"Every house where love abides
And friendship is a guest,
Is surely home, and home sweet home
For there the heart can rest."
~ Henry Van Dyke

Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas eve at Christmas Village.....

It is December and once again Christmas Village has suddenly appeared. This magical little village only comes out for people to see once a year. On Christmas eve, it comes to life...


If you look closely, you can see that Mrs. Dewhurst who is the wife of the vicar has just taken a scrumptious looking Christmas cake out of the oven. Doesn't it look delicious? It will be perfect to serve for the annual Christmas tea at the vicarage.

But wait! Mrs. Dewhurst hears carol singing as she passes the window. 'Oh yes!', she exclaims, 'It is already past noon and the carolers have begun. I must hurry and put on my warm coat and mittens and rush to the church square.'

There is already a crowd of villagers gathering. The singing is so beautiful. Mrs. Potts has opened her door to listen and Sister Charity has joined her.

I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day in the morning.

The schoolmaster approaches and sees that Sarah and her lamb Snowflake are already there to listen.

But what is this??? Even the woodland creatures have quietly drawn near to hear the singing.

Mr. Rochester pauses from his work. He has brought a yule log in from the woods on his little sleigh for the vicarage Christmas tea.

A visiting family comes out of the general store with some last minute gifts while Peter rides off on his sled.

He is on his way to the other side of the pond where Thomas and Luke are waiting for him. They are going to make a big snowman there.

Mr. Brownlow is bringing the last Christmas tree he has to deliver today. It is for Miss Markham who just moved to Christmas Village recently. She is excited to start decorating her tree for her first Christmas celebration here.


And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?
And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas Day in the morning?

The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

Pray, wither sailed those ships all three,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Pray, wither sailed those ships all three,
On Christmas Day in the morning?

O they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
O they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

I am including the song on my playlist of Little Toy Village. It is a very old song but one my mother and I love as it reminds us of my sister who learned this sweet song at school as a girl. She sang is every Christmas. I found it early this year but with a shock. I will give you this link to read about my photos being used for the video part of the song. This village is very special to me and unique. It is just like the one my mother made when I was a little girl and remade for me when I had my own home. It is all handpainted by my mother and sister. Each Christmas, I thank my mother over again for my special toy village. Thanks Mom!

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas! May it be as magical as that in Christmas Village and full of thoughts of the true meaning of Christmas as declared in

14 comments:

onlymehere said...

I knew this village and it's inhabitants were special and then I read why....to have a gift so beautifully handcrafted by your mother is truly a treasure! Merry Christmas Heidi, and my Mr. Murphy find a new place to dwell this new year! Thank you for being my blogging buddy!
Cindy

Susan in SC said...

What a wonderful time I had wandering through the village with you! Merry Christmas!

Roberta said...

Merry Christmas Heidi to you, Jos and Dagi.

Daniëlle said...

Love village!!! A Merry Christmas for you and the ones you love! XXXD

Mary said...

Sending you warm wishes for a beautiful Christmas in your new home Heidi. Hope the coming year brings you, Jos, and Dagi good health and much happiness.

Hugs from chilly North Carolina - Mary

Nancy said...

Okayyyyyyyyyyyyyy, now stop trying to make me cry. Why do I have this same village and no story ever came out of it. Hummmmm, I painted many of them for many people and NO ONE gets what you get out of yours. I am so happy you still love it so much. Just like I LOVE YOU little Miss Elf.
Hugs and Kisses and Merry Christmas.
Mom

Kim @ Home Is Where The Heart Is said...

Merry Christmas, Heidi :)

Simple Home said...

I wondered if your little village was going to make an appearance this year. I love it, and the little song too!
Merry Christmas Heidi!
Blessings,
Marcia

Tammy said...

Heidi - What a sweet gift to put up your Christmas village and invite us to tour it with you. Merry Christmas my friend!

Saskia said...

well, you made Christmas Eve a little bit more special now! Thank you, Miss Pickles the Elf.
Every year I always love your stories about Christmas and the way you decorate your home. Thanks for letting me be a part of your (quilting) life for more than 10 years!
It means a lot to me!
Knuffels
Saskia

Jantine said...

A very precious little village! It is lovely too! Enjoy your Christmas days!

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Heidi. Sending warm wishes across the miles....

Marie x

Hazel said...

Wow I love this village! So beautiful. x

Kathy said...

What a beautiful village made even more beautiful beacuse of the memories attached of your Mother and sister. I had tears in my eyes after reading and listening. Only one word can describe it. Beautiful.

Thank you for sharing your village with me.