It’s that time of year when we think of loved ones and celebrations, and the memories and smiles just bubble up.
Holiday decorating with our daughter and then our grandchildren sleeping over on Thanksgiving so we could decorate the next day – every single one is a warm memory. There is also that favorite relative you loved catching up with, delicious food items that certain people always made, or just the feeling that the holidays bring.
Our holiday dinner wouldn’t be complete without cranberry jello. I know, I know – jello? Well, this was my mother-in-law’s recipe which included fresh cranberries and apple. I make it every year, and we smile with every delicious spoonful.
Remember that old saying, a picture is worth a thousand words? I grouped some special items together this morning for a photo that holds many tales. A wall hanging I like, old glass bulbs from family trees long ago, Snoopy and Woodstock that my grandkids loved to hear play music, a small tree in a new basket made by my daughter, two angel ornaments both from dearly loved friends, and a Santa that I made in a class with my daughter when she was younger. One grouping that evokes so many wonderful memories.
What comes to mind for you when someone says nostalgia this time of year?
Best wishes to you and yours whether it is a gathering of one or twenty one and whether you’re eating turkey and dressing or take out. 🙂
P.S. For cold hearty gardeners, if you have heard about or are interested in learning about winter sowing of seeds, there is a webinar coming up on December 1. Here is the link.
If looking for hand-made baskets or other unique items for the home this holiday, my daughter’s online shop is at 1840 Farm. She and my granddaughter create lovely one-of-a-kind items to be treasured for years to come.
Any time of the year, if you are looking for the very best long-armed quilter I’ve ever known, head over to Seashell Quilting Longarm Studio. You will not only walk away with a lovely finished product, but you will thoroughly enjoy the experience.
NewEnglandGardenAndThread 
Oh, your table looks beautiful! I love the arrangement and the warm, and treasured memories each one invokes.
I’m heading over to your daughter’s online shop to see what’s on offer. That basket looks wonderful and have need of two for some faux trees I have in my living room. I haven’t found anything I really like/want to cover their pots yet. Maybe I will there!
Happy Thanksgiving, Judy. May it be filled with love, and oh, so, many goodies. 🥰
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The Christmas tree toppling over, spilling water on the Persian rug and breaking my precious ornaments! That was last year. But luckily there are numerous happy memories involving family and warmth. Christmas breakfast, church service, Christmas pyjamas worn till dinner time, and laughter and smiles and opening presents.
Love your post, Judy.
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Oh my, that’s a memory for sure. However, it sounds like you have a lot of happy ones to outweigh that one. I hope your granddaughter has a wonderful holiday season, and you all enjoy the joy she sees. There is nothing like a holiday experienced with a young child. Happy Thanksgiving, Cynthia.
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Thank you. I love that basket for that faux tree, it fits it perfectly, and the colors are great. Happy Thanksgiving to you, and I hope you get to see ‘all’ those handsome guys in your family. 🦃 Happy shopping.
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Thank you, Judy! The weather looks good for getting over the mountains to have Thanksgiving with the boys.
I hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving too! 🥰🦃
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I am on Team Cranberry Jell-O and say that proudly. When we had traditional Thanksgiving dinners my mother always made it. I even have the *official* serving dish she put it in. No fussy molds in my house.
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I LOVE it! I have two dishes I always use just depending on how much I make. Making and eating that dish just transports both of us back to huge family gatherings filled with love and laughter. I hope you have a wonderful holiday!
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Beautiful memories! I love the way you have gathered them all together so you can enjoy them. Happy Thanksgiving!
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I have downsized decorations from days of old, but I went through my ornaments this year and brought quite a few down. I have them either grouped together or near other decorations. Each one has its own memory, and I’m enjoying it immensely without all the work. I hope you both have a very nice holiday and take lots of photos of what’s going on in your much warmer climate. I look outside and see brown. 🙂
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I have also downsized our decorations and only put out special ones. The decorations on our tree take me down me down memory lane every year!
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Beautiful setting of warm, happy memories! I, too, have ornaments that were once on the trees of my childhood. Just looking at them brings back the wonder and joy of watching them glisten in the twinkling lights, speculating over what was hidden in the wrapped packages below. Mom and dad took credit for the big gifts, Santa for what was in the stockings. I liked that idea and used it for my own kids.
Thank you for the link to your daughter’s shop….a bit chaotic this week with Texas group in town and lots of cooking still to do, but I’d sure love to treat myself to one of her baskets!
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Just visited 1840 Farm. What a feast for the eyes! Such lovingly hand made items so beautifully photographed, evoking warmth and coziness! A must visit for all your readers!
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Thank you. She is a gifted writer and photographer, and she and my granddaughter put together quite a product that is unique and hand made.
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Those old ornaments are fading in color, but I just see the wonder of their lasting all these years and how they hung with pride on family trees for many years. The Texans are coming – wahoo! The big kids will be in town. I hope you all have a major blast! I bet you look at those kids in wonder at how they grown up. My granddaughter does artwork for her mom, and I’m always in awe. Take care, Joyce, cook up some good food and then sit back and enjoy that beautiful family of yours.
