A Review: Country Living Merry & Bright: 301 Festive Ideas for Christmas- A Winter Luminary Walk

[@fabiangilchrist]

Mary you bring us all such joy. May you, Daniel and all your family experience the love we all share. Blessings at Christmas time.❤

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@trueidentitytime2shine862]

Thank you dear Mary and Daniel! You just walked us into a magical evening. We appreciate your hearts! Merry Christmas and love you guys!!❤❤❤

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much for that kind comment!

[@Vicki-fg7sx]

Oh my goodness! Bless you and Daniel this Christmas and always. Beautiful video, and I got teary-eyed with the story of your precious grandmother. She was clearly a special lady. How wonderful, and what a blessing for your family. Love in Christ, Vicki ❤ Love the kitties for me. :)

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@CJenkins-s1o]

The love of my grandparents and parents are forever in my heart. The traditions carefully celebrated are now enjoyed by my children. Your neighborhood walk also celebrated a romantic night.

[@thetartantopiary]

We are fortunate to have our hearts blessed by those we love and loved!

[@silvergirl7810]

I really needed to hear that story about your grandmother. My best friend passed yesterday and I haven’t done anything for Christmas and it’s been a very sad one for our family as I taught with her for 18 years and we were pregnant together and would bump bellies. Our sons have been best friends the whole time and our family is just heartbroken. Our house is dark and cold right now where I usually have it to the nines. I played that part/message to my son and we cried a bit- it’s such an important message to remember and it made us feel better🥲Thank you and merry Christmas 🎄

[@thetartantopiary]

I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you can find some peace and comfort by remembering all those happy times you spent with your friend. I know you miss her. Thank you for sharing your comment.

[@HelenaBotha-c7r]

Mary I love watching your videos and it brings me such joy. A very happy and blessed Christmas to you and your family.

[@thetartantopiary]

I'm so glad you enjoy watching, thank you so much!

[@lauragainey4043]

Dearest Mary, couldn’t help brushing the tear off my cheek over this beautiful post. Especially when you spoke of your father and precious grandmother, couldn’t stop the emotions as they flooded over me remembering amazing family that has passed from this life. At Christmas, amidst the bouts of joy, laughter, and celebration, a feeling of nostalgia washes over me remembering Christmas past and the dear and beloved ones who made these times so memorable. The tears began to escape from my eyes before I could capture them, so the deluge began, pouring freely down my face. These were not sad tears but ones of thankfulness and feeling so blessed to reflect and remember all Christmas has been , is, and with great hope, will be. Life is so full of surprises. The path is not always easy trodding, but often the road is rough, rocky, and filled with obstacles. But we must travel on and continue with anticipation of brighter days, sunshine, and cloudless skies. Hopefully on our journey, we can help a fellow traveler, assist others weary from life’s storms, and bring a smile to a burdened heart. Mary, I look so forward to your posts each Friday. Thank you for sharing reviews, recipes, hobbies, trips, etc with all of us. Praying you and Daniel, along with the rest of your family have a very Merry Christmas and that the New Year brings health, happiness, and all things lovely!

[@Michelle-ky8tn]

Absolutely beautiful, I love the neighborhoods that keep old time traditions ~ Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you ❤

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I am a traditionalist at heart, and I appreciate that the neighborhood upholds this tradition going on almost 75 years now.

[@shirleystarling7300]

Merry Christmas Mary and Daniel. Look forward to seeing all the wonderful books you have for us in the New Year 2025 🎉❤

[@maureenlee-grant5773]

I continue to enjoy your weekly book reviews; it's one of the things I look forward in this topsy-turvy world we live in today. Wishing you, Daniel and your family peace, joy, continued good health and blessings this Christmas season and always. You bring lots of joy to many.

[@barbaracarlson1331]

I put my parent’s old ornaments in a crystal bowl. I feel it helps them be safe! Memories mean so much.

[@DellaQ21]

Beautifully spoken and a feast for the eyes! Merry Christmas everyone! 🎄

[@starsrhi2335]

Thank you, this is beautiful viewing❤😊

[@lindamiklos4964]

My goodness that was a fun video.thank you for the stroll.merry Christmas and a healthy happy new year to everyone ❤🎄🎅😊

[@thetartantopiary]

I'm glad you enjoyed it and thank you for the kind wishes!

