Decorating, Part 2

A few more glimpses of Christmas decor...

This banner hangs above dining room windows.

This wood piece displays a collection of small trees. It is high up above the front window in the living room.

This green chest has plenty of drawers for Christmas treasures.

 

Tallulah and Etta have a couple of presents under the Christmas tree.

Hope they will hang those little felt reindeer on their tree.

The two photos above show Christmas displays on the bookcase in the front entry. I think every shelf is loaded down with Christmas items that hold memories.

This feather tree in a guest bedroom has tiny French horns.

The photos at the base are family photos from past Christmases. 

The kitchen window

Red and green always looks good at Christmas.

  Christmas balls end up here and there.

This miniature tea set is a sweet one for Christmas.

These little sets were once very popular.

There may be one more installment of Decorating for Christmas. I'd like to share a few more nooks and crannies as well as a selection of ornaments. 

Holiday Touches

Love these little lighted houses!

This one sits beside the teapot I once gave my mother.

Together they make a bright spot in the kitchen, reminding me of wonderful past times and recent shopping fun.

  

Small Christmas trees keep showing up in many places around the house. 

Kitchen window

I must show the four special ornaments that arrived in the mail this week from my dear friend Mary.

It was an amazing surprise! I love that she made the tiny Shiny Brite boxes!

They are perfect miniature replicas.

What treasures!!!!

Yipes, Christmas will soon be here! Maybe you'll drop by one more time. I have a few more details I'd like to share.

This December the old advent calendar is on an easel near the backdoor.

It reminds me that this special time is going fast.

Days of Quiet

I am enjoying my quiet home before kids and grandkids start arriving on Friday.

Bottle brush trees may be my favorite simple Christmas decoration.

My mom helped me with this sampler when I was in the fifth grade.

The trophy was a P. T. A. merit award presented to her in 1959.

The items on this tier stand are mementoes from the past:
a 1977 covered bridge ornament, a tiny vintage nativity,
childhood photo of my mother, a family pewter ornament
I purchased after Lauren was born to signify our family
of four, and a fun paper ornament of a naughty and nice list
with names of our blended family.

Three views of the vintage ornaments
I collect and love

Hope you are preparing for a joyful Christmas.

Christmas Moods

Beauty of Christmas trees...real or artificial

Precious memories

Children's art  

Candlelight 

 Family time   

The Birth of Jesus

"As the wonder of Christmas 

surrounds us,

may your spirit be renewed

with special joy

at the miracle of His birth."

Peaceful Days

The nativity is prominently displayed. The tree is decorated.

The holiday vignettes are in place. Christmas cards are 

mailed. Most shopping errands are done.

 Therefore, I am relishing these remaining days of quiet. Soon there will be out-of-town family members and a great deal more noise and activity. But oh, I am so thankful for family, friends, and home.

 Sadly I dropped and broke this Santa figurine. Repaired him but the tiny bear in the stocking is minus one ear.

These small treasures on the writing desk shelves have big memories attached to them. The green boxes on the center shelf are new, thanks to a birthday

 gift card to Hobby Lobby from Olga.

 I have enjoyed sitting at this desk and addressing cards while listening to Christmas tapes. That's my old Panasonic cassette recorder from school days on the floor.

  

We moved Mother's bedroom suite into the extra bedroom/computer room. 

The twin bed was put in storage. Jo took the bookcase/desk unit to his house for Gunner's room. The idea to pile old bulbs around the squirrel came from someone I follow on Instagram(kelly.elko) With Pinterest, Instagram, blogs, decorating magazines and books there's a continuous supply of holiday ideas.

But the main problem I have is limited space for the layers of goodness.

Stay warm. 
Be thankful.
Anticipate Christmas joys. 
Keep traditions.
Believe in the miracle of His birth.