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Love your nostalgic display. Beautiful, not just the items themselves, but the memories they evoke. Priceless!
When I was growing up, there was always a bowl of Jello loaded with grated carrots. Nope, I couldn’t like it!
I checked out 1840 Farm. Impressive. With your daughter and granddaughter, the fruit fell close to the tree. Talent abounds in your family!
Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of future memories. Enjoy the love of family, the warm feeling this holiday brings, and all the good food. Especially desert! Don’t sweat the calories! Or cholesterol! Or glucose!
Ginger
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Thank you for the jello chuckle. My Mom was always trying to make it healthy with veggies and fruit – not my favorite. My Mother-in-law had a sweet tooth so there was always Cool Whip and sweet fruit in hers. The ‘only’ time I ever see jello on a table except for our holiday dinner is in South Carolina when there is a pot luck and usually someone brings some. Definitely nostalgic! Oh, yes, to dessert at the holiday or any other day. 🙂 Thank you for the kind words too. Happy turkey day!
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Craft talent seems to run in the family! 🙂 Your vignette is lovely, all set for the holidays. Have an enjoyable Thanksgiving, Judy!
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Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving, Eliza. 🙂
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Thank you!
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Pleasant thoughts today, Judy. Much appreciated, along with the helpful links. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and that it kicks off an enjoyable holiday season.
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Here’s hoping your family has a nice relaxing but fun holiday season as well. Pull that Monopoly game out. 🙂
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We often do 😉
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Enjoy! Have a great holiday!
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The same to you, and I hope your local Starbucks is open and the weather allows for a good walk.
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Starbucks is open and Thanksgiving weekend is predicted to be cold and mostly dry. Maybe just a shower but no all day events.
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Oh, Judy! Your lovely Nostalgia collection truly makes my heart smile. Such precious memories fill each and every piece! Your daughter is an amazing artist. I just visited 1840 Farm and love her artwork! Looking forward to following her blog, too. I love your wall hanging with artwork by Susan Winget, one of my very favorite artists!
Thank you for sharing the link about winter seed sowing. I want to learn more.
Wishing you and your family a happy, old-fashioned Thanksgiving celebration!!
Sending warm, cozy hugs from our house to yours!
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Happy holidays to you, Dawn! Yes, Susan Winget is a favorite of mine too. You will smile when I say that over the past few years, I’ve not only downsized my garden but my holidays. Going up and down attic stairs, carrying heavy boxes, taking two days to decorate and two to take down and always in a hurry to go south just wasn’t working anymore. I use more wall hangings and multiple small trees with lights and everything goes into plastic storage containers that go in a closet that I can easily reach. Aging in place takes some planning. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed your visit to 1840 Farm. She is very talented and the very best person I know in the kitchen. A seat at her table is truly a gift.
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Super discovery. Anywhere near Milford New Hampshire?
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I’m about 56 miles northeast of Milford. 🙂 Interesting that you are from Seattle because we have a lot of family in that area including Auburn. Small world sometimes. 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving!
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Not far. I am actually from New England and have many relatives there. I have just returned from a sentimental trip to Boston. Happy Thanksgiving!
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So you have given the creative genius to your daughter and grandchildren as well! She has a very cute shop! Good Luck to her!
Your table is full of LOVE! Memories is what makes the HOLIDAYS so warm and wonderful. And your table is full of them.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Thank you. Here is your daily chuckle. When I saw your last post, I decided that I needed a couple of new red candles for my mantle. The only issue was I went to numerous stores and couldn’t find any. They all had plastic pillars with batteries. I felt like last year when I tried to find boxed cards. My age is showing. 🙂
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Oh you did give me a chuckle… BUT NO RED CANDLES in the stores?? It’s Christmas!!
I sure hope you find some. Thanks for the smiles!
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Your charming vignette is very inspiring! We have so many little touches throughout the year that contribute to our memories. One of my favorite memories was my mom taking out her mothers beautiful pink frosted fruit bowl that we always filled with fruits and nuts for the holiday. It was special, because we didn’t have oranges or grapes all the time, but the bowl was filled to overflowing. I have that bowl now, and even though the oranges and grapes are more available to me, when placed in the bowl, they become precious Thanksgiving bounty to me!
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Oh, what a nice memory. I have a clear glass fluted bowl my mother gave me, and I always like getting that out and thinking about her. I also have this tiny yellow Fiesta bowl, the size of a fruit cup that was my grandmother’s. She always cracked her eggs in there before adding to a recipe. I keep my coffee scoop in it, and think of her every time I make coffee. We lose people, but we always have these special memories. Happy Thanksgiving, and I know anyone gathered around your table will be eating well. 🙂
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Thank you Judy, have a wonderful day!
