Last year at this time, I did a post which is one of my favorites. I went hunting for the most magical, soul-restoring images I could find, mostly on instagram.
I remember that it was just days after some lunatic drove his truck into a crowd of joyful Christmas shoppers. And since then, it seems to be an epidemic.
What happened to Christmas Peace?
Well, any peace, for that matter?
I think that one has to make it; be mindful and know that there are those who wish to harm us, but at the same time go on living our lives to the fullest.
And by full, I mean full of hope and love. It doesn’t mean that one has to run themselves ragged.
Last Sunday, I went out of my comfort zone because I HATE crowds like you cannot believe and went into the heart of New York City. Rockefeller Center. You know… Where they have the big tree every year.
Yes, every year, I don’t know how, but they haul a 90 foot tree through the streets of Manhattan
and then build scaffolding and create one of the most magical visions that attracts throngs of visitors into New York City.
This is my photo taken as I was being gently shoved through a crowd of people. I literally, just put my phone up and clicked. I’m surprised that it’s even remotely straight.
This is the very first Christmas tree put up at Rockefeller Center on what was to be the new skating rink in the process of being built. Nice decorations! haha! Well, it was the (not-so-great) depression!
magical snow via Anne Marie Imnadze on instagram
We’ve already had a fair amount of snow this December. It’s all melted now because it’s been warmer and raining. But these little appetizers of snow are always so pretty.
Alas… most winters, by March, the snow is anything but pretty. You will probably enjoy this post which explains in great detail what I’m talking about.
And now, in the spirit of Christmas Peace, please enjoy many beautiful images I’ve found as well as some of my favorite instagram accounts that I think you’ll enjoy too. Most are from the US and England.
The fabulous Fortnum and Mason in London
via Note To Sarah on instagram-her feed is awesome!
The iconic Ralph Lauren store on Madison Avenue in the snow.
via Heleligeo (Helen Martyn) on instagram
No shortage of pics of Pretty Peggy Porschen Cakes which boasts long lines even when it’s freezing outside. But of course, it has to be the best photo I could find. It was worth the time it took. I love this one for a zillion reasons!
The fabulous Clos Maggiore shop, beautifully captured by Dr Difilippo
via Note To Sarah on instagram
Central Park in the snow and a must-see instagram! This girl is sooooo freakin’ talented!
via Brightbazaar (Will Taylor) on intagram
A classic heavy snow in NYC a few winters ago.
For all of my southern belles; Please believe me. It only looks like this for about ten minutes.
The oft-photographed for obvious reasons Natural History Museum photographed by Crazycatladyldn (Michelle Catherine in London
Sorry. At this time, I’ve lost the info of the lovely woman whose account this belongs to, but it’s clear why I needed to post this beautiful moment.
The Palace Hotel in New York City
My apartment building Christmas party from a couple of weeks ago.
Talented young photographer who sells her work on Etsy!
Matouk linen on One King’s Lane
not strictly Christmas, but what a fabulous guest bedroom this would be!
Georgeous instagram by Charlotte Anne Fidler. One of my faves!
World’s coolest utility room by Building Walnut Farm on instagram.
She says that the gorgeous green is Backwoods 469 by Benjamin Moore.
The one above which is technically autumn but amazing colors and the rest of the images are via a fabulous account by Jackie Greaney on instagram.
made for Christmas!
Yes, this is her home!
Please have a joyous, warm, holiday filled with much Christmas Peace!
And dearest thank yous to the many who have sent such kind, beautiful messages!!!
It means the world to me!
xo,
PS: If you happen to be in need of some retail therapy, there are some fantastic deals in the
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56 Responses
This particular post ( as well as last years) has been my favorite post of the year. It just makes me feel so happy! could you tell me from where the last pho came? I especially love that one. Thank you so much for this and all your posts.
Hi Joann,
Thank so so much and happy new year! The last four photos came from this instagram account which is absolutely gorgeous!
https://www.instagram.com/jackiegreaney/
Hi Laurel,
I have enjoyed reading your blog so much this afternoon! I have been obsessing over paint colors and my husband is SO ready for me to make decisions. 😉 We are moving from a vaguely Spanish style California home to a brand new New England colonial this summer. It is exciting to make my own choices after 16+ years of military life and mostly living with other people’s, but it is also daunting! Your blog has been helpful, and your humor has made reading it enjoyable. I look forward to following it in the future!
