I helped Granny put up her small table top Christmas tree this week and a few of her decorations. She doesn’t go all out with decorating like she did when I was a girl, but she does like to put up the small tree, the stockings she’s made for everyone over the years, and a few other items.
She still has me put up Pap’s stocking each year even though he’s been gone for a while now. The last several years she’s had to crochet new stockings as her grandkids married and had children of their own.
Granny said with all the cancer hoopla she’s been going through she’s two stockings behind for this year (not counting 2 more for the babes the girls’ are carrying).
I told her we’d leave two spots for the ones she’ll need to make before Christmas this year, and next year we’ll have to move to another wall 🙂
Most all of the ornaments and decorations she uses are ones she made. Granny said she’d show me her favorite ornament and held out the small blue purse in the photo above. I asked her if she liked it so much why didn’t she make some more. Granny said “Well I always mean to but I haven’t found the thread I need yet.”
While I love all the ornaments Granny makes I especially like the skiers. Back when Granny was making them I helped by combing out the yarn that would be their hair. I’m not sure why I like the little faces, hats, tooth-picks, and popsicle sticks so much but I purely do.
A few months ago I didn’t think Granny would be here for Christmas, but she is. I’m amazed by the strength she has. As The Deer Hunter says Granny is a tough ole bird.
Last night’s video: Quick and Easy Breakfast – Eggs & Onions – So Good!!
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For many, Christmas can be especially devastating for those who have lost loved ones in the recent past. It is very good Granny still puts up her little tree and her favorite ornaments. Those little ornaments will be important mementos after she passes, especially for your daughters and their children. Help those young cousins and their moms form fond memories of Great Granny and Pap. Keep those memories alive!
Hi Tipper, have always loved your stories. I had lost track of you for a long time but now have found you once more. Love these stories. Mary
Sometimes a favorite thing doesn’t need to be duplicated, just enjoyed 🙂 Seeing that Granny put up her tree makes me think I may want to decorate a little after all…I kind of thought I might be done with that. We’ll see!
I adore the little purse. I see why it’s her favorite. She is truly a blessing and so talented.
Will never forget Hayesville. That is where I learned how to crochet. The community center had a class. Quiet a few ladies taught me Christmas ornaments. I think about those times so often.
Now that I think about it, I’m really surprised that my gramma didn’t crochet ornaments. She certainly crocheted everything else potholders to bedspreads and her “mile a minute” lace. She always had some sort of handwork in process. In her last year or two, she said it had become half a mile a minute lace.
Granny’s little crochet purse is adorable and I love the skiers too. That little frail hand holding the purse is precious for sure Tipper!!
She is a tough one. She sure has proved that. She has a special place in my heart. I love when you post about granny. I hope and pray she’s here for along time.A special Merry Christmas to Granny.
Also I forgot grandparents names are so special I am called “Nina and my husband is
“Pop” but my friend is called “Gigi and her husband is Poppy “ which I think Gigi is adorable the children will figure it out themselves I was supposed to be called Nana but somehow turned into Nina
I think it was Dora the Explorer and her sidekick Diego’s a cartoon they oldest grandchild watched influence
Granny’s ornaments are so pretty and so very unique! She’s very creative and talented. I think my favorite is that skier too. The greatest gift it looks like all of you are receiving is her being here for the Christmas season.
I agree with Granny as well. The little blue purse ornament is my favorite too. I think I would tuck a shinny penny in it before I put it on the tree.
I thought of you the other day. I woke up to snow. We got about an inch, mostly on grass and back roads. Since I’m a nurse and have to get to work, I’m one of those people who are not always happy to see it. As I was clearing off my truck I laughed to myself and said “Tipper, I think I’ll send some of this stuff your way”
Blessings to you and your whole family. Have a very Merry Christmas.
I like the skiers too. so cute!
All Granny’s ornaments are so nice. I have to agree with Granny though, the pocketbook is my favorite. We are in the Smoky Mountains now, but will be home in PA for Christmas. Bless you all.
Granny’s handwork is so pretty. I treasure the things my family has made.
Granny is so talented!!!! Aww, bless her heart! Still praying for her. I’m sure she’s thrilled for the two new babies coming!
Hi Tipper:
So happy that Granny is with you all this year, you are surrounded by a beautiful family and my heart is filled with joy for you. This is for our friend Randy.
