'Silver Bells Teapots and Trays At Christmas' Theresa Phillips

Often when engaging in conversations with friends and acquaintances, I frequently encounter their strong aversion to silver, often met with exclamations of "NO WAY!" They express their reluctance with the reasoning that they simply do not want to deal with the cleaning that silver requires.

This reaction always takes me a bit by surprise, as I find myself reflecting on the numerous benefits and inherent beauty that silver possesses, which seem to be overlooked by many.

To me, silver is not just a metal; it embodies a sense of health and elegance that is hard to ignore.

Its lustrous sheen and reflective quality evoke a sense of purity and sophistication. Beyond its physical characteristics, silver resonates with me on a deeper level, reminding me of two profoundly significant aspects of life that intertwine with faith and history.

One of the most poignant reminders associated with silver is the biblical account of the 30 pieces of silver for which Jesus was sold. This narrative is encapsulated in Zechariah 11:12: The Messiah would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver.

Betrayed for Money!

The Bible poignantly conveys that the LOVE of money is the root of all evil, a statement that resonates deeply in our materialistic society.

Yet, during this festive Christmas season, I find myself drawn to silver in a way that transcends its monetary value...

No selling off my Savior, indeed; instead, I cherish the silver for what it represents.

I hold a deep appreciation for silver...

Silver is often associated with Christmas, particularly within Christian traditions, as it symbolizes the divinity of Christ.

Additionally, it is closely linked to the pristine white colors we envision during the Christmas season, conjuring images of glistening snowflakes and picturesque winter scenes that evoke a sense of tranquility and joy.

Moreover, silver carries with it the warmth of family memories...

The historical pieces, even those that bear dents and scratches, serve as a tangible connection to days gone by, reminding me of the beauty of glistening silver reflecting the soft glow of candlelight during family gatherings.

My mother would often have us gather around to clean the silverware. I must admit, I HATED that chore at the time; however, once the table was beautifully set with pressed old napkins and a tablecloth that had a frayed edge, everything seemed to come together in a way that felt perfect and complete.

How lovely the table looked, adorned with shining silver, and how special it made us all feel to sit together, sharing a meal that was enhanced by the elegance of our silverware.

Ahhh yes, I use the silver now and am filled with fond memories...

Christmas, after all, is a time for remembering and cherishing those moments.

Tinsel on the tree, shimmering in the light, is often silver.

Silver trays for serving dinner and cookies bring back memories of special gifts exchanged among loved ones.

Shiny wrappings in silver and gold add a touch of glory to the season.

White lights symbolize the purity of the baby born in the manger, while colored lights remind me of the vibrant Rainbow that encircles the throne of grace.

Packages under the tree evoke the gifts brought by the wise men, each representing something sacred and significant.

But above all, my favorite is the silver; it brings back vivid memories of my mother, grandmother, and family gathered around the table, all illuminated in the soft, warm lights, looking absolutely marvelous.

So today, as I find myself cleaning silver, I realize that I no longer harbor any resentment toward the task. Instead, I embrace it as a beautiful ritual, a way to connect with the past, honor my heritage, and celebrate the love that binds us together during this special time of year.

Perhaps you too might have a piece that could tell a story.

How about shinning up and enjoying it..

Merry Christmas

Theresa Phillips

GlobalPropheticVoice@gmail.com

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Simple Ideas for the Holidays

#1 Prayer ... God get us through! Church is most important to us.

As the holiday season approaches, we find solace and strength in the power of prayer. It serves as a guiding light, reminding us of the importance of faith and community during this special time of year. Attending church not only deepens our connection with God but also reinforces our bonds with fellow congregants, creating a sense of belonging and support that is especially vital during the holidays. Together, we gather to celebrate the birth of Christ, reflecting on His teachings and the love that we are called to share with one another.

#2 Being Grateful...

Gratitude is a cornerstone of our holiday celebrations. Taking time to reflect on the blessings we have received throughout the year allows us to appreciate the little things that often go unnoticed. It could be the warmth of our home, the love of family and friends, or even the simple joys of everyday life. We make it a point to express our gratitude not only in our prayers but also in our actions. This can mean writing thank-you notes, sharing our blessings with others, or simply taking a moment each day to acknowledge what we are thankful for.

#3 Staying focused.

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is easy to become distracted by the commercial aspects of the festivities. However, we strive to remain focused on the true meaning of the holidays. This involves prioritizing our time and energy towards activities that align with our values, such as spending quality time with loved ones, engaging in acts of kindness, and participating in community service. By keeping our focus on what truly matters, we can foster a more meaningful and fulfilling holiday experience.

For unto us a Child is Born...

This beautiful proclamation serves as a reminder of the miracle of Christmas and the hope that it brings. Each year, we take time to reflect on the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ, recognizing that it symbolizes love, hope, and redemption. We share this message with our family and friends, often through the singing of carols that narrate the story of His birth. These songs not only fill our hearts with joy but also serve as a means of spreading the message of peace and goodwill to all.

Yes, we sing carols and we always give back Our charity is so fulfilling

Caroling has become a cherished tradition in our home. Not only do we enjoy the melodies and harmonies, but we also use this opportunity to spread cheer and goodwill to those around us. Additionally, we believe that giving back is a vital part of the holiday spirit. Each year, we choose a charity or cause to support, whether it be through donations, volunteering our time, or organizing events to raise awareness. This act of giving not only enriches the lives of those we help but also fills our hearts with a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Operation Gift a Vet Stocking’s for Medically confined Veterans.