Hi Amy,
Thanks so much and all the best with your new life on the East Coast! Very exciting!
Thank you , so much for this beautiful Christmas post. One of my best presents for the year was discovering your wonderful blog. Full of good humor, thoughtfulness and beauty. I have learned and enjoyed so much. Merry Christmas, Laurel.
Amanda
I’m so glad Amanda! That was my goal from the start. It took some time before folks began to find me and I am grateful to the people who helped me make my dream come true. Merry Christmas!
Thank you for the beautiful Christmas images. Throughout the year you are so generous with your time and expertise. You are greatly appreciated. Wishing you a restful and peaceful holiday. Janet
Thank you so much Janet! I appreciate all of you too! Merry Christmas!
Wonderful photos! Hope your holidays are peaceful!
Thanks Lisa and happy, peaceful holidays to you as well!
LOVE the “wildness” of the Clos Maggiore decorations. Not an easy task to pull off successfully! Merry Christmas to you, Laurel, and thanks for a year of thought provoking blog posts!!!
Hi Frances,
I was thinking about that and I think maybe the reason they can pull it off is the beautiful architecture surrounding it. Merry Christmas!
Thank you , Laurel, for another great year of posts. You’re the best. Merry Christmas.
Thank you Carol and Merry Christmas to you too!
Thank you Laurel for your blog that keeps bringing me Joy all year! Having lived in Wisconsin for 35 years I am happy to see pretty pictures of snow and finally getting rid of my snow mobile suit and moon boots. Hello peep toe booties and cute wool wraps!
Hi Diane,
My mom and sis are in Wisconsin! And I lived there for five years in the 70s. Merry Christmas!
I love that you differentiate between a life full of business and a life full of love. I wish you and your readers a season where there is time to “be” at peace. With gratitude for all you’ve taught me, Merry Christmas. Now I’m off to paint my dresser-cum-vanity black and play with my Rub’n’Buff. Do I ever love that stuff! 🙂
Merry Christmas Gail and all the best always!
Merry Christmas Laurel! Thank you for the lovely images, had to pin the Utility room, all are gorgeous! Wishing for your Christmas present to be 100% zero back pain…
Thanks so much Pam! That would be a great present, indeed! And not to be too greedy, but it would be cool if that pin would go viral. That doesn’t seem to happen any longer with Pinterest. The back has calmed down somewhat meaning, I didn’t have to crawl on my hands and knees to get out of bed. That’s progress! Merry Christmas!
wishing you a happy, healthy & peace-filled New Year!
Looking forward to more of your creativity and wonderful
observations… and your sense of humor…
Thanks for everything you’ve given your readers in 2017…
Thank you so much Sandra! I genuinely enjoy writing the blog and the support I get from you guys spurs me on! Best to you as well!
We were supposed to have a wet week, but were blessed with the most picturesque snowfall yesterday during all the hustle bustle. Not great to drive in, but it’s the kind of snow that sticks to the trees…so lovely. Everything looks like a Christmas card around here. Sometimes what we get in Western NY comes your way. Hope it does 🙂
Warmest wishes for a beautiful Holiday week…love that you’re open to celebrating all of it! Thank you for sharing your photos, your shopping advice, and your insight and I’ll raise a glass to your wishes for peace. (My daughters went for see the Rock tree for the first time earlier this month and just loved it!)
Hope you’re feeling better!
Thanks so much Em! Well, the precip is coming but it’s going to be well into the 40s, so no snow which is fine by me. But I’m supposed to go for a walk in Rockefeller Park (in Sleepy Hollow) in the afternoon and it’s going to be blustery after it stops raining. I guess I should stop being such a woosy hot-house flower! lol I do love those thick, sticky snowfalls. When I lived in northern Westchester County with all of the huge old trees and forests, it looked positively other-worldly. Alas, not for long.
Thank you so very much for this wonderful compendium of images. I love your posts. Wishing you peace and restoration this Christmas.
