Favorite Things, December Edition

Sewing Nutcracker

My obsession with these little collectibles has been intensifying over the years. I ended up finding this jem at JoAnn fabric's on a 70% clearance sale. Lucked out and added him late to my collection. He also now was jewels around his base compliments of his new owner :)
Tea Ring
There are memories from your childhood that will never fade. Tea Ring is one of them. Every year at the holidays Grandma Horning made us one and Dad would also. It was tradition to eat it Christmas morning and the taste never gets old. Dad also started the tradition of gifting it to friends and neighbors. A few years back I started making it and haven't looked back. I love the tradition and love this delicious sweet treat.

Mulling Spices

I will never forget the first year I lived with Chris. He created this concoction on the stove and left it on low as we decorated. I thought he was insane...until I smelled it. Now, each year I find I am the first one to fill the pot with cinnamon sticks, muling spices and enjoy the delicious aroma it sends throughout the house.

Thistlehair the Christmas Bear - Alabama

Yet another vivid childhood memory. Mom and Dad love Alabama and each year this RECORD was placed on the record player and nearly worn out. Particularly the Thistlehair song became a favorite. I usually keep this CD in my car at the holidays and can flash back to childhood memories in the blink of an eye.

3D advent calendar

I don't recall a single year when we didn't have an advent calendar growing up. Tommy and I alternated opening days and would look forward to each morning and getting one day closer to Christmas. This year Mom gifted us a 3D calendar complete with chocolate treats each day.