Decking the Halls

On December 4th we rolled out our Christmas decorations.  David enjoyed calling me Mrs. Claus and Miss Jolly during the festivities.  He would text me from work with holly jolly messages... he sure has loved the month of December this year! 

Something I like about our decorations is that each thing tells a story about our Christmas' past and are things we have made or are gifts from family and friends.
 

front hall

the painted canvas - a gift from my parents last year.  It is a glory haus item (beautiful stuff!)

Our Texan tree... we started the tradition of mini-sized trees back when we lived in the apartment.  Each tree has a different theme.  I am looking forward to Gavin having one in his room next year and making some decorations for it.

dining room

The tea set was made by Great Grandma Rose and the cream colored container holds the Christmas cards from friends and family.  Gavin has enjoyed playing with the snowman too!

I made these white trees last year for our Christmas Dinner at church. My first post-baby midnight crafting sessions!

family room

The banner is from my old math classroom.  And, the garland first hung around the door of my apartment in Houston!

The frames have pictures of our past Christmas festivities.  I hope to expand our collection of to include pictures of D and I as kiddos and pictures of our extended family since we can't travel to see everyone each year.

The nativity scene on the top shelf is something we started collecting last year.  My mom and dad are buying pieces for it each year.  I LOVE this set.  It is so pretty and Willow Tree has such a beautiful collection of angels that I hope to add since angels were surrounding our Savior's birth!!!
 

kitchen

My favorite tree!  It has cute little kitchen baking ornaments that I ordered in a catalog before D and I got married.  I think decorating this tree is one of my most favorite things to do!

I like the Christmas printables with lyrics from songs that I've seen on etsy.  I created our own version with some special lyrics to us.  "Let every heart prepare him room" is a special reminder to me since the holidays seem to become easily packed full of activities.  Seeing this helps keep me focused on on our dear Savior.

David's favorite spot... the holiday goodies :)

I decided to keep our Christmas linens and trays on top of the fridge this year so that I can easily access them for dinner.  My mom sewed 3 different sets of napkins for my sister and they add such great flair to our meals in December!

guest bathroom

I hung the paper garland from our old apartment and decorated our candy cane tree. 
There is also candy cane hand soap; my Grandma Gent gives my sister and I hand soap in our stockings each year and I like to keep until the next year if its a holiday scent.   I tell you, it's the little things, like candy cane soap, that make me giddy!!

My inspiration for the paper garland:
The movie, The Holiday, showcases my most favorite movie-land decorated home.  It's the one Jude Law's character lives in with his two little girls... there is paper garland and twinkle lights everywhere. It is magical! So, I am on my way to trying to create something magical like that for our little guy. There is so much wonder and mystery and awe tied into the fulfilled promise of Christ's birth that if I can help communicate that in a tangible form for Gavin I think that would be super cool!

 

Well, folks, that is our holiday home.  Stop by for some hot chocolate if you have time!