Friday the 15th was total craziness around here. No time to blog, with four class parties! And guess who waited until the last minute to wrap all the gifts … grrr. Why does it take the rush of party-day adrenaline to get me slapping on scotch tape and tying bows? (And where IS that scotch tape?) At least this year, my mother-in-law helped out with the preschool party so I could attend my elementary kids’ parties — and since they were in a small school, I party-hopped to all three, baby in tow.
But I did want to share some of our favorite Christmas decorations, especially since I don’t know how many of these will make it through the years. A few days ago, I caught my three-year-old smashing glass balls with the can of cinnamon air freshener. When I told him to stop, he just said, “I’m sorry, Mama. I didn’t mean to.” (irresistible).
So, come on in and see what decorations survived the first week.
Here’s our front door. This is the table where I sit every day to read our mail and watch the kids play in the driveway.
Here’s our little Christmas cat who will greet you from her favorite perch on the stairway. She doesn’t know what the fuss is all about. As long as she can snooze, everything is fine.
This is our dining room. I put a spray of greenery over the mirror that will probably fall once it’s hit by a stray football. The little plate to the right is one of my favorite decorations. I got it from Southern Living, and you can change out the ribbons and write on the plate with Dry Erase markers. We use it for birthdays too.
Here’s one of my favorite decorations that is so breakable I don’t know how much longer we’ll have it. This Snow White globe belongs to my daughter who’s six. We bought it for her when she was so enamored with Snow White her second Christmas. My sister-in-law went crazy hearing her sing, “Some day my pwince will tum” at my mom’s house that year. This little snow globe plays, “We wish you a Merry Christmas.” I thought I’d set it up in a safe place, but my three-year-old got up on a step stool and was carrying it around a couple of days ago. So we may need an e-bay replacement in a few years.
This is the Advent Calendar we’ve put up every year since my oldest was born. I love it, and I never have to answer the question, “How many days ’til Christmas?” because I just tell them to go check the Advent Calendar. And they love taking a piece of the Nativity out of the pocket every day. Baby Jesus went missing one year, and I found him nestled in a pile of stuffed animals a few months later.
I display our cards differently every year. I bought this wreath several years ago and have it hanging on the back of our coat closet. I like to use something that makes it easy to transport my cards when I go to my parents’ house. My mom and dad get such a kick out of seeing my childhood and college friends grown up with their own families. And I love plowing through their cards too, reading the newsletters. Some years I’ve used a crystal bowl and let the cards pile up, but I love looking at our friends’ pictures all through December. Some will end up on our refrigerator.
Here’s our tree, humble and eclectic in all its glory. We only have one tree, though a friend of mine decorates her home in 14 full-sized trees, each with a fabulous different theme. Ours is full of glittery handmade ornaments the kids make, and I try to pick up ornaments when we travel. One of my favorites is a little Kiwi bird we bought when we were in New Zealand in 1994. We always use white lights — I’m just a white lights girl. They remind me of stars.
And this is the newest addition to our Christmas collection. I bought this quilt a couple of weeks ago at Cracker Barrel. They were having a Christmas sale, and I thought it would be something fun for us to have out for years. I wish I could say I made it, but it was made in China.
That’s it! Thanks for stopping in. If you’re looking for more Christmas inspiration, check out some more homes — decorated by REAL people — at BooMama’s Christmas Tour of Homes.
[Edit: I wasn't the last one after all! The tour is still going strong as more bloggers join in -- there are now nearly 200 Christmas-decked homes welcoming you to visit.]
thank you so much for the invitation to tour your home. Although I didn’t participate – I like to invite myself into the homes of other
.
BTW – I have something planned for Christmas day – hope you will join in…
Comment by eph2810 — December 17, 2006 @ 5:57 pm
Your front porch is beautiful and your decorations are lovely! I love to see things bought at Cracker Barrel, since that is how we pay our bills. Merry Christmas!
Comment by Annette — December 17, 2006 @ 6:12 pm
You have such a lovely, cozy home! I have the Southern Living Plate as well and I just love it. It is such a wonderful way to celebrate special occasions and you can change the look so easily with the change of ribbon:) I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!
Comment by Susan P. — December 17, 2006 @ 6:32 pm
Annette, We love Cracker Barrel! I bought lots of the kids’ Christmas presents there, since the toys are old-fashioned and require imagination instead of a passion for kid TV.
We bought some Little House on the Prairie DVDs at Cracker Barrel too, as well as that little sleeping puppy that looks like he’s breathing. Really! He looks so alive! (though much easier on our carpets than a real one.)
Comment by Heather — December 17, 2006 @ 6:44 pm
I feel like i should be paying for this tour!! Breathe taking!! I am trying not to covet your front porch and well to be honest everything else!!
