I love the Christmas season. I am one of those crazy people who actually loves the chaos of Black Friday shopping, and I enjoy finding the right gift for each of my people. If you missed it, 10 on the 10th was all about the holidays, and you can read about gifting there. You have not, however, missed the link up so head on over and link up. I’ll wait! Today’s post is all about Christmas at our home. Most of my decorations are years old and include items I’ve collected over the years. My youngest son made this “Christmas book” for me when he was in the second grade. It’s actually a National Geographic magazine, glued shut and spray painted. It’s a little less fluffy than it once was, but it’s always out for Christmas! My apologies to all of you because this post is going to be heavy on individual photos. For some reason, I just can’t put them into galleries. I’ve been working with my hosting site, but I haven’t had much luck so far. So, let’s have a look, shall we?
The front door…
Unfortunately, I could not talk Nigel into splurging on a big front porch. Our house up north had a huge front porch stretching across the entire front of the house. Strangely enough, we didn’t decorate much of it. At our last house, I really wanted to do something with the front door because it was so plain. I found this handy dandy garland hanger (similar). The garland is two pieces wired together. I then added the white lights. If I ever have to buy a new garland, I will definitely buy a pre lit one! After everything is adjusted, I add the red Christmas picks. The birdcage is filled with greenery and a little ceramic bird. I haven’t gotten the battery operated candle put in it yet. The wreath used to hang between the windows at our last house. Nigel wasn’t keen on the idea of drilling into the mortar here, so all my wreaths are suspended from a hook in the wood trim.
The front hallway…
Our front hallway is oversized. I think the builder’s intent was making sure wheelchairs could navigate it easily. The buffet works well in this space since we needed to make room in the “dining room.” I have decorated the buffet differently every year, I think. I used to put the ceramic village on it. Other times, it’s been home to my cookie jar collection. This year, I put my tiered tray on it as well as a Christmas wreath I made a few years ago. The cake plate makes the perfect place for different sizes and colors of candles. The bookcase is where the ceramic Christmas tree went this year. The table farther down the hall is home to all kinds of decor I’ve collected over the years.
At night…
A little more…
Have you seen the Instagram or TikTok video using a tension rod to put up a garland in a doorway? That’s what I did here. Next year, I’ll use a different rod so I can put lights on it. I have some red bead garlands I’d also add to it. There’s so much I can do now that I know how to do it without actually putting in hooks or nails.
Jack’s room…
Jack’s room is at the front of the house. There’s also a twin bed here, but Jack’s the only one who sleeps there! This is one of the two pencil trees I had in the living room last year. I used to decorate this with large gold and bronze picks. This year, I decided to just put it in front of the window.
The primary bedroom…
Here is where the other pencil tree lives during Christmas. I used to decorate it with paper chains, but I didn’t feel like doing that this year. It’s undecorated, too. I started decorating the bed several years ago. The garland is one of those really inexpensive ones. I attach it to the headboard with black pipe cleaners! Then, I put on the lights and red beads. There is also a small garland with silver beads and jingle bells. Last, I poked in the different red berry picks. The lanterns are all from IKEA. I added DIY chalk painted vases with Christmas greenery and assorted signs to the dresser and side tables. My bedding and throw pillows are old from Pottery Barn. I did knit the back of the one pillow and sewed it to the plaid flannel fabric. I used to attach the large felt flower wreath (DIY) to the picture above the bed with a little suction cup. I really didn’t like that so, this year, I put it on the armoire that stores my purses. Toss some throws and afghans on the bed, and we’re done!
The dining room…
In the corner is one of my favorite Christmas trees…a little silver one with colored ornaments and lights already attached. I bought this at Menards (a big box store similar to Home Depot) for $20 several years ago. Our dining room table was scratched really badly in the move so I have been covering it with tablecloths. I usually just use runners. I used two different patterns with the tablecloths. The plates are from Target and are several years old. I filled the tray with ornaments and more DIY vases. I change out the flowers in the pitcher with the seasons. I also changed the picture on the dry sink for Christmas.
The kitchen…
I don’t really do much in the kitchen as counter space is at a premium. I made the felt wreaths several years ago. They are similar to the one I made for the bedroom. Unlike that one (which is white and burgundy), these are ivory. I cannot tell you how many times I burned my fingers making those! Most of the glass balls were Christmas gifts from my oldest son and his family. I did buy one or two at the Franklin Conservatory in Columbus, OH. When they’re not displayed for Christmas, I have them in a big trifle bowl. At our old house, they were suspended in the windows of the morning room and living room.