One of the most rewarding initiatives we participate in is Operation Gift a Vet. This program focuses on creating care packages, or stockings, for veterans who are medically confined and unable to celebrate the holidays in the traditional sense. We gather items such as warm socks, hygiene products, and festive treats to include in the stockings. Knowing that our efforts can bring a smile to someone who has sacrificed so much for our country is incredibly heartwarming. It reinforces our belief in the importance of recognizing and honoring our veterans, especially during the holiday season.

 

Sometimes it's just my husband and myself for Christmas and when it is we go see a movie.

There are occasions when the holiday season is quieter, just my husband and me. In those moments, we cherish the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company in a more intimate setting. One of our favorite traditions is to go out and see a holiday movie. This simple outing allows us to immerse ourselves in the festive spirit while enjoying the magic of storytelling. It’s a delightful way to unwind and create lasting memories together, even when we are not surrounded by a large gathering.

But one year we decided to do something different...

Reflecting on our past holiday experiences, we realized that we wanted to make a more significant impact on those around us. Thus, we decided to break from our usual routine and embark on a new adventure that would not only bring us joy but also spread warmth to others. This decision marked the beginning of a new holiday tradition in our lives.

It didn’t cost much, and it was worth it!

What we planned was not extravagant or costly, but the value it brought was immeasurable. We wanted to create an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness, so we organized an afternoon tea for those who might not have a place to go during the holidays. This gathering was a heartfelt invitation to our friends and neighbors, especially those who might be feeling lonely or isolated during this festive time.

We hosted an afternoon tea for those who did have any place to go.

Our afternoon tea quickly turned into a delightful event filled with laughter, conversation, and connection. We decorated our home with festive touches, creating a cozy and inviting environment. The aroma of freshly brewed tea and baked goods filled the air, setting the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of camaraderie. Inviting others into our home not only enriched our holiday experience but also fostered a sense of community that we cherished deeply.

We already had cookies and desserts and all we had to do was make egg salad and chicken salad tiny sandwiches.

Fortunately, we already had a variety of cookies and desserts prepared, which made the planning much easier. To complement these sweet treats, we decided to whip up some delightful egg salad and chicken salad sandwiches cut into small, dainty portions. These tiny sandwiches were not only easy to eat but also added a savory touch to our spread. They were a hit among our guests, who appreciated the thoughtful selection of food as they mingled and enjoyed each other’s company.

Hubby gets a nice shrimp tray and he loves making cheese and crackers..

My husband, always eager to contribute, took it upon himself to create a beautiful shrimp tray that added a touch of elegance to our gathering. He also has a knack for assembling a delightful cheese and cracker platter, which quickly became a favorite among our guests. The combination of flavors and textures made for a wonderful addition to our tea, encouraging everyone to indulge and savor the moment. It was heartening to see our guests enjoy the spread we had prepared with love and care.

There you have it.

With everything coming together beautifully, we felt a sense of accomplishment and joy. The preparations, though simple, created an atmosphere of warmth and generosity that resonated throughout our home. Each detail, from the food to the decorations, was crafted with the intention of making our guests feel cherished and welcomed. This experience solidified our belief in the power of community and the joy that comes from sharing our blessings with others.

Then we polish the silver tea pots and bring on the tea!!

The final touch to our gathering involved polishing our cherished silver teapots, which had been passed down through generations. As we prepared to serve the tea, there was a sense of excitement in the air. We carefully selected a variety of teas to cater to different tastes, ensuring that everyone could find something they enjoyed. The act of pouring tea into delicate cups became a cherished ritual, symbolizing hospitality and warmth, as we shared stories and laughter around the table.

He have sparkling juice and sometimes Champagne.

To add a festive flair to our gathering, we also offered sparkling juice and, on special occasions, Champagne for those who wished to indulge. These beverages not only complemented our tea but also contributed to the celebratory atmosphere we aimed to create. The clinking of glasses and the toasts we shared filled the room with joy and laughter, reminding us of the importance of celebrating life’s moments, both big and small.

A light punch filled with leftover fruits.

In addition to tea and sparkling beverages, we prepared a refreshing light punch, creatively utilizing leftover fruits from our holiday preparations. This colorful concoction not only added a vibrant touch to our table but also provided a refreshing option for our guests. The punch became a delightful conversation starter, as everyone enjoyed the unique blend of flavors and the creativity behind its creation. It was a simple yet effective way to ensure that everyone felt included and catered to during our gathering.

 

People come in and we have laughs and often we see some whom we have not seen all year ad that feels

The doorbell rang, and one by one, our guests arrived, bringing with them an air of excitement and joy. As they entered, we were greeted with warm smiles and heartfelt hugs. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, stories, and the sound of clinking teacups. It was a wonderful feeling to reconnect with friends and acquaintances, some of whom we had not seen in quite some time. These reunions were heartwarming, as we shared updates about our lives and reminisced about cherished memories. The warmth of friendship and community filled our home, making it a truly special holiday gathering that we would cherish for years to come.

wonderful!

But there is one secret thing we do...🎁

2 days before Christmas eve we take red bows and tie them to the mailboxes in our neighborhood Often those bows are there till spring and tis such a pleasure to give back!

But we do have a scrooge who always takes it down just after we put it up.

 BUT that has not stopped us ...

Yes we are blessed...

Happy weeks before Christmas

Theresa