This year I was determined to be home for the holidays for the first time since I started my blog in 2009.  With a little help from my friends, I was able to finish the display of my D56 Christmas houses on New Year’s Eve.

Navigational Charts & Maps, Captain’s Cottage, and Craggy Cove Lighthouse

Of course, there’s a coastal living section.

Charles Dickens reading A Christmas Carol in front of the Mulberrie Court Brownstones

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is one of my favorite books.  My collection includes several houses inspired by the book as well as Nicholas Nickelby, The Old Curiosity Shop, and David Copperfield.

Betsy Trotwood’s cottage

The details on the houses and people are exquisite. Fortunately, I bought most of my houses when D56 was at the top of their game.

Victoria Station and Theatre Royal

It all started with my obsession with Victoria Station which was displayed prominently in my client’s gift shop.  It evoked memories of a super-sizzling date with a powerful, wealthy, and very sexy transactional attorney at the bistro where we met in Chicago.  Oh, my!

Hollydale’s Department Store

My collection evokes memories of life in Chicago and is essentially a safe haven, fantasy world.

Santa needlepoint ornament

Before I started collecting my houses, I made needlepoint and petit point Christmas ornaments which now provide a backdrop for my D56 collection.

Blue Star Ice Company

If you want to see more photos of this year’s holiday celebration, please visit my Facebook page.

May we all be blessed abundantly in 2016!  Happy New Year!