Classic Red Truck with Christmas Tree.
Is anybody else starting to think about Christmas?
When my boys were young, I loved getting ready for the Christmas holiday. I would often start playing Christmas music in October… much to Hubby’s dismay.
We prepared letters to Santa, and I shopped and put carts full of toys on “lay-away” months ahead of winter.
My best friend and I went to craft shows and stores and bought santas and snowmen and other holiday decorations, as well as things to make decorations – often while pushing strollers and carrying diaper bags.
I would prepare for “Sammy” the elf to make his arrival at our house and plan out his adventures each night when the boys went to bed to surprise them in the morning.
I created homemade Christmas cards for the boys to color (and later they drew them) to send to friends and family.
I stocked up on sugar and flour and baking supplies when they were on sale and collected festive tins to make hundreds of cookies and dozens of sweet breads and nut rolls to share with friends and neighbors.
As the boys got older, the excitement of Christmas dimmed a bit. We still enjoyed it, but the excitement leading up to it was not the same as when they were young and the magic existed.
But now….. I’m a grandma! And that just makes me absolutely giddy for Christmas again!
And since my daughter-in-law, Colleen, and I have created our McKinneyX2Designs Etsy shop and have started also selling our art at a local gift shop, Berry Vine Gifts, it is so fun to get excited about preparing for Christmas again. And it seems there are others like me out there, because holiday cards and paintings have already sold!
So I’m having fun creating Christmas and holiday art… like this classic red truck with a Christmas tree. Doesn’t it just make you so nostalgic about Christmas?
So even though we are still experiencing 80 degree Autumn days, I’m dreaming of a white Christmas. It’s so fun to dream!
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
i love this, and i sure am!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤗🎄 thanks Beth
LikeLike
Wonderful! I love the truck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your traditions with the boys! So special!!! The cards are unique and make me excited for Christmas! I think my favorite holiday card ever
LikeLiked by 1 person
AWWWW! Thanks so much Lynn! What a sweet compliment 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your Christmas’s of years past are exactly the same as mine. I tried to hold onto the magic with my youngest daughter, Kristy, until she finally asked me: “would you be upset if I don’t believe in Santa anymore?” Traditions celebrated over the years are now passed onto the next generation through Benjamin. Enjoy each moment with your Granddaughter, the years fly by so quickly. Love your painting of the Classic Red Truck with Christmas Tree. This reminds me of the old black truck my Dad drove when we went to Gram’s forest for our tree. Thank-you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad we share these special memories! How sweet of dear Kristy to ask you if you would be upset if she didn’t believe – lol! But know you have dear Benjamin – who can light up a room like the jolly ole’ elf himself! ❤
LikeLike
Wow Jodi, I totally understand. Can’t remember in Terry’s pat posts if he discussed how we went all out for Christmas with his Dallas-well known light show we did every year. Terry would diligently begin preparing for it starting on 1 Jan for the next Dec and I would get all the displays, wreaths, lights prepared very early in the season. We had over 22 large Christmas trees, do or so large wreaths, all kinds of large animated figures, over 250 extension cords and computer boards to run the 45 min continual show. Halloween stuff came down on 1 Nov and Christmas decorations would then be in progress immediately thereafter. The last Christmas Terry did this a few years ago, he build a 20 foot mega light tree in our backyard in July, just to test out how it would eventually work…. Ig was Christmas in our home almost year round. Very manpower intensive, but rewarding when it all came together. The last show we did we ran a charitable event on our cul-de-sac, with about 20 restaurant vendors, over 600 people in attendance, police support, Santa and his elves, live music and all 10 home decorated by Terry and us, (but nothing like our show) and it was advertised in the news! I will miss those days, now that my life has become a lot simpler. Luv Gary
LikeLiked by 1 person
OOOOH Gary! WOWZERS! What wonderful memories you have of special times! Maybe you can start something fun in your RV park this year to get you excited and in the magical spirit! I know this will be a difficult one as the first without your love. We all miss him, but I know you do most of all. Sending hugs!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser and commented:
Ha-Ha seems Jodi is in a hurry for Christmas and Halloween is not even here-too funny! Adorable pic! I know this Christmas will be special for everyone!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 Thanks Cheryl – I know I know – a bit early – but so exciting! Love all the holidays!!! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is a wonderful time of year and will be here soon Jodi!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful painting Jodi! You are right! Christmas is just around the corner! I’m glad you are excited about Christmas since you have a little one in your life once again! I use to get so excited about Christmas too and I loved decorating for Christmas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe you can get excited about the magic again! Sugar might enjoy! LOL! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, I don’t get excited about Christmas anymore. Last year I put up a little tree but this year I won’t do that. I will put up my nativity set, but that is all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I understand – hope you get to spend some of the holiday with family and friends.