[@psin0373]

Dear Mary, this is probably my favorite episode of the year! Every aspect of this video tugged at my heart strings: the quotes; the sweet words of your grandmother; the stories of your father & mother; taking us along with you & Daniel, arm-in-arm, on a walk around your picture-perfect neighborhood all decked out for Christmas; being greeted by the world's most adorable ginger tabby, Roscoe; makes for the most perfect Christmas imaginable! Thank you so much for EVERYTHING you do to delight us, your biggest fan here in Southern California. Happy Christmas, as they say in the UK!

[@thetartantopiary]

I so appreciate your kind comment...and Roscoe does too! 🐈

[@Rj4cg]

Mary, your channel is my favorite! ❤ and thanks for your suggestion for tartan decor /wrapping papers for my Christmas this year! Daniel, I appreciate your humor and contribution to make this channel fun! We wish you a joyous blessed time with your family.

[@sunshinefairy6651]

Greetings Mary! I really enjoyed this video. Comments about your Grandmother and Father brought tears, and the timeless lesson stirred my heart, I watch versions of "A Christmas Carol" movie every year. The George C. Scott rendering has become my favorite. May I suggest another movie to you? "The Man Who Invented Christmas", about Dickens experience of writing the classic tale is truly a new classic.Merry Christmas to you and yours. Thank you for a lovely time with you in Wilmington.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much! I love movie suggestions and "The Man Who Invented Christmas" sounds intriguing. It's now on my watch list.

[@jenh9361]

Merry Christmas, Mary ❤ May your holidays be filled with an abundance of delightful memories to be treasured through the years... Along with a smorgasbord of extraordinary moments that bring you and Daniel happiness and joy... ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@thetartantopiary]

What a beautiful Christmas wish. Thank you!

[@sarahbarr5149]

A very Merry Christmas to you and Daniel!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much!

[@rinskeraphael8755]

My mother had a love for these books to and from her it went to me. Love it very much looking with you in your books. They are wonderfull. Getting very fond of you Mary. You brought so much joy into my life. 💖✨thank you for your weekly effort spreading joy into our lives ✨💖 And here to a stiff back from cleaning and prepping for the holidays. Merry christmas for you and your lovely family🎄✨🎄✨🎄✨🎄✨💖

[@thetartantopiary]

You are very kind you bring me joy as well!

[@robinrhea6125]

.Merry Christmas... blessings in the New year....thanks for sharing all things beautiful!!🎄

[@thetartantopiary]

Thanks for watching!

[@annmcaleer1779]

Happy Christmas, Mary and Daniel and thank you so much for all the joy being every week. From Buckinghamshire England ❤❤

[@jillenglish5878]

A lovely video Mary, I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much.

[@christinamo7]

after Thanksgiving I start watching as many versions of A Christmas Carol as I can.

[@thetartantopiary]

Some of them are actually scary, but to see Ebenezer's change of heart in the end is always worth it.

[@karellarsen939]

Merry Christmas Mary and Daniel! Thank you for the beautiful video! Such a delight!! ❤🎄❤️

[@maryjimdale7031]

What a lovely walking tour of your neighbourhood. Thank you so much.

[@dianayavetz6286]

What a lovely neighborhood. The luminaries tie everyone together. The decorations are understated and remind me of Williamsburg. Enjoy the holidays.

[@thetartantopiary]

I do appreciate the efforts of each neighbor! Thanks for watching.

[@pegbro6163]

Your home and your community are so beautiful. It was so sweet seeing you and Daniel starting your walk together,( loved your skirt ).Thank you for your warmth and may you & your family have a blessed Christmas.

[@patriciapanagopoulos7677]

Mary, here’s wishing you, Daniel and your family a very blessed Christmas. Thank you for all the joy bring into my life every Friday evening. 💞

[@thetartantopiary]

That is very kind, and I thank you!

[@andreaward1382]

Merry Christmas & Happy 2025, Thank you for your wonderful videros.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I really do appreciate that!

[@joannlessner1551]

How lovely, and a sweet kitty awaiting your return. Perfect.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you! Yes, our sweet Roscoe was waiting for us. Sometimes I think he just loves me for the treats he knows I have in my pocket! 😁🐈

[@dorislong9420]

Merry Christmas to you and your family, Mary. Thank you for all your entertainment.🎄🎄

[@thetartantopiary]

You are certainly welcome, and Merry Christmas to you and your family as well!

[@mistyroach1758]

Yes you will ! But what fun and great memories you will make ❤

[@joanoneill381]

Mary & Daniel you bring joy & laughter to us…thank you. May you have a joyous Christmas!

[@thetartantopiary]

That is very kind, and I thank you!