The living room…
Well, this is the room where I let it all shine! I convinced Nigel to get a taller tree this year. Our ceiling in the middle of the room is close to 10 feet high, and my 7.5 foot tree was just dwarfed in there. This tree is prelit and has a remote to change the colors. My problem was that my ornaments just got lost on it. I solved that problem by using three balls and a zip tie to create a larger ornament. I also used those gold and bronze picks and matching garland as well as some glass icicles my daughter bought me years ago. I may add some larger elements next year.
A little more…
Many years ago, I bought several prints at a craft fair. Unfortunately, I didn’t get photos of the other prints, but this post is already heavy on the photos! The hutch (which I love in the living room) is home to my Christmas cookie jar collection. The curio cabinet houses my Snowbaby collection all year long. I add my Santa collection to it during the Christmas season. The lantern is from IKEA and filled with multicolored balls. I have a large collection of Christmas trees and snowmen. This year, I decided to put out a few from each rather than the entire collections. You can barely see them by the tv, but there are decorative Christmas pillar candles in a couple of different places. They are from my daughter’s wedding reception almost 20 years ago! My coffee table is home to this beautiful candle holder house. It was a Christmas gift from my daughter and her family a few years ago.
Still more…
I had seen this “Joy” picture on Pinterest years ago and was thrilled to find it at the same craft fair where I bought the prints. I have to glue on one or two buttons each year. This Nativity is from Bronner’s in Frankenmuth, MI. Nigel and I bought it for our very first Christmas. That places it in the vintage realm, right? Mary’s hands have been gnawed on by a few dogs. She had this bad habit of disappearing for a bit, but we’d always find her. There used to be lots of moss on it, too. It looks a little worse for wear, but I’ll never get rid of it.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I am definitely not a minimalist when it comes to decorating for Christmas. It takes me about three days to get it all done. Nigel doesn’t get that I have to take whatever is on the table off of it before I can decorate it for Christmas. This year, I’m going to be more methodical about packing it away. I may even create a spreadsheet so I know exactly where each thing is. Hahaha!!! So, can we talk? Are you a minimalist or a maximalist when it comes to decorating for holidays? Do you have something with a history (like my Nativity)? Do you have more than one Christmas tree? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as soon as I can.
Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, and Style Splash. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda and Lisa. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
Everything looks so lovely! I have seen that tension rod/ garland trick and while I love it we have arched doorways so that wouldn’t work for me. I decorated very minimally this year but usually go all out. I too seem to have to explain that I need to pack away the regular stuff to make room for all the Christmas stuff. I try to put my regular decor into the Christmas boxes as I’m swapping things out so that when I’m ready to pack the Christmas stuff away all the regular stuff is also right there at my fingertips to swap back over but I don’t always remember to do that. I’m going to have to look for some bedding and garland for our headboard now; you’ve really inspired me to decorate my bedroom more.
Thanks, Joanne! I do the same thing…packing away the everyday stuff in the tubs for the Christmas stuff. But, when you undecorate, you have to empty those tubs…it’s just a whole process, right? You could maybe do the garland trick at a window if you really wanted. It might look really neat on a shower! I hope you do decorate your headboard. It honestly just takes a few minutes and doesn’t have to cost much.
Marsha your holiday decor is so inviting, cozy, and festive! I love the book your son made, I’d display it each year too – what a keeper. I really love how you have not missed a thing and each room is decorated. It looks great!
xo,
Kellyann
Thank you, Kellyann! I go a little overboard, but I’ve got all of it so I might as well use it. I never used to decorate the bedroom until our last house when the bedroom was so big. Now, it’s one of my favorite rooms. I have little touches in the bathrooms, but I didn’t want to show those.
OMG! I love the whole house. And two photos with Jack. Just came home from major surgery. Hubby tried to cheer me up by putting outside lights up and a small tree in the dining room, whilst leaving up all the fall foliage and pumpkins from October when I first got sick. God bless his heart. Who could ask for more?
Oh, Eileen, I hope you’re OK now, or at least on the road to recovery. I was wondering where you had been. Your husband sounds like mine…except he’d probably fall and break something (on himself not the decorations). Do keep me updated, and I’ll include you in my prayers.
Thanks, Eileen!
I will keep you in my prayers, Eileen. I hope the holidays are wonderful for you and yours.
PS: can you come decorate my place next year???
Hahaha!!! Remind me where you live again!
Wow, you really go all out. There was a time I would sprinkle the decor throughout the house, but then those would be the ones that I would forget to put away, LOL.