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Your photo makes me look forward to Christmas even more, Judy. But first…Thanksgiving and I/we have so much for which to be thankful!! While back in Illinois, I found a quite realistic-looking Christmas tree (and not pre-lit so we can use our lights) and some wonderful Christmas decorations (not that I needed more, but…). I have the tree up simply so it’s not still sitting in three garbage bags but the decorating will be quite last this year as both girls want to help and they won’t arrive until a few days before Christmas. It will be lovely to have them plus a spouse and grandson here finally for Christmas. It’s been too long. Thanksgiving will be just us but that’s fine too.
Memories: decorating, going to a nearby Christmas store run by artists to pick out ornaments from all over the world and just revel in the season, the children’s Christmas program when I was a child and the paper bag of nuts in the shell, an orange, and an apple afterwards followed by opening our gifts and the on Christmas Day, driving to my grandparents farm for another Christmas.
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You have wonderful memories to keep you warm this Thanksgiving holiday, and your Christmas sounds perfect. A grandson and daughters to decorate certainly raise the level of expectation. There is absolutely nothing more fun than Christmas with young grandchildren. Enjoy every moment.
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I love your collection. We no longer have a tree but I love putting up well-loved decorations that hold sweet memories for me.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration!
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No big tree here either, and I didn’t think I’d get use to it, but I sure have, and I don’t miss the hours required to put it up and take it down. I had a set of six hand made candy canes that always hung on my tree. I brought one down and put it around the base of a small silver tree. I still have the memory but not the work. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your husband. My husband and I will have a quiet but nice day.
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Beautiful memories, and I feel the same way about Christmas. Now that we have two wonderful grandchildren, we are making more memories and they are all the more precious as we get older.
I love your daughter and granddaughter’s craft pieces, clearly this wonderful sewing talent runs in the family. I had to look (with envy) at the quilts on display as well…all beautiful.
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Enjoying Christmas with young grandchildren is the best!! My daughter and granddaughter are talented, and the quilter is the daughter of a very good friend. I jokingly call her the “Queen of Quilts’ because I have never ever met anyone more talented at a sewing machine or the longarm. She is a true artist, and when you send her a top to be quilted she goes above and beyond to provide a quality product. If you enjoy seeing quilts, she’s on Instagram ‘seashellquilting.’ She posts photos of projects she works on, and they always make me shake my head at the talent and the finished product.
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PS Happy Thanksgiving Day!
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Just lovely, as expected!
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Thank you. Wishing you a lovely holiday this week. 🦃
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I had a wonderful time browsing your daughter’s shop and blog! Happy Thanksgiving Judy!
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Great! May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and may we both have sunshine.
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Such lovely memories! And how I love that grouping. The tree in the basket is perfect. Took a look at your daughter’s online shop. So many temptations and such lovely work.
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Wishing you a happy holiday season, and I know it will be special now that your family is all here in New England. Enjoy all your delicious sides tomorrow. I’ll eat enough turkey for both of us. 🙂
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Everything you say about memories is so true, and the things we pull out at this time of year are saturated with memories. Some take us back to our own grandmas and others came because we became grandmas. Those early holidays with grandbabies were so wonderful! I love your candy dish with the little ornaments — what a great idea! I bet there are memories in dish and ornaments both. It was fun and also touching to read all the memories in the comments above.
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I guess when you are retired, you have a little more time to ponder and remember because it is amazing how you can look at something from the past, and the memories just flood your mind. In most cases, it is a wonderful thing.
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That jello sounds very good, thank you very much! I’m glad that you explained all the things in that photo — nice to see Woodstock and Snoopy still getting their deserved time in the spotlight. Your daughter’s basket looks really good! – Marty
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I suppose someone somewhere gets too mature for Snoopy and his friends, but it’s not me. 🙂 I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving and enjoy the lead up to the approaching holiday season.
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Happy Thanksgiving!
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Hope you had a lovely holiday, and I know you had good eats!
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Judy, the cranberry apple Jell-O sounds yummy. Do you have a recipe? I am hosting my brother and his significant other for Christmas and am working on a menu. That sounds like a great addition to the table.
Enjoy your holidays – the lights, smells, sounds, food and family!
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Yes, I do have the recipe. I’ve been sidetracked with the flu so pardon the lateness. I’ll get it to you.
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No need to be pardoned, Judy. I hope you are feeling better. 🤗
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Thanks, Judy for this beautiful post. I love the idea of grouping objects that are filled with memories. My son had a Snoopy just like the one pictured.
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I love it! Every year we get Snoopy out we wonder if new batteries will allow him to share his music. So far, so good. We get a kick out of it playing because we remember the fun our grandkids had pressing the button over and over again.
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Our poor Snoopy got put in the washing machine by my mother-in-law. He never played music again but still was loved and poor Linda became known as the Snoopy Killer.
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Cranberry jello sounds pretty delish! Nostalgia for me is an old-fashioned tinsel trimmed cedar tree. Not a lot of pines in my childhood. Love the red & white dec 🙂
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I don’t remember ever having a cedar, but I sure remember tinsel. I remember putting it on one piece at a time and then taking it off one at a time. We were definitely not well off so each piece got taken off and put away for the next year. Interesting how decorations change over the years.
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