Every word you said is so true and you could not have said it any better, it spoke to me and has even helped me, I am not one for blogs Randy but I want you to know that you are in my prayers, I can’t go on with anything else to say because you said it all, I once asked a dear friend of mine so many years ago, how do you mend a broken heart, she answered. “Carol-ann, you can’t and how I found that out to be so painfully true, I won’t be commenting anymore but I am sure to read the blog. God bless you,
Granny is still here because so many prayers have gone up for her, and God’s purpose for her isn’t complete yet.
Homemade ornaments are made with love and therefore are so special. Your mother definitely has a special gift and talent for crocheting! Everything I have seen so far is beautiful.
Homemade ornaments are the best! We have a mixture of homemade and store bought. I always make sure that the ornaments that our kids and grandkids made are on our tree, it wouldn’t be Christmas without them. So glad your mother is still alive to enjoy this Christmas with you all!
Me and mama were just talking about my granny’s crocheted Christmas ornaments. She had all kinds on her tree every yr. I specifically remember her tiny crocheted wreaths with beads. Sure do miss her and her beautiful handmade decorations. Tell granny I love her little purse ornament!
Granny is a creative person. I love her imagination that shines through in these precious ornaments. One day y’all can pass these ornaments down to her great-grandchildren and beyond. I know you take special care to preserve them. God bless this beautiful family and all here reading this. We love you so much. Theresa in PA 🙂
Such special ornaments! I really like the purse, too. What a blessing that Granny is with you for this Christmas. She is definitely a strong woman.
What a wonderful blessing that Granny is here to celebrate another Christmas and looking forward to two more great grandbabies!! I love all her homemade ornaments. I have several my son made when he was in the lower grades in school, and we always enjoy reminiscing about them. In fact, I use the same ornaments year after year because each one has a special meaning to all of our family. We also have a special ornament for each family member that has passed, and we always hang them on the tree in memory of them. We also have the very first ornament we bought the year we got married. If I had a favorite, that would be the one. Little green wreath with a tiny red bow bought at a dime store forty-seven years ago.
I just love the little purse ornament and so happy Granny is here to celebrate Christmas again this year! I just love to read your posts and we watch your YouTube channel all the time.
I made your recipe for the Oatmeal Rolls and they were delicious.
I wasn’t quite sure of the yeast amount but I went ahead and used 2 pks and they turned out very good!
Thank you for the recipe and Merry Christmas to all!
It truly warms my heart to hear about Granny and how she’s doing. She’s constantly in my prayers and I will continue to pray that she is doing well. Granny is gifted at crochet and her ornaments are beautiful. I think it’s so sweet that out of all of her ornaments that the blue purse is her favorite. Tipper, I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas season.
I’m so happy that you were able to help your mom.
How blessed you are to have Granny around for another Christmas. It’s at times like this that I so miss having my parents here to help our family celebrate. My mother was like a young kid at Christmas in so many ways. At the same time, she spent hours making ornaments, gifts, and holiday decor items. We were so blessed!
So thankful Granny is doing well; all her crocheting skills are evident in those beautiful ornaments! Certainly, a touch of yesterday and wonderful little treasures to enjoy. Our best to all as we celebrate this Christmas Season …….
I am thinkin’ Granny needs her own email account. I know one of the girls would love to help her read her massive messages she would get daily….it might rival your ‘Pig”. Has she ever thought about letting you guys post things she might want to sell on your Esty??…I would be first in line to buy them. Dr appt this morning for Hubby cause this late message reading and reply. God Bless you guys and Praying for ‘our’ Granny…you do know you have to share. Have a Blessed day and looking forward to today’s new book.
Thank God for all loving Grannys
Granny’s handmade ornaments are all beautiful and well made. Her favorite blue purse is so sweet. I think you should ask her why it’s her favorite. Did it remind her of a purse her mom had, or one she had, or maybe it was just a difficult pattern and she was happy it turned out so well? I’m mentioning this not so much for us to know, but so you will know for future years to share with your grandchildren. I think about favorite things my mom had, but never knew why they were her favorite. I now wish I had asked her a lot more questions before she passed on. I’ve had some say well you can ask her when you see her in heaven, which I know I’ll see her again when I get there. I don’t think I’m going to be asking her any earthly questions, because we both, along with all those who know the Lord Jesus as their Savior who have entered heavens gate will be busy praising our Father God. So, find out now while you are all presently on this earth so you pass on all your family stories to the next family generation. God has answered so many prayers lifted up for Granny and we give Him all the praise and glory for them all.