I have that Santa mug and we’ve been using it for coffee in the mornings (and our mushroom hot chocolate at night)
Love how you get into the spirit Marsha,
OXOX
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! I don’t believe I’m a minimalist in anything…except maybe cars…I like little cars! I am going to be more mindful of packing stuff away this year because I end up with stuff from one thing in the tub with another thing! I’m going to be more organized!
Wow! That is so much decoration. I’m loving it. But if you would see my interior it would scare you. We only have one tree and a little village and a star. And outside some lights. That’s all. We don’t decorate in other rooms at all. But it sure looks cozy.
Thank you, Nancy! I go a little overboard, I know. But, I have been collecting these things for years, and some of them have been gifts. I think your all white house sounds quite lovely.
So in love with your decorations! I adore the greenery above the bed. I need to try this! What I’m really loving is the first thing you shared with the spray painted National Geographic from your son. I need to do this in my art journaling. It’s so cool!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you, Kathrine! It really is easy. I think the trick is using the black pipe cleaners because you don’t see them. Wow! I’m really touched that this may inspire something in your art journal because they are amazing!
Wow! It’s like a real life Christmas card in your house! I love it so much. The handmade garland is beautiful. Such a treasure.
And a tree in each room? You can’t help but to wake up in a festive mood.
Thank you, Daenel! I love that…a real life Christmas card! Mike thinks I’m a little crazy, and, at first, told me I had to get rid of one tree before getting another one. But, I think he secretly likes it all…until we have to lug it down into the crawl space. He stays out of the way as I’m decorating and undecorating!
I don’t really decorate much for Christmas. I figure maybe I will when the kids are older and moved out. For now it is just very minimal. I love all your decorations.
Your Mary story made me think of the first set we got. We had a puppy at the time and he used to run off with baby Jesus. One night I was on the phone with my mom when I saw him run off with baby Jesus.
“No!” I yelled. “Stop! Warren, stop Copper! He’s eating baby Jesus!”
Jesus did survive but we have a different set now and it’s ceramic so it isn’t stolen by any of the animals.
Thanks, Lisa! You know? Now, that I think about it, I didn’t decorate as much when my kids were home, either.
Oh, I bet your mom was laughing on the other end of the phone! I can just see it! We actually would put Mary in a different place until the dogs got used to the set being out. I’d love to have a Willow Lake set, but I honestly don’t have anywhere to put it. And, my gnawed on Mary makes me happy. I may get some moss to make their manger a little nicer.
Wow! This is incredible! Where do you store all this stuff when it’s not Christmas? I didn’t even decorate this year because of my hip surgery. Although I’m back to ‘normal’ now, I wasn’t at the time I needed to start decorating so I decided to skip it this year.
Thanks, Amy! Most of it is in tubs stored in the “basement” aka crawl space or up in the attic. I do miss having a basement because it was so much easier opening tubs while standing up and deciding if I wanted to use it or not. I can understand you skipping it this year…hip surgery is a big deal!
Your home looks so festive and cozy! You are certainly ready for the Christmas season! I love your decorations!
Thank you so much, Laura! I love the decorating and sitting at night with just the Christmas trees lit up.
Wow, now that’s what I call really decorating for Christmas! I love how you’ve brought the festive spirit into every part of the house. The cookie jar collection is impressive, and the gnawed-on Nativity must be a sentimental favorite.
Thank you, Sally! I love to decorate for fall and Christmas. I don’t know why I don’t do anything for any other times of the year…it’s just the regular old stuff! I have been collecting cookie jars for several years now, and they’re usually all filled at one point or another during the season. I need to get busy because I haven’t baked a single one yet.
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!! I love the cookie jar that looks like Jack! Everything looks so festive and beautiful Marsha!!!
Awww, thanks, Erin! I saw that cookie jar one year and didn’t get it. When they had it the next year, I snapped it up! It’s horrible to wash, though!
WOW, so very impressive.
Thank you so much, Patrick! Have a wonderful week!
Marsha,
Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful home decorated at Christmas!! Very charming and inviting!!! I saw the tension rod idea and I love how you put it into use…May have to try that next year….
I hope you are having a good weekend!!
Hugs,
Deb
Thank you so much, Deb! It’s not quite as lovely as yours, but I like it. Do try the tension rod trick but don’t use one of the kind with the screw. They didn’t work well at all. Have a wonderful week, Deb!
I really all looks so wonderfully festive. My favorite is your front porch with the garland and the bedroom with the garland and the wreaths hanging on the cabinets, and… just all of it!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thank you, Mireille! It’s amazing what a little DIY can do, right?
Very nice and festive.
Merry Christmas.
Thank you so much! I hope you’ll come back on Thursdays and link up!