Monday, December 14, 2009

Christmas Tour of Homes

He's our favorite gift this year!

Welcome to our home! I'm excited to show you how we've decorated for Christmas this year!


Eddie and I decided that we needed to put something on our stoop this year that was a little Christmas-y. Last year we just put out a wreath and left our mums from the fall. This year we purchased topiaries for the front and I think they look pretty festive!





We went artificial this year! I was SO sure I'd never do it, but it was just so much easier! Plus, after a few years it will have paid for itself! It's a nine-footer, just like the real one was last year, but it's not nearly as wide. In fact, it's a pretty slim tree for its size, which is just what we needed! My star didn't fit on top and I never got around to putting a bow on instead. We also are still lacking in the ornament department. I only use ornaments that I've been given or we've bought for each other or from places we've been. I'm sure in ten years it will be FULL. Have you seen Boo Mama's tree? Good gracious! That's what I aspire to!








James got his very first Christmas card from our sweet cousin, Susana (and the rest of her family!). I put the non-photograph cards on the tree. The cards with photos go on the fridge until next year when they go into the Christmas Card Scrapbook!








I think the mantle is my favorite part this year! I bought real garland so we might have a little smell in the house. I threw some candles up there with it and put the candle holder in the fireplace while we're not using it.








Our stockings are hung by the chimney with care! Santa has actually already stopped by to see the boys. He wasn't allowed to put anything in mine yet, because I'd be too tempted to peek! We got new stockings this year. I went with Lands End in case we decide to add to our family again one day. They always have their needlepoint stockings and I'll just pick out another! Eddie picked the polar bear for James and I think it's too cute!








Santa is on the fireplace.








We have two nativities, but only one made it out this year. This is the one that Sonny brought back from Israel. I love it and enjoy pulling it out every year. I hope that if we travel anymore (internationally) that I'll remember to look for nativities. I gave Dad and Laura one from Peru a few years back and have one myself from there as well. I just think it's so neat to see them from around the world!





Eddie and I got this little nativity (I guess we actually have three...) as a wedding gift. It's very pretty, but it's not breakable so it's going to be the little man's. We played with the one that Mom has and I want him to be able to have his own decorations. I love it!



That's it for the pictures! We have a few more things out, but I didn't get pictures of them. We pray that you have a very Merry Christmas and remember the reason for the season!

"He has done great things for us and we are filled with JOY!" - Psalm 126:3






4 comments:

Lori said...

Just came from the tour! Love you Christmas decor, especially the garland on the mantle. The first picture is priceless, it brought tears to my eyes. What a blessing!

Joyeful said...

Your home is beautiful! The garland above your fireplace looks sooo lovely! The Psalm you quoted fits perfectly!

Cara said...

Your "favorite gift" is such a cutie, and I completely understand! Your new tree is beautiful. We may go the artificial route next year too. I like that you are collecting meaningful ornaments for the tree. The garland is gorgeous too!

Ashli said...

We have those Land's End stockings, and the best decoration? Sleeping baby, I miss those days!