Treasured Ornaments

A special joy for me at holiday time is unwrapping treasured ornaments.

After many years of acquiring them, I have several collections.

But none are more dear than my little

"Santas on Animals"

created and made by my daughter Kate.

I began collecting ornaments which featured

Santa riding different animals.

(I'll share those another time.)

I loved these ornaments, but could never find

my favorite animal,

a sheep,

with Santa perched on his back.

Kate surprised me one year with one she had made herself!

She is now grown and following her dreams in NYC,

but since she was a little girl,

Kate has been especially talented in molding clay.

For several years she has surprised me each year

with a new one to add to my collection.

One particular favorite is the Kitty Kat.

Can't you just hear him purring?

This little canine was inspired by my, now gone, dachshund, Lizzy.

What would Christmas be without a red cardinal?

Kate's Santas are always serious.

This is last year's creation.

"When pigs fly..." always pops into my head when I see it.

Hang on Santa!

All during her childhood, Kate had a favored stuffed bunny

which was always called "Brown Rabbit."

I wonder if he's the inspiration for this little guy?

The Christmas Parade at Buttermilk Cottage!

Santa IS coming!

My "favorite."

Thank you, darling girl Kate,

for my beautiful collection

and

memories!

This week I'm liking up with parties at

Between Naps on the Porch for Deck the Halls

Savvy Southern Style for Boring to Better

A Stroll thru Life for the Christmas Cloche Party

All Things Heart & Home for All Things Merry & Brite

French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Holiday

and

Favorite Things Saturday