Christmas Decor

To those of you who have requested photos of our Christmas decor, and have been for warned that we don't do much even on a good year, here we go.
(for those of you who don't know, my wonderful mother-in-law went home to be with the Lord last Wednesday, so not our best Christmas. However, good news to follow!)

This is our tree.
We weren't even going to get one because we did not know when we would be going to California for Mom's services. It just kind of seemed like a lot of extra work right now, and our hearts weren't in it.
But, I came home from the store Saturday, and there were pine needles all over the kitchen floor, and our two old boxes of decor sitting in the kitchen. I turned the corner, and there it was, the tree we weren't going to get.
Scott had it already in the stand and trying to decide whether to cut another foot off or not as it was kind of scraggly on the bottom. I tired not to let on my true feelings, feelings of just another thing to do when i felt so far behind already. So, I said to him "i thought we weren't getting a tree".
His response was that he thought it might lift our spirits a bit, and brighten things up. Still less than enthused, i helped him put on the lights, then went in to check emails.
When i came out he was ever so precisely putting little bits of those really tiny tinsel strips on it.
He was doing such a fine job, i told him i would let him finish that part and i went to finish emails.

Well, he did finish that, and sat down, and said he thought the tree looked nice just like that.
(we usually have a lot of old ornaments we've made or bought over the years).
We added the heart ornaments he has received from the local hospital the last 17 years (he is a volunteer cuddler), and the creative twist angel i made 15 years ago, and the tree is done.

Then I looked over at the buffet which is usually a conglomeration of things, some ttht belong there and some that don't. Some of you cluttery people probably know what i am talking about.

I thougt if i just cleaned off the top i could put a garland and lights up there and that would look decorated too.

Well, I ended up cleaning off the whole thing, went to the shop and got some extra lights and trim, and came back and decorated it too. It's not done, but here is what we have so far.

Nothing earth shattering, but a bit more lights and glitter to brighten things up around here.

There are a couple of the cream pitchers, and tea pots i "collect", (I collect collections ).

Some of my Teddy Bears are there and seem to really be enjoying the change in surroundings too. The painting on the bottom right is something i did years ago. The two pretty serving dishes i treated myself to last year at 70% at a local drug store. I absolutely love the design on them but never entertain so have no clue what i will use them for. But, they are sure pretty to look at. =0) I know, I'll just use them for us! I took photos of the lovely crocheted tablecloth my Mom did for us years ago, but don't have them on here yet. It's another thing we don't use because i treasure it and don't want it to get ruined.

But, out of the drawer it came! It is on the table. No centerpiece yet, but it's coming.

I am inspired by all the beautiful things you all do. Thank you for your encouragement to share.

In doing this it made me realize just how much we have.

Not only has the Lord provided us with a lovely home, food to eat, and clothes to wear, but I have been blessed with good friends and a close family.

I had a mother-in-law who always loved and accepted me the way I was.

She gave me the wonderful man i am married to, and because of that we have beautiful children, and, our 4 grandchildren.

The good news i mentioned at the beginning of this post:

Another grandchild to be born Dec. 19th!!!!

Blessings to you and your families this Holy Season.