Elvis might want a blue one - but - I'll have a PINK CHRISTMAS, please☺

Pink Saturday again! I've participated in nearly all of the Pink Saturdays this year, that's a LOT of pink goodies, even for moi! I honestly think I'll be able to do another year with no problem. Isn't that amazing? This week I am sharing with you portions of my Christmas tree. Did you expect a tradtional tree from Mimi - NOT! It's PINK, of course, and just the sweetest and most darling and utterly precious tree - EVER.

Over the years as a young bride I had trees that reflected the slim budget of the newly married. Trees that were Disney-like appealing to my little sons and to the whimsey in my heart. As time flew by (it always flies, doesn't it?) and the boys grew older, my trees became more traditional - very pretty, really pretty, in  fact, but that changed, too. When I moved into my current home (Edwardian) my tree became Victorian - gilt, heavily ornate - beads, jewels, vintage ornaments.

Then something happened. I went pink! I finally gave in to the ME in me! My boys grew up and I became a kid again! I got my game on and gave myself the tree of my dreams - all pink and white and girly! Ooooo, do I love it. I'll share more of my ornaments and PINK Christmas decorations from now until the new year but thought I'd begin with my tree - my precious tree.

Beverly asked us to show a holiday decoration from the past this week and to tell why it is special. The wreath you see below -  this old, wired, tinseled, not-so-fancy wreath that is about twelve inches in diameter is priceless to me. I don't think there is enough money in anyone's pocket to have me part with this little, kinda-orphan-like wreath. I am the proud owner of a pair of these with original boxes included. The original price was 49 cents from Kresgee's (anyone remember them?) Where did they come from and why are they special to me?

When my father built the sweet brick bungalow for his new bride, true to 1950s style, there was a large picture window in the living room. On each side of that large window there were two smaller windows. Hanging in each of those smaller windows every Christmas until both of my parents passed away were two wreaths, one of which you see now. After both of my parents had passed away those wreaths became mine. If I had nothing, absolutely nothing, to make my home festive during the holidays - all I would need is the set of old, wired, tinseled wreaths that hung in the windows of my childhood home. They represent to me my family and my parents and my roots and my heritage and the love that is passed on from season to season until the end of time.

Someday my wreaths will belong to my sons. I hope that they treasure them as I have and will pass them down to the eldest of their sons. That - dear friends - is what makes Christmas memories special. Not money. Not expensive gifts. Not so much food you can't eat it all. Family and the birth of a little baby - that is Christmas.

If you found my blog today, you may already know about Beverly's Pink Saturday. If you don't, then you are in for a special treat. Take a stroll over to HOW SWEET THE SOUND. There you will find a list of some of the sweetest and most precious people to ever create a blog. They are celebrating with me - and I hope - with you.

And now - a little something fun for you to do this weekend! I guarantee you  - they are fun to make, cute as a button and as sweet as a little girl's kiss.

Cherries in the Snow Vanilla Wafers

16 maraschino cherries with stems
1/3 cup marshmallow creme
1 tablespoon finely chopped maraschino cherries
32 vanilla wafer cookies
4 ounces vanilla-flavor candy coating
*If you want to make a couple varieties, substitute the cherries with crushed candy canes for a hint of peppermint goodness. Instead of topping with a cherry - sprinkle a little of the crushed candy canes that you used for the filling on the tops of your darling creations.

Directions

1. Place maraschino cherries with stems on paper towels; drain well. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper; set aside. In a small bowl, stir together marshmallow creme and chopped maraschino cherries. Spread about 1 teaspoon of the maraschino cherry mixture on the bottom of one cookie. Top with another cookie, bottom side down. Place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining cookies and maraschino cherry mixture.

2. In a small saucepan, heat and stir candy coating over medium-low heat until melted and smooth. Cool slightly.

3. Dip cookies halfway into the melted candy coating. Return to baking sheet. Holding a cherry by the stem, dip bottom of cherry into the melted candy coating. Place cherry on top of candy-coated side of one cookie. Hold for several seconds or just until set. Repeat with remaining cherries and cookies. Let cookies stand until candy coating sets. Makes 16 sandwich cookies.