Comment by Karen — December 17, 2006 @ 6:58 pm
You have such a classy home. I love your decorating style and especially all of the Christmas decor. Beautiful! I have that Southern Living plate, too, and love how versatile it is! I really like the 2 small trees on your porch and the new hanging on your wall. God Bless China!
Comment by Miriam — December 17, 2006 @ 8:21 pm
ahhh!! just saw your comment on cracker barrel!
one time when i was “down south” i went to a cracker barrel for breakfast. after i ordered toast, the waittress asked me(or what i thought i heard her say), “wide are we?”
i looked at her and blinked. what? wide are we? she said it 3 times before i figured out that it was actually, “WHITE OR WHEAT?” that she was trying to communicate to this poor canuck.
ahhh! soo funny.
LOVELY HOME heather. very festive. i feel downright merry looking at all your pictures.
in fact, i think i must go drink some hot chocolate now.
Comment by Ruth — December 17, 2006 @ 8:37 pm
Nice decoratrions…
thanks for sharing
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Comment by Tina — December 17, 2006 @ 9:48 pm
Beautiful decorations. Love the wallhanging and your mantle is just beautiful! Your front porch is very inviting.
Comment by Susanne — December 17, 2006 @ 10:13 pm
Beautiful Porch. Your home is lovely! Merry Christmas!
Comment by Debbie — December 17, 2006 @ 11:10 pm
Your home is beautiful. I love your front porch.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Merry Christmas!
Comment by Chris — December 17, 2006 @ 11:48 pm
I love your front porch! The urns are just beautiful. Your tree is so pretty and I love the snowglobe and the story behind it. The quilt is very pretty and for the record, any quilt in my house would be made in China too:) Have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Thanks for the tour!
Comment by ChupieandJsmama — December 18, 2006 @ 8:06 am
I’ve been waiting for you to post pictures!! I knew your house would be beautiful, and it is. Thanks.
Comment by Connie — December 18, 2006 @ 10:38 am
Your home is so pretty. I suspected it would be! I love your porch. Someday I hope we live somewhere with a nice porch. Your cat is gorgeous too. Is she a particular breed or just lucky to get her good looks? I just heard about the 1000 gifts; what a wonderful thing to participate in.
Comment by Nancy — December 18, 2006 @ 1:32 pm
Darling! Love the Stockings hung on the mantle.
Comment by Theresa — December 18, 2006 @ 2:34 pm
OK. I posted some of my house too! Please take a look.
Comment by Connie — December 18, 2006 @ 3:00 pm
I am sinning and totally coveting your porch!!!
It all looks WONDERFUL!!! I love your tree and living room too. A lovely home!
Comment by Janice (5 Minutes for Mom) — December 18, 2006 @ 5:14 pm
You have a beautiful home! Wow!
P.S. I emailed you this afternoon, and again just now I emailed you saying “I’m thinking…” it was returned as your server is rejecting my email. Argh! Let me know if you don’t get them ok?
Comment by Darlene — December 18, 2006 @ 6:58 pm
What a wonderfully decorated home you have! So warm and inviting! Your’s is the first I’ve seen with a fireplace and tree positioned and decorated similar to mine. Neato! And we have an Advent calendar very similar to yours too!
Have a very blessed and Merry Christmas!
Elisa (www.laundry-alternative.net)
Comment by Elisa — December 18, 2006 @ 9:24 pm
Your home is beautifully decorated! I am in love with your front porch and your livingroom is so cozy! So many wonderful Christmasy touches in your home. Thank you for having us over and Merry Christmas!
Kelli
Comment by Kelli — December 19, 2006 @ 12:59 pm
Oooh, I’m digging your front door/porch area, so nice! Your decorations look lovely. Thanks for the tour!
Comment by Gail — December 21, 2006 @ 10:02 pm
Wow, you people are my new best friends! Thanks for making me feel like my humble attempts to decorate are worthy of your fine words.
Merry Christmas!
Comment by Heather — December 21, 2006 @ 10:20 pm
Don’t know how I missed this! You have a beautiful, warm and inviting home!
Comment by Gina — December 29, 2006 @ 12:17 pm
I’m late getting over here to visit with you, but i just love your home! So warm and cozy and welcoming! Love that porch, too. Thank you so much for the sweet hospitality. God bless you in the New Year!
Comment by Vicki — December 30, 2006 @ 11:12 pm
Beautiful Home Heather! Thanks for the fun tour!
Comment by Michele S. — January 6, 2007 @ 12:27 pm
I’ll take it! Oh…ahem…I mean, very beautiful home.
Comment by grafted branch — January 7, 2007 @ 12:22 am