You know, Christine, you are so right about asking to know for sure why things are precious to a loved one while they are still here to tell you themselves.
I really wish I would have paid more attention when my grand parents and parents were still able to tell me about their growing up before they passed on.
Thank you for your sharing : )
Granny’s ornaments are beautiful and special because they’re made with love. Lots of memories were made in helping with the small tree. Time is precious for all of us.
Christmas-the most wonderful time of the year. Blessings to all.
One year while my great-grandmother was living with us, my mom ordered a set of ornament kits from the old Herschner catalog. These were styrofoam shapes and you glued satin ribbon on them and decorated them with beads and sequins held on by straight pins. This gave my great-grandmother something that she could do and she made over a dozen of them. We still use them every year on our trees.
Granny is such a delight & joy and I’m so glad that she is here for Christmas & the family. Her tree is so pretty & I love the crocheted ornaments. Prayers for her daily for strength & pain free days. Hugs!
Morning, Tipper! I absolutely love when you share on Granny! For your followers, and me, we have all enjoyed meeting your family through your U Tube channel and e mails we get like this one. Granny is an absolute favorite of mine. She is extremely talented with her knitting and crocheting., and when you show things she has made I’m just blown away! If she was my granny, I would cherish every single thing she made, never tossing a thing! I am thrilled she has done so well with her cancer and wish God’s blessings to fall all over on her!
God is so good! Thankful Granny is doing well. Love all of Granny’s decorations. She is so talented. Prayers for all! Take care and God bless ❣️
My mother had two favorite ornaments. One was a small glass ball with an open front that had an angel cut from an old magazine pasted in. That one was from 1930. The other was a mountain scene (memories of Eagle’s Nest Mountain in Waynesville, NC) that I painted for her. Sadly, when she passed, the nursing home threw away all her belongings before I could get there. I can still see both of those ornaments clearly in my mind’s eye. I’m so sad that her great-grandchildren will never have seen them.
When my mother passed away, each of us kids got the ornaments we wanted. It’s amazing to see the ugly ones I made for the tree when I was very young and had clumsy toddler fingers. Of course, I thought they were just beautiful at the time and so did my mom because she kept them.
The tears started coming when I read today’s title, then when I saw the picture of Granny’s hand holding her favorite Christmas ornament, well, it touches me. I hope that Granny and all your loved ones will have a wonderful, Merry Christmas. Please hug Granny for me. I love her so much.
Granny is proof that the Lord heard and answered our prayers. Get ready to move to another wall next Christmas because Granny will have plenty of crocheting to do between now and then.
The little purse ornament is just precious! I can see why it is her favorite.
Thank you Lord, for tough old birds, we praise you!!!!
I love the picture of Granny’s hand holding the ornament purse. Such sweet and loving hands that do so much for her family. Makes me miss my Gramma so much. I am so thankful you had another Christmas with Granny and I so hope she lives to see the wee ones when they get here. She is so talented and does it with a loving nature…..Tipper you are a lot like her. You nurture your family and all of us at BP&A, giving us the chance to remember and cherish those memories. God bless you all. Love and prayers to all of you and Granny and Little Mamas 1&2. Love you all.
Hmmm I think BP&A is a different kind of crocheting, a knitting together from invisible “yarns” that the yarns of words give glimpses of; faith, family, trials and troubles, hopes and gratitude. I think I need to use my bible search for the word “ornament”. I know it is in there. Thanks for the thought. So glad and thankful Granny is home for Christmas and I know you all are. I think she is an ornament to Wilson Holler but I’m guessing she would never claim it.
Back I. The day when our kids were younger, I made Christmas gifts for all, including the theme of “calico” for our rustic and a 14 foot real Christmas tree. My grandparents’ favorite ornament of a glass ball with wire wrapped over and with candle wax on it, always had the place of honor on the tree (save from our dog and cats). Now that our kids are grown and don’t live with us, our traditions have changed. Now I display our Dept 56 Christmas snow village pieces all over our living room. We’ve gone from candle wax to telling Alexa to turn on and off our Snow Village. A couple years ago I found that a childhood friend’s house in West St. Paul became a house for the Snow Village. I bought that one used on eBay. And Mickey’s Diner, which started the whole collection. I have eaten at Mickeys Dinner for real—it’s in downtown St. Paul. Also is a favorite place of Garrison Keillor. I know which building is in real life—St. Stephens Lutheran Church in West St. Paul, the Episcopal Cathedral in Minneapolis, my god parents’ home in St. Paul, my old long-gone elementary school in West St. Paul, one the movie theaters in downtown St. Paul, and so forth. Also, one that is similar to the home in West St. Paul where I grew up. I appreciate each building that I have. Such memories!❤️❤️
Someone commented to me when my mother was battling cancer and said “she’s as tough as woodpecker lips”. I love that saying so tell Granny we all think she’s as tough as woodpecker lips too.