[@annanorth7997]

Country Living Magazine takes me back to when I was a young mom and couldn't wait to steal a few minutes of private time with my favorite magazine. This video was beautiful and touched my heart. Yes, my back aches, too. But I wouldn't have it any other way. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@gloriamorgan76]

Well done Mary for choosing a book that feeds the soul and brings back memories of Christmas past. It is a bitter sweet time of year and I miss my Darling husband very much.I love being able watch from a distance your Christmas preparations and of course you and Daniel loving and living the good life. Merry Christmas from Napier New Zealand.❤❤❤

[@thetartantopiary]

I can sense the love you had for your husband. Memories can be bittersweet at this time of year. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. I wish you a merry Christmas and may your heart be light!

[@MourieAnnFeeney]

Merry Christmas Mary to you and Daniel and family...fur kids too. Really enjoyed the book review and for me, less is never more! I love Wm Sonoma and enjoyed that tour as well. I love the "joy in your soul" mentioned here and what your grandmother said when you were 13 years old...everyone had decorated and in her heart is decoration. Such a true meaning. Christmas is always magical and enjoyed that Christmas walk/drive in your community....beautiful ~ xoxoxo 💚💗🎄🎄🎄

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you took the walk/drive with us. The threat of rain moved us into the car for the last few houses.

[@gwenewing6837]

This book was a real delight! I have always liked Country Living magazine! Thank you for reviewing this. The stroll through your neighborhood was beautiful! What a magical place to live! You and Daniel looked so festive, I enjoyed this immensely. Merry Christmas to you and Daniel and family!❤❤

[@christinepaige2575]

Thank you so very much. Merry Christmas! 🎄 🎅 🌟

[@joycerestiano587]

Merry Christmas, thank you for a year of beauty and fun. May you, Daniel and family enjoy this wonderful season.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much!

[@lindafrazier8092]

Merry Christmas Mary. Your videos are a joy❤

[@thetartantopiary]

I appreciate that!

[@normamiller2599]

Thank you Mary. I very much needed to hear the sentiments expressed here today. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@MarySchlotter]

Well Mary I was looking forward to your video as I knew it would be very special this week. I wondered with great anticipation what you would create and as always my lovely friend you did not disappoint. Your home looks so festive. We had the same nativity set as yours in my home growing up. The traditions and quotes , your memories of your grandmother and father touched my heart as I’m sure it did for many. My father loved Christmas. One year as he left his office in NY he saw that a store front of a department store was throwing out a very large reindeer, he was made of plaster and had seen better days. How he got it home in his car I’ll never know. But he worked on it in our garage and it was perfect, then he built a sleigh, my mother wrapped empty boxes with pretty paper and bows and filled the sleigh .Every Christmas on our front yard they would take our picture all 5 of us in front of that reindeer. I miss them both so much. But like the beautiful Christmases they created they always live in my heart. Thank you for the beautiful book and the tour through your neighborhood. Merry Christmas to you and Daniel and thank you for the beauty that you share.~ Mary🕊️

[@heatherderganc5984]

✨Ahhhhh! Beautiful! Mary you are a gift to us all.✨ Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you and Daniel!

[@sandranorden5217]

Your videos this season have been outstanding, from content to choice of background music. My grandmother as well embodied the Christmas season and although it’s been almost 30 years since she passed I still miss her so.

[@thetartantopiary]

I appreciate that feedback. We are so fortunate to have those memories of our grandmothers!

[@thecatsmeow50]

Merry Christmas! I love your style a d enjoy your vids especially when Daniel joins. I love your sweet story of how you came to be as a couple. Looking forward to more in the new year.

[@thetartantopiary]

I'm so glad you enjoy the videos, and I appreciate your comment.

[@amigadisadora]

Merry Christmas and thank you for sharing the beauty!😊 🌟✨🎄⭐️🌟✨🌟🩷🩷🩷

[@lianeabeyta4515]

I never tire of looking through old Christmas books.. I also love displaying them on shelves, in baskets and iron bins an on tables. The covers never fail to bring me joy. And yesterday I was thumbing through from Traditional Home and realized it was from 2009!!!! My goodness the rooms and decor are still as relevant today. Also thank you so much for the wonderful evening stroll. The streets look magical with all those luminaries. Does the city do this ? Or is each homeowner responsible for the front of their property? ANd coming back to your home with the beautiful

[@thetartantopiary]

I also enjoy looking through these old magazines. It's like a warm hug. Each individual homeowner places the luminaries in front of their homes.

[@catherinemathias3456]

MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄! Thank you for your lovely videos, road trips, and wise advice. ❤❤❤

[@melodymcdonnell1528]

Thank you both for all of the joy, beauty and laughter that you bring all year! A very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year ❤🌲❤️🥳🎉❤️

[@thetartantopiary]

I will let Daniel know and thank you for watching.

