the holly and the ivy

I have this book. Its a wonderful popular vintage book, but I am sad to say that I have grown to love it as I have ripped it apart. I found it in a recycling room as I was scrounging around for some boxes and bubble wrap to use for my etsy sales. "Familiar Quotations". I started to use pages from it folded in half and wrapped around packages and I often find inspiriting quotes as I wrap an etsy design up. Some are random, some are funny, some are famous.

I love the red holly berries in full bloom and the beautiful evergreen english ivy that is still slowly infringing upon my window. Ivy is one of very few plants this time of year to flash lime green with new growth. I found this old carol in the anonymous section of the book and it reminded me of the beauty still growing outdoors this cold Christmas time of year:

The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown:
The rising of the sun
And the running of the deer,
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choir.
The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet saviour-----
Carol. The Holly and the Ivy

and so I am wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season!