Saturday, December 4, 2010

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas........

Every year, since the kids have grown up especially, I say I am going to do less and less when it comes to Christmas decorating.  I am not one of those who LOVE to do it.  I don't know why.  It just isn't my favorite.   I was even going to get a very small prelit table top tree this year.  But while looking for something up in the rafters, I discovered a new box marked, NEW XMAS TREE TAI PAN!!!  Oopsie.  I bought a new prelit tree last year at the after Christmas sale at Tai Pan Trading, and completely forgot!  I wanted a tall and skinny tree.  One to take much less room in my somewhat small living room. I do love to see it from the big picture window, but our old tree was so bushy that by the time the gifts were under it, and we got all of us in there on Christmas morning, there was barely room to move.  I have been slowly decorating all week.  I still don't have any of my garlands and greens out yet.  But it is looking kind of festive.  Come on in and see what I have been up to.
We replaced our house lights this year with the new LED lights.  They are supposed to be much cheaper to run.  We shall see.  I have had white lights the past few years, and I let Mr. G talk me into colored lights this time.  I like them though.  They are fun, and pretty.
Let's peek inside the window and see who's in there.
Do you see him?
There he is....on the floor.
The table is set for breakfast.
My Mom brought me these cute dishes one year on Christmas as a hostess gift.  I wish I knew where to find more, because I only have the four of them.  But I love them, and they remind me of the first cabin my family had in Big Bear.
I have some fun treasures on this table.  Two of my Christmas AnaLee dolls.  A favorite holiday table cloth that I have folded up and scrunched into a runner.  The holiday placemats I bought last year.  Some cute felt stockings I found at the after Christmas sales last year, that I have tucked the silverware into.   My red cardinals.  The chairs tied up with a red bow.
I have another complete set of Christmas dishes that I love to use too.  We have been enjoying those for the last few days, and I always hate to put them away when the season is over.  Those I'll show in a later post.
There a few things I never tire of seeing.  Each year when I unwrap these treasures, a flood of memories comes rushing in.  I can remember sitting at our kitchen table after the kids had gone to bed to paint this boot.  I chose it not only because of the mice, which was the nickname that my Dad called me, but also because it had three mice.  I painted each one of our children's names on them.  Twenty One years ago.  Our son Drew was just shy of a year old.
And throughout our home, are numerous reminders of my Dad, in the gifts he has given me over the years.  He gave me mice for every occasion.  There are Christmas mice......
And giant mice.....
I have hundreds.  One day, I will do a mouse post and tell you about the time the newspaper came out to photograph my mouse collection with me and my Dad. 
I also like snowmen.  I have lots of those too.
The stockings are hung by the chimney with care.....all 9 of them!! 
Ducey Dog and Maui the Cat have to share. 
This photo in the Christmas frame was probably my all time favorite Christmas card photo we did.  That was my Dad's truck.  We had a fresh cut tree in the back. We did some in the front of the house and a bunch out in the grove too.  The kids were about 13, 11 and 5.
A very favorite treasure of mine.  This ornament was given to me by my dear friend Ally, who lives in New Jersey.  She had seen this photo I had of my Grandmother, Nana, meeting our oldest granddaughter Hannah for the first time, and she had this ornament painted to replicate the photo by an artist.  I cherish it.
We don't have fancy decorations.  I like to keep it simple.  Our house is very casual, and I like to fill it with things that are special to me, and to us.  I love quilts, and things from yesteryear. 
Christmas will be on a much smaller scale this year, due to the poor economy.  But it will be special, and we will make new memories with these three darlings.
We will miss those family members we could not be with, and remember those who are no longer with us.
Yes, Christmas will be Merry!
I hope that all of you reading this....family, friends, fellow bloggers, new followers.......are enjoying the beginning of this Christmas Season.
I wish you peace, and joy....and happy times with those you love.
Yes....It is going to be a Very Merry Christmas!

25 comments:

annielizabeth said...

Oh! What a pretty post. I esp. love the pic with you all in your Dad's car. I love the year and the turquoise color. Pretty table all done up and cute decorations, too. Makes me feel all festive. I know whatcha mean about not getting into decorating. I find it's because of lack of time and then ya gotta put it all away. I only decorate at the shop now unless we plan on having guests over during the holidays but I miss the smell of the real evergreen tree. You found your tree in the nick of time, good for you! Hugs!

Stacey said...

Your tree is beautiful!!! And I usually like white lights outside too, but we have done colored the last 2 years, and I love them too :) I love all of your decorations.. So festive! And the xmas pic in the truck... Love it!! Classic!!!

Rachel @ Finding Joy said...

You do such a beautiful job! I love your lights outside and the tables with photos. I have a boot just like the one you painted -- :)

Blessings to you!

Rachel

deebriese said...

Kris: It all looks so nice! Great job, love the Christmas dishes!

