Holiday Open House...(part two)

I'm back with the second part of my holiday tour. I have the decorating done, but the shopping isn't started. Not much to do this year. As I told you in a prior post, this year we are cutting back, like a lot of Americans. We're cutting back, but it doesn't change Christmas or the meaning of Christmas. This year has brought many changes for our families finances, but we have been blessed in many ways. Sometimes I need to be reminded of that.  sometimes we forget the many blessings God has showered upon us. During this season, with so many people struggling,  give thanks to God for your many blessings....

Now, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the rest of the decorations from my house ....

The wreath is the same this year. I made the wreath. I taught a few classes this year on wreath making . Here's a tip for you... use and artificial wreath and once it's decorated, stick in some fresh greens. Your guests will think you have a real wreath on the front door. Once the season is over, remove the greens and replace the wreath next year with fresh greens.

 
I lit the fire for the first time and I had to show you a photo. Nothing says ,"Winter is here" than a cozy fire burning bright!



I added some Christmas decorations to the corner bakers rack in my kitchen. If there is a surface during the holiday, I will add a decoration to it!


I have lots and lots of family photos around my house. I've been told it isn't "PROPER" to have family photos out in the general areas of your home. NOT FOR ME....I DON'T CARE. I love my family and I love having photos, and lots of them. Here's a photo of the boys and their dad. Now my oldest son is 6'3" just like his dad and the youngest is 6'. They sure have grown since this photo. That's why I love having the photos. Photos bring back so many wonderful memories. The one with the children is a photo of me with my sisters and brother. I think I was 7 in the photo. The last photo is of my husband and I. I still think he is a cutie!!!
  
Brought out my santa plate. Just by adding some greens, berry picks, ribbon and poinsettias you can add some Christmas spirit to just about anything.
 

I had to leave my rooster out. I love roosters!



I always add Christmas decorations to my tables. Here's the hall table.
 
I added a strand of crystals to Santa's beard. Doesn't he look festive.

Oh here's another photo. More recent...It's our family photos from Christmas last year. More crystals were added to the candles.

 
The foyer table has Good Old Saint Nick! I added lights so there is a nice glow when the lights are low in the evening. Can't get away without another photo...This one, of my husband as a child with his family.

Here's a quick and easy Christmas accessory to make. I used and old book and tied some Christmas ribbon around the book. Add a bow and a glittered poinsettia. It's that easy. Oh another photo...This one is of some dear friends on New Years Eve.

I wasn't kidding when I said I have a lot of photos. My husband as a baby with his grandparents and a photo of his great grandparents in Russia years ago.

I added some green, berries and lights to the mirror. I love how you can see the reflection of the Christmas tree in the mirror. It's like having two trees in one room! Oh look at that...MORE photos.

The kitchen light is embellished with some greens and red Christmas ornaments hanging from wide ribbon.
 

The dining room is ready for Christmas dinner. I Made an arrangement for the table and added an arrangement on top of the china cabinet.

For some extra sparkle, I added some glass ornaments with different sizes and shapes and hung them from the chandelier.

 
The prism stars glisten and remind me of the first Christmas!

I hope you have enjoyed looking at my home dressed up for Christmas. It's my favortie time of year. Not just because of all the holiday decorations, but because of the true meaning of CHRISTmas. Chistmas for me, means love... The love my savior has for me and for you that he would send His son to be born in a manger. Christmas also means family and sharing the love with those special people in your life. I wish each and every one of you a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
 May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!