyone have a stir for good luck.<br /><br />Great memories, wishing everyone a peaceful and joyous Christmas.Christine Southern Highlandshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00512318725633255864noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-9447578094115143962016-11-24T05:23:25.458-08:002016-11-24T05:23:25.458-08:00Dear Annabel,
What a lovely post with lots of bea...Dear Annabel,<br /><br />What a lovely post with lots of beautiful ideas and memories. I love the part about Ida. My girls are "too old" for Santa, but you'd never know it! Reading "The Night Before Christmas" after hanging stockings and leaving milk and cookies and a letter to Santa still figure in on Christmas eve!<br /><br />Lots of love, <br /><br />Jen in NSAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-17815174532033200742016-11-24T03:54:28.498-08:002016-11-24T03:54:28.498-08:00I usually (but not always) take my decorations dow...I usually (but not always) take my decorations down on Epiphany. Another tradition :)Jennileehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07684495712469386275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-1302095229608424832016-11-24T02:38:18.696-08:002016-11-24T02:38:18.696-08:00Dear Annabel,
Such a sweet story from Ida.
I hav...Dear Annabel,<br /><br />Such a sweet story from Ida.<br /><br />I have fond memories of CHRISTmas as a child. I didn't get much and what I did get was usually made by mum and dad. One year dad welded together a metal frame for a dolls cradle and my mum made dolls clothes and pretty frills and blankets etc for the cradle. She used what she had on hand. I can still remember it, and it was so long ago!<br /><br />I loved playing with farm animals too! I would play in the dirt and build my own farm, so much fun!<br /><br />Sadly CHRISTmas is not what it used to be, although it would be nice if we could go back to a simpler time where "lots of things" weren't the norm. I can only dream.<br /><br />Thank you for this post, a gentle reminder to keep it simple :)<br /><br />Much love,<br />Tania xxTaniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10176661940614462611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-71122730257522474512016-11-24T01:03:16.353-08:002016-11-24T01:03:16.353-08:00Hi Annabel and Bluebirders,
I have thoroughly enj...Hi Annabel and Bluebirders,<br /><br />I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this post and the comments.<br /><br />Thank you Vicky for relaying Ida's past Christmas - she is truly an amazing and resourceful woman.<br /><br />It's interesting reading the comments to realise that despite the distance between us all, there are so many common memories - watching Christmas movies, viewing Christmas lights and watching out for Santa. <br /><br />Our Christmas's as children were always spent at our grandparent's home where all the family would gather for a traditional hot lunch of roast lamb, turkey and chicken along with baked vegetables followed by Christmas pudding with the hidden threepences and sixpences.<br /><br />I remember always getting a new dress (handmade by Mum) to wear Christmas Day. This was such a treat as it was the only time through the year that it wasn't a case of having outgrown my clothes, hence the new outfit, plus, I was able to choose the fabric (and sometimes the style).<br /><br />Christmas is such a magical time, especially for children. My DGS(nearly 3yo) is already excited about the Christmas lights as he remembers last year. We have 2 family birthdays (9th and 12th Dec)so our trees don't go up until after the 12th, but I know one little boy and his little sister who can't wait to come and help decorate the Christmas tree (and neither can their grandma :-) )<br /><br />Best wishes<br />Janine Janinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13540554274755499923noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-8020624719737356992016-11-23T21:03:55.123-08:002016-11-23T21:03:55.123-08:00Dear Chipmunk, That really is a wonderful communit...Dear Chipmunk, That really is a wonderful community service that so many people must enjoy! Wonder thing to do. It just adds joy! <br />With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-55023275849090530392016-11-23T21:02:56.818-08:002016-11-23T21:02:56.818-08:00Dear Jenn,
I love your Mum! She did a good job and...Dear Jenn,<br />I love your Mum! She did a good job and went to a lot of trouble! And was rewarded! Good on her I think that is gorgeous.<br />The picture of you waiting for Santa sounds beautiful. What a treasure!<br />We have Dec 1 as our tree up and decorating day also. We take them down New Years Eve. Then I start fresh for New Years Day. <br />I love going to look at the lights even now. But this was magic to the children and an important part of Christmas. I love that so many people go to so much trouble for others to enjoy! With love Annabel.xxx<br />Annabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-59013192472036578752016-11-23T20:59:01.682-08:002016-11-23T20:59:01.682-08:00Dear Patsy, Somehow I often think of the twins you...Dear Patsy, Somehow I often think of the twins you look after quite a lot. I hope they have a very happy Christmas. The story reading is an easy one but lovely.<br />Happy Thanksgiving to you! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-54008827246066235112016-11-23T20:57:39.557-08:002016-11-23T20:57:39.557-08:00Dear Cookie,
Thank you I know Vicky will tell Ida...Dear Cookie, <br />Thank you I know Vicky will tell Ida what you said.<br />Serving dinner to the service men and women would have been an amazing experience. What a good thing to do.<br />I love your Nana and that she made doll clothes for your dolls! You had a wonderful family Christmas! <br />Thank you so much Cookie. Have a great Thanksgiving to you! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.com