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

Kris your home looks so festive for someone who doesn't like to decorate. And your table it so sweet - what great dishes! Anyone would be blessed to there!! HUGS!!

Amy said...

That picture in the old truck is adorable! What a cute idea. I love the ornament that your friend had made...that is so neat. Your house looks very festive! And I saw Ducey in the window :)

- said...

Very pretty and it looks like you are all ready. You have such a lovely family and home Kris!

Genn said...

Cute post Mom. I was just saying to Jake last night that I am just not one of those that love to decorate for Christmas... or any holiday really. It just seems like more work than fun to me, only to be enjoyed for a very short while and then it's all back in the boxes and trying to find where your other things are that you moved to make room for the Christmas things!! I remember that tree from Thai Pan. If you don't want it after this year, I'll take it!! I want to find a pre lit after xmas. Want to go to Thai Pan again?

Debbie said...

Oh Kris I identify with this post. I really don't like to do the ACTUAL decorating either. I do love how it looks when it is done, I love the memories it stirs, and I love traditions both old and new. But it really is soo much work. I have told myself (a few times now) that I am going to cut WAY WAY back...put up maybe a wreath on the door, and a nativity set and call it a day, and yet somehow I begin opening those boxes and memories flood my heart and pretty soon I am thinking... well, maybe one more year. But truthfully, in the back of my mind, I still am thinking....and in 3 weeks this all has to be put away, haha....Have a wonderful Sunday.

Holly said...

I just love your Christmasy home. So cozy. What time should I drop by for hot cocoa and some cookies?

Anonymous said...

I love to decorate for xmas and sing fa-lah-lah-lah while doing it.
House looks great!

Bethany said...

I love all the mice--it's not something you see too often but they're adorable!

Diane said...

Kris, I loved this post and I can totally identify! Your home looks so warm and welcoming!

~Niki~ said...

i love the little christmas mouse so cute.
your decorations are adorable.
love the LED look.
we still have the old ones. hmm, i might have to switch.

Kristi said...

I just did a post on my decorations and titled it this...I'll be changing it in a minute! Everything looks so pretty and festive. You always do such a pretty job. WOW! Nine stockings, looks like you are in for one special Christmas!

Maryrose said...

Great post...you are certainly decked beautifully. As you know, I am one of those that enjoy decorating for Christmas....I just love pulling out my old friendly decorations year after year. I haven't bought a ton of stuff but I do love adding one or two things a year.
I bought a new tree this year at Tai Pan...but it went back, but that is a whole story in itself. Enjoy your beautiful home.

Reality Jayne said...

Your home looks cozy ...You have lots of cute Christmas decor. Who are you having for dinner?
I might need a free meal...lol...due to having no job soon...

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Your home looks so cozy and festive, Kris! I'm sure your family loves gathering there! Your dog looks lazy like my dogs!

Katie said...

Your House Looks Great! From the lights to the table & everything else! I love the little stockings that hold your silverware on the table, very cute! What a great gift your friend gave you, the Ornament of Hannah & Nana, so precious!!! Enjoy the Season, your home looks very festive!

Pam said...

You have the cutest decorations!

Linda said...

Very festive!! I am in the middle of decorating...it is a big job because I "winter clean" while I'm at it but it is coming along! Your house looks great...we have been talking about getting the led lights...you'll have to let us know how they work out...Don says we'll pick them up in the "after" Christmas sales! I love the table all set up too!

NanaNor's said...

Greetings Kris, I loved seeing all your adorable decorations. I always love this time of year and bringing out all the items that hold such memories. I have so many snowmen that I try not to buy anymore.
Have a great week and stay warm.

Jamie said...

aww your house looks so pretty at Christmas! I love the stockings that hold the silverware! new blog address is smallwoodfamily102010.blogspot.com :)

Unknown said...

WOW... For someone who doesn't like decorating, you sure do have tons of goodies to put out. Don't tell me that table is set for Xmas morning breakfast already...

I do have to tell you it's kind of nice going to TPA this year for the first time. We really are not dragging all the inside stuff out. Have done some on the outside, but now that it's 7degrees out. That's it. Say La Vie.

Did you get my email? Oh, and do come back on Friday for sure.... The yarn was dyed today... and only I know the winners....he-he..

Kris said...

Hello friends. I must clarify something. I do not dislike decorating, in fact, I LOVE to decorate my house!! I am constantly moving, changing, rearranging, and setting out different things for the seasons. I so love to do that! So much so that my favorite kind of shopping is for the house, and/or yards. Home Depot, Tai Pan, Kirkland, Home Goods, that sort of place...love it. Way more than for clothes!! But, I guess it would be safe to say that decorating for Christmas is my least favorite kind of decorating. So much stuff, and for such a short time. That is why I do less each year. Loved everyone's nice comments!!