[@jamesmay8434]

Always so thoughtful, inspiring, and entertaining. Merry, merry Christmas!

[@kimclarke5018]

How pretty is that street…. Merry Christmas

[@melaniemorris7757]

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, Melanie!

[@AnitaMatteini]

Thank you for showing around and Merry Christmas to you 2

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you for watching!

[@kaywallace6139]

Lovely presentation

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you!

[@dorisbrennan4559]

So enjoyed the walk around your neighborhood and the music. Merry Christmas

[@RtTrningGrl]

Lovely Mary. Just beautiful, as always. Merry Christmas to you and Daniel and your family.

[@barbaracarlson1331]

What a lovely tour! Thank you so much for the beauty you share!❤❤❤. Merry Christmas to you and Daniel! Blessings in the New Year!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you for the encouragement you share and blessings in return!

[@snow-white1853]

Merry Christmas 🎄🎄🎄

[@BobbiGroon]

I enjoyed the book and the walk was enchanting !You both have a very merry Christmas!

[@patriciarobinson5909]

I always loved Country Living until I couldn’t afford it anymore! I do love your channel!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I'm so glad you enjoy the channel!

[@emilypoulsen8072]

Wishing you, Daniel and everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!❤🎄🎅🤶🎄❤️

[@thetartantopiary]

We appreciate that!

[@emilypoulsen8072]

@thetartantopiary 🎄

[@grigsbywhite3309]

Merry Christmas Mary and Daniel. I do look forward to seeing the book reviews each week and the shorts afterwards. Wishing you both and the channel a very happy and safe New Year. The neighborhood looks beautiful.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, Grigsby. I really do appreciate that. I hope all is well in Florida and I wish you a very merry Christmas as well!

[@patriciaflores2776]

❤ your message mary heartwarming loved the upload from start to end love how the whole neighborhood puts paper lanterns so warm ,magical and peaceful . thank you & Daniel for the lovely walk .Merry Christmas to you, Daniel and family 🎄✨🌟🌌🎁

[@thetartantopiary]

Daniel and I appreciate that. Thanks for coming along on the luminary walk with us.

[@barbkenas5663]

Lovely video, thank you! Merry Christmas!

[@marilynrhoads5555]

Thank you!

[@buickinvicta288]

Loved the book and the tour. ❤ Merry Christmas 🎄

[@debramorgenroth7420]

Mary, Wishing you and Daniel a wonderful holiday season. You're a wonderful story teller. Really look forward to your videos each week.

[@thetartantopiary]

That is very kind, and I thank you!

[@doccalitri]

Have a wonderful Christmas to you and your family and also a Happy New Year. Thank you so much for your KZbin channel. We enjoyed it so much.

[@loretta7851]

Thank you Mary for a beautiful video!Merry Christmas to you, Daniel and your family and your kitty cat too. I’m thinking of my own grandparents my mother, my father I miss them so much at this time but I have my beautiful family and I’m grateful. ❤️✨🎄✨🎄

[@thetartantopiary]

I am so glad you enjoyed the video. We are so fortunate to have memories of those dear loved ones that are very much alive in our hearts!

[@sandrajones5281]

Happy Christmas, your walk to see the lights was beautiful .

[@PlanetTango]

Merry Christmas 🎄

[@catwomen3557]

Beautiful video with lots of sentiment, thank you and Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@carolpipher4839]

🎄~Just beautiful Mary!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you!

[@janiceturner8827]

Merry Christmas Mary and Daniel. Have a joyous celebration with your family!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, we wish you a joyous Christmas as well!

[@pcrice-lr2dn]

Thanks Mary, for a wonderful video……..Blessings to you and your family this Holiday season and have a MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎁

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you and many blessings in return!

[@kathymcb6569]

Merry Christmas to you as well! So fun to see your beautiful neighborhood all dressed up for the holiday. My best to you and Daniel in the New Year.

[@maryannaunedi1790]

A beautiful video. Merry Christmas Mary and Daniel and your family.

[@karenboyes8713]

Merry Christmas!

[@RosemarieSKikel]

Merry Christmas to you as well !

[@vllukens7265]

❤‍🩹❤🎄⭐ Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you ⭐🎄❤💝

[@gailaspreen2520]

Beautiful homes, tastefully decorated! Merry Christmas!🎄

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you and Merry Christmas in return!

