Images of Christmas

Is it just me, or did December really take the record for the fastest month of 2013? 

The best Christmas present I received was having my mother agree to move closer to me...which meant I was able to share the holiday with her, my husband, and all of my kids. 

Just what I wanted.

Here are a few images I captured over the month that I don't think I've shared with you yet...

My neighbor decorated a juniper tree on our dirt road. It was covered in vintage ornaments.

Naturally, I had to stop and snap some photos.

Door prizes were given at our church Christmas party. 

I didn't win one, but I did bring home this collection of sparkling bokeh.

In honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, our church had a tamale dinner following Mass, with yummy, colorful pan dulce. 

I'm becoming more of a minimalist when it comes to decorating my house. 

But these pewter plates Tom gave me will always be pulled from the box and put on display.

I did a lot of baking this year. 

My Texas-shaped gingerbread and pumpkin bread were big hits.

I came within a jingle bell of being one of those elves. 

That is my spiral hat, though.

Homes on tour were decked out for the holidays. I admit what I like best about the first one below is the painting of the old blue truck.

A dear friend and his wife sent these ornaments with their Christmas cards. It hangs in a place of honor right beside the photo of my parents. 

(Yes, my tree is still up!)

Wishing all of you much peace!