Thank you so much Elle and wishing you a beautiful Christmas too!
Merry Christmas, Laurel! xo Thank you so much for this compilation! That was just the perfect set of pictures to go through this Christmas Eve.
love,
Sarah
Glad that you enjoyed them Sarah and so happy to get to know you this year! Merry Christmas to you and your darling family!
Merry Christmas, Laurel, and thanks for the fabulous pictures!
Merry Christmas to you too, Andrea!
Beautiful…thank you and Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas Mariah!
Merry Christmas to all, special prayers to those who have lost loved ones and can find this a difficult time of year.
Thank you for that Susie. It’s probably most of us, especially, the older we get and those fond memories of what we once had and now don’t can be particularly painful. Blessings to all!
Merry Christmas!
I found your blog earlier this year and it has quickly become one of my favorites. Each time a post pops up, I get excited to read whatever you have to say that day. I have also purchased a few things from your lists and have been very pleased with them. Keep up the excellent work!
I hope your Christmas is the best ever!!
Thank you so much Lynn for your lovely words and glad to hear that you’re happy with things I’ve included on my lists. I strive to put up things that are worthy of that, but some brands don’t have reviews, so I have to go with my instincts. Merry Christmas to you as well!
Hi Laurel, thank you for all you freely give us on your blog. I hope you have a restful, peaceful holiday. Penny
Thank you Penny, so far, I am, and you as well! Just spoke with my older son. Very proud of him!
Laurel, I hope you have a peaceful holiday and thank you for the beautiful images!
Thank you Alexa and the same to you!
You’ve set the mood for me with these beautiful images. Hard to pick a favorite, but Peggy Porschen Cakes is stunning in its Christmas finery. Have a wonderful Christmas.
Yes, PP Cakes was making me hungry! I found lots of fun images showing happy bakers making the gorgeous cakes too!
Thank you so much for posting these beautiful pics-it made me homesick for the North, even though I live in beautiful Charleston, Sc,I forgot how magical snow makes everything. Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays,and Happy New Year!
Hi Kathi,
They were saying that it might be a white Christmas which we don’t have very often, but it’s going to rain again. And then, the forecast is for some bitter cold to welcome the New Year which is typical. As they say. It isn’t so much the cold; it’s the wind. And when those chill factors dip into the teens and single digits,it’s mighty uncomfortable. But Merry and Happy to you as well!
Peace and Love, Laurel! And thank you for all the beautiful and inspiring posts all year long!
Peace and Love to you as well Bobbie!
Happy Holidays, Laurel- and I wish you a wonderfully fulfilling, healthy and peaceful 2018!
It is a privilege knowing you, and sharing a small part of life with you as well. YOU are one of the truly good people in this world.
xoxoxoxo
Merry Christmas Dolores!
I feel the same about you, even though we’ve never actually met. Hopefully one day!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! Thank you for a year of wonderful colorful dreams!
Merry Christmas Ivis and thank you for the good wishes!
Happy Christmas, Laurel Thank you for the past years informative & fun posts.
Weirdly, the utility room is my favourite from the above photos !
xxxx
Hi Joanna,
I love that little room too! And happy Christmas to you as well!
I can’t sleep and am up at 3 in the morning – but – your post has brought me smiles and calm to my slightly troubled soul. I wish you PEACE and hope your back is better.
Blessings of Christmas:)
Hi Terry,
I couldn’t sleep either. And I hate that because it really is better to keep close to the same hours that 95% of the population is keeping. The back is 50% better which I’ll gladly take! Blessings to you as well!
Hello Laurel, Happy Holidays to you and your family. We were given a holiday present here in Taiwan. After the worst fall-early winter that I can recall, we are getting beautiful, sunny weather this week.
Some of your photos almost make me nostalgic for winter, although I am still enough of an Ohioan to know that winter is best in photographs and memories! Interesting to note how much good design, especially via proportion and contrast, manifests itself in holiday decorations.
–Jim
Hi Jim,
Yes, you are right on all counts! And the worst winter weather occurs when when it’s bright and sunny with a snow cover. Merry Christmas!