LikeLike
I hope so too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a fun read!!!! I really love this painting and the cards!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Tam!!
LikeLike
Love the cards, Jodi. I’m not in the Christmas spirit yet, but I’m moving in that direction. As soon as the 80 degree weather breaks I’ll be there..:)
LikeLiked by 2 people
YAY! Loving the weather, but it is time! It hit 80 here today too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoyed hearing about your preparations for the holiday magic with your family! ❤️🌲❤️ Love your red truck!! ✨❄️ And I can imagine having that sweet granddaughter will make Christmas extra special this year! 💝
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a special, magical time of year!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
OH yes I love the Christmas Season!! It is magical! Little ones at Christmas is definitely a special treat! Love your red truck, the perfect note cards for Christmas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks C! Hope your book will be ready in time for Christmas gift-giving 🙂
LikeLike
Jodi, I always start listening to Christmas music in October and start shopping then. Like you, I did the Christmas hoopla for the boys when they were young. It has lost its fun and magic but I still believe and wait to be a Nana. I love the red truck toting the tree, it’s magic. Love this post.😃💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Christmas is so magical – eh?! ❤
LikeLike
It’s never to early to start getting ready. Especially for the beautiful gifts you posted. Thanks for sharing your holiday story about your boys. Now it is Clara’s turn!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sharon – such fun times!!! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
So cute Jodi, an old pick up with a Christmas tree always brings a smile!
LikeLiked by 1 person
my hubby still drives a red pick up truck! but he gets a new one every couple years! lol!
LikeLike
This was beautiful, Jodi! The sky is so cool and perfectly displays the magic of Christmas. 🌲✨🎄
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks Robin 🙂
LikeLike
Children do make Christmas magical! (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
indeed!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautifully nostalgic Christmas card Jodi, I love it! I’m happy you get to enjoy your Christmas Spirit again! xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks so much kathryn!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That red truck is absolutely fabulous. It does bring a sense of nostalgic Christmas. You need to think Christmas now because of your marketing. I try to keep it at bay for as long as possible, because life seems to be rushing me way too much. But yes, celebrating the holidays now with grandkids is just so much fun. In two weeks I’ll walk with 3 of my local grandkids down their street as they trick or treat (with their parents, neighbors, so ‘old time-ish.). I look forward to hearing more about your Christmas traditions as the months go by (waaaayyy too fast). 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
P.S. Soon I’d love to order some of your cards. Is the best way through Etsy? But I love going on-line to your daughter-in-law’s shop and seeing how you two are collaborating, also. Really special. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awwh! Thanks so much!!! Yes – ETSY is the best way. we have a website that will link you to our ETSY shop, Facebook page, and Instagram. http://www.mx2d.com. Thanks!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes – you understand! when you are making and selling you have to be a holiday or so ahead. People are about done buying fall things already – LOL! I do hate to rush through other holidays though. Lucky you getting to go trick or treating with the grands!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So much fun – they even share some candy with me! 😏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww. ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
As soon as the weather begins to cool, I get excited for Christmas! The day is wonderful enough, although I admit that Christmas Eve is my favorite, but the prep for Christmas is truly the best. And I love that painting with the truck and the Christmas tree…what a wonderful Christmas card!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love Christmas Eve best too!!!! Actually – I love the anticipation of it all and all of the celebrations that lead up to the day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this classic red truck so much. I saw that our Sam’s club had one with little trees inside. Super cute 🌲
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks! they are so fun and nostalgic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Creative Inspiration in Food, Watercolor, Photography, Writing and Life in Between.
I see you don’t monetize your blog, don’t waste your traffic, you can earn additional bucks every month because you’ve
got high quality content. If you want to know how to make extra $$$, search for: Mertiso’s
tips best adsense alternative
LikeLike