[@vickeypierce293]

What a beautiful video ❤❤ Thank you for taking us along for your stroll through the neighborhood...absolutely beautiful!! The George C. Scott's version of The Christmas Carol is my favorite and I watch it every Christmas 🎄 Merry Christmas ❤❤

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you for coming along with us. I do enjoy George C. Scott in that role also. They say he had a tough personality to be around, but he was a great actor! I don't know if you have ever seen the movie "Taps", but he was a great in that role. Merry Christmas, dear friend!

[@janethale391]

Oh Mary, that walk through the neighborhood was so beautiful and tasteful.❤ Not an inflatable in sight! 🥰. Merry Christmas to you in the south from just beyond the northern border in the mountains of southeast British Columbia, Canada ❄️⛄️❄️🎄

[@thetartantopiary]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

[@suzieq2493]

Merry Christmas Mary & Daniel!

[@LadyNance]

🎄Your neighborhood is stunning and the luminaries are amazing! 🎄 This was a beautiful video that brought me to tears in a sweet way. Your table is beautiful. I have decorated inside and out but will be alone, as usual, on Christmas Eve/Day. Santa Paws and turkey will make my dog happy and in turn warm my heart. Merry Christmas, Mary and Daniel!🎄🎄🎄

[@thetartantopiary]

Your dog (from the thumbnail pic) looks like a big sweetheart! Thank you for watching and spending some time with Daniel and I!

[@lindaortolano7837]

Hello Mary, I enjoyed paging through Country Living Merry & Bright with you. I have gotten so many great ideas from their magazine. Your neighborhood looks just magical, and the homes are decorated beautifully! Christmas is the most beautiful time of the year! I wish you and Daniel a Merry Christmas, and I will see you in the next one. Hugs! :)

[@thetartantopiary]

Daniel and I wish a peaceful and joyous Christmas! Hugs in return!

[@pinkroses8714]

Mary and Daniel I wish you both a very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!! love from Australia .

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much! I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas in Australia!

[@sharonchilds3871]

Merry Christmas Mary! Loved the tour of your beautiful neighborhood!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thanks for coming along with us!

[@pamhall9407]

Merry Christmas to you and your family!! I always watch A Christmas Carol too and the George C Scott version is my favorite!!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you! Yes, I do enjoy this version of "A Christmas Carol" also. George C. Scott certainly delivers in his performance of Ebenezer Scrooge!

[@barbaradzitko1826]

Thank you for that lovely tour. I love the luminarias. Merry Christmas to you and Daniel.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you for walking with us. ❤️

[@patriciarobinson5909]

Merry Christmas to you too!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you!

[@moinature803]

Superb. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful neighborhood of yours. Have a Merry Xmas to you and your family.

[@thetartantopiary]

You are very welcome, thanks for watching!

[@bwiseok]

Oh Mary my Merry and Bright book is around here somewhere. I need to go find it. Christmas is the most beautiful time of year, snow or not. The luminaries are incredible!! Thanks for letting us take that walk with you and Daniel

[@thetartantopiary]

Thanks for walking with us. I always love your comments. You have a happy soul, and I appreciate that.

[@markdavis6875]

Thank you , that was beautiful . I enjoyed the walking tour more than the book review . Beautiful neighborhood , such classic architecture . I’m in Naples Florida , lovely but everything is too new . Merry Christmas 🎄

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed the walk. The neighborhood we are in was originally developed in the 1920s.

[@barbaracarlson1331]

Ihave this book and like it a lot

[@maguy993]

Un joyeux Noël de France ❤️

[@thetartantopiary]

Et une bonne annee!

[@marilynrhoads5555]

Sorry about the backache.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, and if that's all I have to complain about...I'll take it. 😁

[@phyllisdrinnen1837]

Enjoy watching your videos and enjoyed seeing the neighborhood with you and Daniel. May you and your family have a blessed Christmas. Oh, and I'm getting one of the books you reviewed, "Forever Beautiful" by Mark Sikes for Christmas. I'm looking forward to receiving it and watching your book reviews for 2025.

[@thetartantopiary]

Mark Sikes is an absolute delight. His Instagram -instagram.com/markdsikes/ is also very inspiring! Merry Christmas!

[@mistyroach1758]

My favorite night of the week .. Friday night with Mary 🎉 Thank you for taking us on a lovely walk through your neighborhood ❤ Merry Christmas to you and Daniel 🎄 P.S. When are you and Daniel making the Big White Cake ?

[@thetartantopiary]

You are sweet to say that! As far as the cake, Daniel and I have discussed this several times, and I am thinking it will be in January after the Christmas rush. Daniel can't wait and I'll need a glass of wine for this one!