"Oh the weather outside is frightful" la, la, la (I can't sing) la, la, la... It's snowing away this morning. Looks like we're in for a big storm today. Sunday was the first big snowfall of the season here, not counting that snowstorm in early October-- that was just too weird to count. We've got about eight inches of snow on the ground now, and it really does look beautiful and peaceful outside.
And I'm very happy to stay indoors today, and get going on that wrapping. I wrap assembly line assault style. The quicker it's done, the better. Not my favorite part of Christmas. I don't enjoy doing things that get undone quicker than it took the time for me to do them in. So now you also know how I feel about ironing, toilet cleaning, and car vacuuming... Well, I think before I get too far off on a domestic rant here, I'll just show you some happy Christmas pics from around the house.
I've always wanted to make a snowy little Christmas village, so last night I attempted to make one with some quilt batting. It's beginning. Now I need some homemade trees, bead garland, stockings hung by the chimney with care...
Not your glamorous Martha Stewart snowy houses, but I like my tin Woolworth's style houses, just the same.
Now that I'm looking at this photo closely, it's looking a little like Godzilla snowman ready to destroy the village... might need to edit the big snowman.
Well anyway, it'll be fun playing with my little snow scene, and maybe I'll even get it finished before Christmas. I can always dream....
And now onto the family room tree. It's loaded with kid made ornaments and memories. (I've put up an artificial snowy tree in the living room and I'll have to show that one soon.)
Please just ignore the lovely dated fireplace... one more project, one of these days... I like the blurry photo effect here. I've always liked to squint at Christmas trees... all Hallmark card soft and fuzzy looking if you squint while looking at the tree. Okay, quit laughing now, just humor me and try it, you'll see..
This year I added old souvenir dolls from England as ornaments. My British Grandma Lewis would send them from England when I was a child. And a few I bought myself on visits to England/London.
I made the red swirly heart ornaments this year. Hearts and stars are some of my favorite things!
She's from London's famous Harrod's department store.
A teacup from a friend. She knows me well.
My mother-in-law sent me a perfect condition vintage tablecloth that belonged to Mike's Grandmother. It doesn't fit on any of my tables, but it does make a great tree skirt I think.
I did mention the tree is loaded with kid made ornaments, didn't I? And I haven't shown any. Oops! Well, here's one of my favorites.
And the ornament that started all the rest. Our first one. A wedding gift from Mike's grandmother. It goes at the center top... always.
Hope all your Christmas merry-making is going well! We're really doing Ok this year. No major calamities, hard to find presents, or overbooked schedules. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, it stays that way. I'm really enjoying how good that all feels AND the decorating! Now I definately need to bite the bullet, and go wrap presents!
Love to you all xoxoxo,
Kelly

Wonderful Christmas post Kelly. your tree is gorgeous filled with so many memories & your vintage tablecloth/tree skirt is fantastic!! I really like your icicle mantle trim too ... I saw them today and now seeing how great they look I may just buy one for next year :-)
Posted by: Deb | December 16, 2008 at 06:02 PM
OH i love the vintage tablecloth.I wnet with Abigal last sat to an antique mall and she picked out a cute vinatge tablecloth and so funny this morning before school she asked if we were going to put it under the tree I looked at her and said nooooo it is a tablecloth oh well now I can!! It is not as cute as yours! Ilove the the snowman and all the pictures so beautiful. Thanks for sharing:)
Posted by: elma riedstraelma | December 17, 2008 at 06:27 AM
a great festive post kelly. love all your ornaments. very cute. ok. i squint my eyes at the tree too. that's how i know all the lights are where they should be and there are no empty spots. that is too funny. so i didn't laugh at ya. get your wrapping done girl. i will be working on mine today to. to bad we didn't live closer - we could wrap while enjoying each others company.
Posted by: traci | December 17, 2008 at 07:20 AM
Love it all Kelly!!
Those Reindeer cookies are adorable!!!
We are having some winter weather in southern Cali Yeah!!!
Mountain right by house is topped with snow:)
My son is going snowboarding Friday..it's senior ditch day!
Hugs,
K
Posted by: kayellen | December 18, 2008 at 10:03 AM