Paul and I have been looking forward to buying and settling into our own house for many, many reasons, for many, many years.
One of which is Christmas! Every house we walked through, one of the criteria we looked for was a good spot for a Christmas tree and decoratable house. There had to be a good corner, or a good window, or a really good spot for a real tree. This house passed the test, and we couldn't wait to start decorating.
I do have one rule though - no decorating before Thanksgiving. One holiday at a time, since each one is special and has a purpose. So, we got back from Thanksgiving on Saturday, and on Sunday we started putting up the decorations!
Paul planned and drew diagrams of what we were going to do. He mostly handled the outside, and I handled the inside. George and Leah offered to help, so they came over and offered suggestions and helping hands.
We didn't get our tree right away because it was still November and we didn't want it to dry out too soon. I asked some of the ladies at work if there were any good tree farms in Inman, and Paul asked around his office as well. We both heard about Grambling Farms, and on the 1st, went to pick out our first real tree! We got there and after introducing ourselves to the owner, found out that his wife, daughter, and daughter-in-law all work in District 1, same as I do, and he's even a member of the Board! He was a really nice true southern gentleman, and after talking about education for about 20 minutes, we picked out our tree, loaded it on top of the Jeep, and headed home! We put 400 clear lights and a variety of ornaments from childhood to present on it, and then sat by the fire to enjoy an evening by our first real Christmas tree! Nothing smells more like Christmas than a fresh cut tree.
This little lady, who I have yet to name because I name everything, was a birthday gift from George and Leah this year! She stands with me in the kitchen as we cook and bake together! I can just imagine her singing a Christmas carol - doesn't she look like she's singing?
On our book shelves in the family room, I set out some collections that we had. This is Paul's nativity that his mom painted for him. It's so sweet and precious.
And this is a collection of "Santa's from Around the World" - I don't remember off the top of my head which ones we have, but I got them from my grandmother and I think they're neat!
Much to my surprise and delight, my aunt sent me this AMAZING little village set!! It has about a bagillion little teeny tiny pieces, all of which came wrapped and stored in boxes labeled with numbers. She told me it had a lot of pieces, but I didn't realize how many. Fortunately, we had just bought this oak desk, and the village fits perfectly on it! I loved opening each box and seeing the houses, or the people, or the animals, or the small details that add something special. Paul helped set it up with me, and we had fun arranging who went where and next to which house.
The outside of the house was all Paul! He did a fantastic job!
I need to get a picture of the house and the tree lit up at night. But for now, here is what it looks like decorated. He put wreaths with bows on each window, little trees on either side of the front door, garland and lights framing door, and lights on the two bushes by the stairs. With the spotlights on it at night, it looks really beautiful. The best part of decorating the outside? I got to walk out on the roof to first clean the windows and then to hang the wreathes. I live on the wild side! :)
I saw this wreath cranberry wreath and fell in love with it. It's hanging on the front door, and adds a beautiful pop of color.
One of which is Christmas! Every house we walked through, one of the criteria we looked for was a good spot for a Christmas tree and decoratable house. There had to be a good corner, or a good window, or a really good spot for a real tree. This house passed the test, and we couldn't wait to start decorating.
I do have one rule though - no decorating before Thanksgiving. One holiday at a time, since each one is special and has a purpose. So, we got back from Thanksgiving on Saturday, and on Sunday we started putting up the decorations!
Paul planned and drew diagrams of what we were going to do. He mostly handled the outside, and I handled the inside. George and Leah offered to help, so they came over and offered suggestions and helping hands.
We didn't get our tree right away because it was still November and we didn't want it to dry out too soon. I asked some of the ladies at work if there were any good tree farms in Inman, and Paul asked around his office as well. We both heard about Grambling Farms, and on the 1st, went to pick out our first real tree! We got there and after introducing ourselves to the owner, found out that his wife, daughter, and daughter-in-law all work in District 1, same as I do, and he's even a member of the Board! He was a really nice true southern gentleman, and after talking about education for about 20 minutes, we picked out our tree, loaded it on top of the Jeep, and headed home! We put 400 clear lights and a variety of ornaments from childhood to present on it, and then sat by the fire to enjoy an evening by our first real Christmas tree! Nothing smells more like Christmas than a fresh cut tree.
We also bought some garland for the mantel and the front door, plus more lights. We hung the stockings my grandmother Manning needle pointed for us on the mantel. She hand made a stocking for everyone in my family! Growing up we would go to her house for Christmas and over the years, the stockings would gradually take over her fireplace mantel as our family grew. I think at one Christmas we had over 20 stockings! Paul got his when we got married. :) I hang our stockings with pride from our mantel.
This little lady, who I have yet to name because I name everything, was a birthday gift from George and Leah this year! She stands with me in the kitchen as we cook and bake together! I can just imagine her singing a Christmas carol - doesn't she look like she's singing?
This is our snowman welcoming committee at the front door, ready to greet anyone who wants to stops by.
On our book shelves in the family room, I set out some collections that we had. This is Paul's nativity that his mom painted for him. It's so sweet and precious.
And this is a collection of "Santa's from Around the World" - I don't remember off the top of my head which ones we have, but I got them from my grandmother and I think they're neat!
Much to my surprise and delight, my aunt sent me this AMAZING little village set!! It has about a bagillion little teeny tiny pieces, all of which came wrapped and stored in boxes labeled with numbers. She told me it had a lot of pieces, but I didn't realize how many. Fortunately, we had just bought this oak desk, and the village fits perfectly on it! I loved opening each box and seeing the houses, or the people, or the animals, or the small details that add something special. Paul helped set it up with me, and we had fun arranging who went where and next to which house.
The outside of the house was all Paul! He did a fantastic job!
I need to get a picture of the house and the tree lit up at night. But for now, here is what it looks like decorated. He put wreaths with bows on each window, little trees on either side of the front door, garland and lights framing door, and lights on the two bushes by the stairs. With the spotlights on it at night, it looks really beautiful. The best part of decorating the outside? I got to walk out on the roof to first clean the windows and then to hang the wreathes. I live on the wild side! :)
I saw this wreath cranberry wreath and fell in love with it. It's hanging on the front door, and adds a beautiful pop of color.
It has been a joy and blessing to decorate our house. Unwrapping old decoration, opening passed down collections, and adding new additions made this time very special for us.
However, Christmas is more than lights and trees and figurines. It's about the birth of our Lord and Savior. And we pray every night as we do our advent devotions that we will always keep that in our minds and not be carried away with the commercialism of the holiday.
Merry Christmas, and
God Bless
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