Monday, December 06, 2010

December report

A short report from over the sea. Our advent celebrations started November 28th this year, the first of four Advent Sundays. Or, to be honest, it started Saturday November 27th, as Gunnar had to carry 16 boxes of Advent and Christmas decorations down from the attic.
On the Advent wreath two lights have been lit by now.
The color of Advent is purple, but I feel free to use the colors of my liking.
In the churches it is right to follow the sacral colors though. Did you know that the church year starts with advent, the waiting for the arrival of Messiah?

Hosting a Christmas workshop is my greatest advent pleasure. Tradition from when I was a child. Earlier I invited Serina and her friends. Now my hiker friends are perfect company..

This year angels in various forms were the theme of the workshop. Our kitchen is the perfect place for these activities. No place or making food, so I ordered open sandwiches from a neighbor.
This year angels in various forms were the theme of the workshop. Our kitchen is the perfect place for these activities. No place for making food, so I ordered open sandwiches from a neighbor.
We downloaded angels from the Internet and used several techniques, decoupage, ironing on fabric, painting e.t.c.
My Youle nisser are admiring Liv's and Tilly's skills from their hiding place on top of the cupboard .
So do the angels in our window. Hearts belong to Christmas decorations as well. In 90 % of Norwegian homes you'll also see this Advent Candlestick shining from one ore more windows in December.
Our regular house guest, the cat belonging to our neighbors was also very curious as to what was going on for more than six hours that very day. He sure doesn't like to be ignored.
Who does?

14 comments:

Annie Jeffries said...

Dear Elise,

I was so happy to see this post pop up and then only to discover that I had missed the original posting of the beautiful picture of Serina.

Oh how I wish I was seated at the table with you and your friends. But, as I say to my family, we still have a pulse so anything is possible.

I will be watching more carefully for your next post.

Love,
Annie

Leora said...

I greatly admire how you work together to create these lovely decorations.

Enjoy your holidays!

Amrita said...

I like your sharing of the Norwegian Christmas traditions. The nisse an d advent candles are so special. Must be fascinating to see candles light up windows at night. Like our Diwali earthen lamps.

Its good to see the vigorous ladies of the hiking club to sit down together and create decorations, chat an d have fun. Your cosy corner looks so pretty, and mysteries hiding in the cupboard for further revalition (smile).

The cat is looking on curiously. And I specially like the bench near her and your lace table cloth.



And last but not least I must wish you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

Have a joyous blessed day on Dedc 8th.

Terry said...

happy birthday felisol!!
dec 8th....i am working on your birthday post and so come over after,eh?..you snow angel you!....love terry

ps...your being 61 will be our secret!

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

oh it all looks like such fun Felisol! Sharing a table with our friends is always a blessing, and these ladies look like they were enjoying the creativity as well as the firendships. I saw your Youle nisser, angels and hearts tucked cozily all around. How warm and inviting it all looks. I'd love to be sitting there having a good cup of coffee in your kitchen and sharing stories!

Love,
Sonja

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

oh I just saw the comment here that siad today is your birthday!

Gratulerer med dagen!

Birthday blessings my friend!

Colleen said...

Felisol, this is such a lovely post! I really enjoy the glimpse into your full and interesting life! You have a lovely home by the way and it looks like a very happy one, full of friendship, love, and warmth.
I love the idea of a Christmas workshop...what better way to get into the spirit than by being creative with friends and enjoying some good food and laughter?
I wish you a wonderful advent!

P.S. Looked for the book by Stephan Zweig and I don't think it is translated...too bad!

Saija said...

happy birthday to you, dear Felisol!!!!

and i love this post ... so Christmasy ...

big (HUGS) to you from canada!!!!

Mrs. Mac said...

This day looks like so much fun spent sharing the advent traditions with the hiker ladies (and the not to be forgotten cat;) Six hours of crafting, talking, relaxing, and remembering must have taken place. Perhaps some prayer time too. Thanks for sharing a little window to your world, Felisol.

Hugs from the North Woods,

Cathy

Jim said...

♪♪Happy Birthday to you,♪♪
♪♪Happy Birthday to you,♪♪
♪♪Happy Birthday Dear Felisol,♪♪
♪♪Happy Birthday to you.♪♪

Happy Birthday (late) Felilsol!
Happy Birthday (late) Felilsol!
Happy Birthday (late) Felilsol!
Happy Birthday (late) Felilsol!
Happy Birthday to you!

I am sorry this has to be late. I hope the old saying that 'late is better than ever' will still hold true.

Isn't that Terry a doll for keeping up with all our BDays like she does? And celebrates them so wonderfully too! I left this greeting to you on her blog too.

We all love you Felisol,
Jim
..

Jim said...

Felisol, I do like your workshops. This one sound neat.

Our church observes Advent but not much this year. Just lighting the candles each week so far. Last year we had sermons about each one.

This is the first Baptist church I have been in that observed Advent at all. Maybe it is something new for our denomination. The Methodists have from year BC 33. :)
..

Amrita said...

Dear Felisol, trust you had a lovely birthday.

I am so happy India is participating in the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony for the jaile d Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo in Oslo today. China was threatening an d campaigning against it an d some countried have cpowered down, but most are going to attend.

I am so glad Norway is supporting Liu Xiaobo. I hav e 2 news links on my blog becaus e I want the world to know.

Jada's Gigi said...

You have such lovely holiday traditions. i wanted to try out the Advent candles this year to teach my little granddaughter about the season but alas I am very far behind!

Crown of Beauty said...

Belated birthday greetings, dear Felisol. Didn't remember that you and my daughter share the same birthday!

How special can that be?

I loved reading this Advent post and Christmas workshop, too. You are so creative, and I love the way you celebrate Christmas in your country.

Love
Lidj