Final Christmas Decorating Post

This is my 3rd and final post about my Christmas decorating.  I first showed you my kitchen (favorite room for the holidays) with my gingerbreadman theme.  Then I shared pics of my snowman tree and various decorations.  Today I'll share our family tree which resides in the den so we can sit by the fireplace and enjoy the lights...

Like our other trees it's artificial due to my allergies.  This picture doesn't show the many gifts that will go under it which, of course, makes it look all the more festive.  I love all the ornaments and most everyone has a special meaning...many were given to me by friends or former students, some were made by my children when they were little, some were bought on special trips or vacations.  But the first ones to go on are these tacky vintage green balls and red & white bells...

These were the ornaments we bought for our very first tree as a married couple.  We were still in college and had very little money.  I bought them at a fire sale so they were cheap, cheap...but I love them because of their special meaning.

I love Christmas ornaments...

These were made from a light bulb and a seashell...

And this one is a starfish painted by my mother-in-law...

My son made this one out of flour dough when he was in 1st or 2nd grade (my grandson looks just like him:)....

Some others I love are...

Now for the outside...

The side porch is where everyone comes when they visit.  The rocking chair spent many years at my husband's grandmother's farmhouse...now I spend many peaceful moments there talking on the phone or just rocking & thinking:)...

As anyone can see, I don't decorate fancy...just old-fashioned and down-home style that fits our lifestyle.  We finished the shopping today (hopefully) and I've only got a few gifts left to wrap, so now I plan to spend some time with a good book and a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate and just enjoy the fruits of my labor!  Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night...

More Christmas Decor

Thanks so much for the sweet comments on my GINGERBREAD Christmas kitchen (in my last post).  Now I'll share more of my 6-day decorating blitz!

Our second tree is at the opposite end of the den from our big family tree.  It's just a little 4' tree and is decorated with SNOWMEN ornaments.  I had received many snowmen through the years from students and so decided to let them have their own tree!  Various snowmen decorations adorn the rest of this part of the room. 

                      This one was made by my son many years ago:)

The third tree goes in my husband's office and I decorate it with hunting ornaments to reflect his favorite hobby.  It's the only tree that gets multi-colored lights.  I think the ornaments made from shotgun shells are really cute...these were bought at a nearby craft festival. 

Even his deer trophies get dressed up for the holidays:)

I'll save the big family tree for another post but here are just some random pics of other decorations around the house.

 This antique clock was a gift from my stepfather many years ago.

I love it and I miss him very much.

 This antique hall tree belonged to my husband's maternal grandmother.
Every year when he was growing up he would sit on the bench and open up his Christmas gifts.

                                   The grandkids love the life-size Santa.

                  He gets tossed around and played with a lot!

Sometimes I ask myself why I do so much decorating for just a few short weeks of time.  But then my husband tells me how much he enjoys it and I see the excitement from the grandkids and I know all my hard work was more than worth it!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

After 6 grueling days of decorating, my house is now ready for the Christmas holidays:)  Yes, I began before Thanksgiving and I make no apologies.  My husband and son always go to Kansas for some pheasant hunting and male bonding right before Turkey Day so while they are gone I spend my time getting the house ready and the time flies...I hardly have time to miss them.  Plus everything looks really festive to welcome my guys home!

J (my husband) says if it stays still long enough I'll decorate it, which is probably true.  Since I have so many pictures to show you I think I'll do this in several posts.  Let's start with the kitchen...

I always begin with the kitchen because that's where my favorite tree will be.  I use a gingerbread man (and girl) theme and decorate my tree with gingerbread characters, apples, and cookie cutters.  I spend a lot of time in my kitchen and the cheery faces of all these little guys and gals just make me happy.  These photos don't really do it justice, but I love my kitchen during the holidays!

Many of my ornaments are handmade.  I like to buy at least one new one each year.

This little lady was bought a few years ago at the CALICO ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL...they have so many cute things there.  When I saw her I knew she had to come home with me.

These sweet ragdolls were from Hallmark awhile back.  Each year they sit in this little red rocker that belonged to my husband when he was a toddler.  It still has the original paint and I love it!

The table stays set since it's just the two of us and we eat our meals at the center island.  I think my Christmas china pattern 'TIS THE SEASON has been discontinued:(  The green glasses belonged to my husband's grandmother.  They have an etched "L" on each one.  For years I thought it stood for our last name...then I found they were actually giveaways in Lipton tea many years ago:)  Today I have seen them sell in antique malls for as much as $35-$40 per stem.  I am blessed with 8 of them.

Here are other areas of the kitchen, all decked out in gingerbread cuteness...

Remember my Santa Cans in my last post?

Grandson R likes to keep up with the days till Christmas....he's a few days behind...

The days will go by all too fast and then it will be time to put away all the lights, glitter, and decorations for another year.  Until then I hope to spend a little time here...

Maybe I'll finally get around to reading that book my husband gave me last Christmas!  Come back in a day or two and I'll show you trees #2 and #3...and that's not even all of them!  Happy Decorating, everybody!