I am so happy Granny felt like decorating this year. I am even happier that Granny is still with you to celebrate another Christmas. Whatever the future holds—we are blessed beyond measure when we know who holds the future…!!! It is my fervent prayer that God will be with us all now and always. Amen.
i love the little purse and skiers she made!!! she has so much talent!
happy for you she is here for another christmas! God bless Granny and all of you!
My grandmother & my Aunt Ruthie made the sweetest Christmas ornaments & many were the same like the skiers w a paper clip for the bottom of the shoes. I recall helping them & using left over materials to create my own. I’ve not made ornaments since my girl grew up & left home but I’m thinking about getting into my crafting supplies to see what I can come up with. We are enjoying those old handmade ornaments from my grandmother & Aunt’s lovin hands on our tree with fond memories.
Blessings, Allison
Bringing people together, thank you for the gift
I’m the 4 feet Christmas tree queen (or thought I may be until I saw Granny’s 4 feet stunningly lovely Christmas tree!) It looks like some of us just want a “little Christmas.” The ornaments are simply precious and the tiny purse just tops it! It’s adorable. It would be a lovely place to hide a ring, etc! I myself like the purse, skiers and the knitted balls too! Another Christmas and Granny is still here!!! That’s a real blessing in itself!!! Y’all are coming up on a blessed year too as your family grows with little “Pitter and Patter” -grandsons- I’m hangin’ on to that notion…. I’m delighted Granny is still here because the devil has NO control over granny and he’s mighty disappointed about it… MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL OF YOU HERE NO MATTER YOUR TRADITIONS!!! It’s going to be wonderful with Jesus!!!
Your last sentence reminds me of a song I learned as a child. “Anywhere with Jesus (I Can Safely Go”). And it’s true! There are some places He won’t go unless He’s called upon for help.
Sadie, Pitter and Patter……Chitter and Chatter……I love this! God bless you for a chuckle this morning.
Congratulations on the names you chose for the Pressley grandkids. Let’s see if they stick!
Now, what will Tipper and Matt be called? I’m thinking Mamaw and Papaw. Tipper being called Granny might be too confusing since Miss Louzine already has that title.
Has Tipper said what her preferences are? If so, I must have missed it.
What a joy to see that Granny has her tree up and she is doing good. I fell asleep last night with her on my mind. She was part of my nightly prayers and I was hoping for an update soon. What a blessing to see this first thing when I woke up. She is such a blessing to so many… you are too, Tipper. Ya’ll are like family!!
May the Lord bless Granny always: having so many stockings to hang is testament to the blessings of her family too. I’m over the moon she’s here for Christmas. I enjoy her talents in crochet and the skiers are my favorites too: such creativity!
God is so good. I’m so happy that Granny can share another Christmas with y’all. God bless us, everyone.
I always wince a little when I read the words “The Deer Hunter.” I am old enough to remember the conflicting times of Viet Nam. The award-winning movie, The Deer Hunter, spun around that horrible and controversial time in our history. Most families have endearing names for members, but sometimes it’s just dignified to call people by their proper names, not their personal traits which can be restrictive and labeling. I realize this is just my opinion.
When my grandmother died, I was shocked how many items she kept from all us grandkids. It was a joy to re-discover them and now a greater joy opening them every Christmas. You have given your mother many reasons to muster the gift of health for the future.
My spouse served as a Marine in the Vietnam War. He came home whole, even though there were atrocities. While R. W. doesn’t often speak about his service there, he is not bothered when other individuals share their experience. His usual comment is that war is NEVER pleasant, but we can strive to be positive, learn from the past but not dwell on the negatives which often can deter one from moving forward.
Hope you have a wonderful Holiday.
P.S. He was not drafted, but enlisted on his own freewill.
