Putting House Back to Normal

 Even though I think about leaving Christmas decor up during January days, I find myself ready for back to normal. But what a difference! This den tree came down yesterday as well as all other decorations. The plan is for the other big tree to come down Friday. No longer do I try to do it all in one day.

I just hope I get to unpack them again in twelve months.

Oh Christmas Trees, Oh Christmas Trees

 Decorated trees tell a story of memories. At least mine do. I love to bring out the wonderful ornaments every December. 

The tree in the den has an old-fashioned theme. Many of the ornaments are inexpensive and made of wood. I mixed in a few vintage Shiny Brite ones.

I like the white lights, and Corkey prefers the colored ones. It's nice to rotate the color choices.

The living room tree has many Hallmark ornaments as well as family photos. The lighted and motion ornaments are fun to view. 

I wish I could share every ornament. There are stories that go with so many of them. Gazing on the special gift ornaments from family and friends is especially heartwarming. Others are delightful finds from thrifting jaunts. There's no doubt I like all sorts of ornaments and love displaying them at Christmastime.

Merry Christmas!

This may be my last post before Christmas. I hope you have the merriest of Christmases!

Decorating, shopping, school Christmas program, Christmas band concert,
and errands have kept us on the go.

But there's the real meaning of Christmas that gives us hope.

Shiny Brites are so special when you think about how old they are and the past individuals who once displayed them in their homes.

A Hobby Lobby plate that went so well with our placemats. It will be for cookie treats because I only bought one. This snowy wreath also came from HL.  A cutout from a Christmas card is in the middle.

  I gave this teapot to my mother one Christmas. 

 Each Christmas this dough bowl holds large silver ornaments.

Sentimental ornaments with each child's name on the back and the year 1990 

Have a merry and blessed Christmas.

The Big Tree

This year after the Thanksgiving meal there were excellent helpers to bring down the tree from the attic,  to assemble, and to attach lights and some of the movable Hallmark ornaments.

By the way, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Since I forgot to blog around Thanksgiving time,
here is a brief recap.

Two grandkids, Telsey and Garrett, were missed, but we talked to them by phone.

Hopefully Ryan and Lauren will be here Christmas.

 Now back to December and the tree. Hanging the many ornaments is always bittersweet. So many precious memories are connected to them. And yet it is also joyful.

For now a few toys rest under the tree. Christmas packages will come later.

We must remember to cherish each and every day of this wonderful life.

More to come. Stay tuned.

Hunting for Smalls

 It took some searching, but I was able to find tiny toys and keepsakes to put in the small stockings for Chloe, Kiera, Nick, and Lucas. I think Lucas will like his dinosaur ornament and jet plane. Nick has a Star Wars figure and steamboat pencil sharpener. The girls have trinket boxes to open with necklaces inside.

And of course, there's candy - Hershey's kisses, Tootsie Roll pop, and Lifesavers.

While looking for stocking stuffers I stopped to admire this vintage mirror.

Christmas ornaments were marked down, and three were so cheap and cute I knew they would be coming home. 

artist palette 

a painted spoon 

bag of popcorn

Our Christmas tree is full of ornaments and memories. This room becomes my favorite at Christmastime.

This bedroom is where I am now. The computer is off to one side. I wanted to show the open frame with the one star.

This last picture shows the mantel in our bedroom. To bed is what I need to do.

I am tired from housecleaning and running errands. Les and his family arrive  tomorrow afternoon. I will miss quiet times like tonight. But it will be wonderful to have little ones afoot and to witness their excitement over Christmas. 

Looking Ahead

This is the earliest and fastest I've ever decorated for Christmas. Some of the decorations are repeats from last year because I liked them so much.

Today when Lucas came in after school he said he wanted Christmas to be right now. I spent a few moments explaining to him that anticipation is the best part of the holiday season.

 I love decorating our home for the festive gatherings that will soon be here.

I am pleased with the Alex Blum prints on the mantel.

Sadly I lost the angel topper I've used for years when she crashed to the hard floor and broke into several pieces. I tried to reglue the parts but was only able  to save the wings. 

The brass deer are on top of the piano again. I repeated the garlands on the mirror. Love this look!

These heavy ornaments are nestled in one of the dough bowls.