Oh Tipper…I wasn’t so sure either but I didn’t breathe a word, just prayed for her daily. I wasn’t so sure Jack would be here for Christmas either but he is and I thank God every day he’s with me. I shed a tear more than I like to admit because his health issues are many and we know they are not going to get better but for the grace of God whom I trust with every aspect of our lives. I’m watching as your very first grand baby grows and Katie glows. Looking so forward to Corie as she grows that 2nd grand baby and glows as well. She and Austin have a lot to be excited about as does Katie. Children are a gift from God and a true testament to our faith that tomorrow is gonna be a better day than the days before all because of God’s grace! I so enjoy your vlogs and blogs, they give me a chance to think things other than Hunny’s health. I thank you for enlightening and entertaining me…and for sharing Paul and the girls when they sing!!!:):):)
Be forever grateful that granny is making them and she is here. Thank you Lord for your many blessings. Lord leave her here for many, many, many, many more years so she can be a blessing to each family member through your love, Amen.
Tipper- I just love all the crochet ornaments your mama makes. Crocheting is such fun. I learned how in the 4th grade. We had a wonderful teachers aide who taught lots of us kids to crochet during winter recess inside. I wish I had gotten to thank her for this lifelong gift she gave me before she passed away. We never had any money for yarn, but I had an aunt who crocheted, and she would give me and my sister her balls of leftover yarn. I remember making very colorful afghans. It’s all these little things people do for others that touch your heart and give you sweet memories of them forever. I know you will treasure each gift your mama made you always. I am happy for you to still have her with you, and I am thankful to still have my parents with me also. Merry Christmas and God Bless you everyone.
You rock Granny!
Ghristmas is a blessed time of the year. I cannot get enough of it, and it passes too quickly. Truly our lives are in God’s hands, but earthly angels make such a difference when times are tough. The frailties of our flesh are humbling and often bring us to our knees. I am so grateful that Granny is with you and doing better.
I’m so grateful that Granny is with you and that you are enjoying another Christmas together! She is such a blessing to us all!
It is now almost 2 years since Momma went home and it’s still terribly sad, but I try to remember we will see our loved ones again. I guess it seems hard because she passed 2 weeks before Christmas which was her absolute favorite day! She never had a gift growing up, but after she married she made sure everyone got something at Christmas, even the mailman.
Momma made me a simple tree skirt when I was first married and we will celebrate our 40th Christmas together this year. Where has time gone?
God bless all y’all! Christmas is extra special with your babies carrying their babies!
Love this story about Granny and her ornaments and her love for her family. Prayers that she continues to do well.
A Merry Christmas to each of you.
It is so wonderful that Granny is doing so well. It puts a sm I le on my face that she is decorating fir Christmas and mak8ng stocking for new grandchildren and for those to come
The ornaments are beautiful and Praise Jesus Granny is here.
Granny reminds me so much of my Mamaw with all her crocheted ornaments. Mamaw has been gone over 20 years but I still put up her little crocheted ornaments on my tree. What kind of thread does Granny need to make her little purse? I’ll help her look for it.
I’m so glad you are blessed to enjoy her for another Christmas. The Christmas ornaments will be keepsakes for years to come and generations to come. Little things like this are what adorn our lives with love and joyful memories.
Thanks for sharing.
I’m so glad Granny is around for the holidays with family that she loves and that love her. Like the Christmas story you just read seems the best memories come from times with family.à
I am happy for Tipper and her family to still have Granny with them this year after her cancer scare and her joy in helping Granny with her preparations for Christmas. I can’t help but feel like there is also some sadness this year after Miss Cindy’s passing. I have absolutely done nothing in preparation for Christmas, my boys as I call them say they do not want any gifts, I will give each of them a card and some money. This morning I have been laying here awake since 3 o’clock after sleeping about 3 and a half hours, thinking about and longing to go back to the past years of happiness and joy I had with both mine and my wife’s families. Except for a few of my wife’s family members, all the others have now passed on, none at all left in my blood kin family except for a few cousins I never see. I beg everyone to enjoy your families and spend every minute your can with them.
That is so true! We miss all those who are not with us. My daughter’s oldest son has been estranged from the family for a number of years, but last year they started texting and calling each other. They also started playing the same computer games and talking as they did. One day a couple of months ago my daughter made plans to send him a round trip ticket from the west coast to our home near the east coast. He came home for Thanksgiving and we all had such a good time!! Thanks to God!
Linda, I am happy for you and your family. It is my hope that a lot of other families could “makeup” and enjoy being together again before it is too late.