as oprah would say, we had a whole lot of 'joy rising' this last weekend thanks to our annual weekend-after-thanksgiving explosion of christmas cheer ... everything christmas-related came out of hibernation and let's just say that toddy the elf is thrilled to be reunited with his old pals ...
it was an all-weekend commitment to let in the JOY ... we started off with gingerbread houses ...
which led to a whole new career path for the little ladybug ...
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| future cake boss at work ... |
meanwhile, momma ladybug was busy being a christmas sherpa ...
then we took a break to bake some of this delicious gingerbread from a trader joe's kit ... can you smell it when you see these photos? It was fabulous!
after fueling up on warm gingerbread, it was go-time!
then the nativity ...
even the pre-school nativity scene made a reappearance for the first time in years ...
then came the wreaths and garland, both indoors and out ...
and finally, the stockings ...
By this time, it was late afternoon - not a moment to spare, it was time to choose our tree!
once we were finished with the drama of getting the tree into the house and into the stand (why is this always so frustrating?!), we got right down to the business of decorating - the sun had just set, the christmas tunes were playing, and a fire was burning in the fireplace. And in the end, we had this ...
... we also have a 4-foot fiber optic tree that belongs to the ladybugs, complete with all of their homemade ornaments that date back a full decade at this point ...
we always celebrate the completion of our christmas setup with a big family dinner in the dining room, which is otherwise sadly underused in our house ... one of my favorite parts about christmastime is that with the dining/living rooms (they are open to one another) looking so festive, we actually use these rooms just about every day of the week ... such a great side effect of the JOY of christmas ...
not bad for a 36-hour stretch! each year the JOY of christmas rises just like this over one wonderful weekend ~ and they are truly my favorite moments of all other than christmas morning itself ~
merry merry christmas from our house to yours ...
7 comments:
Sloan,
It's was right out of Norman Rockwell. And here a sit nary a Christmas bell to be seen. Loved "Christmas Sherpa!" It looks like you are set for a wonderful season.
Dana
I love the nativity.....especially the preschool one! Memories.
your home looks beautiful!! and wow! look at that little isabel! she's getting big! :)
I have so much to say from your post!
1. we always make the 1st weekend in December about gettting our tree & decorating the house. But, boy oh boy...you sure got a lot done...even did your gingerbread house!
2. little ballerina is such a little artist. I wonder what she will do with all her talent someday?
3. We have the same color front door...and I was just telling my husband yesterday that we need something that stands out more against the maroon color. LOVE your white and red wreath! Where can I get one?!
4. you lucky to live by the sea sign is SO true! I think it's cool that you know it!
5. I tried to find a way to print your ELF picture below...couldn't find a way!
YEAH! You've found your Christmas mojo! Love it! Your house is decked and ready. Love your new little Isabelle ornament. :)
Hey...we NEED to get your LLB together with my BB. They can open their own bakery and make us rich!!! Too bad our "seas" aren't closer. :(
umm....so? Did you take any of these gorgeous photos with that new secret lens of yours?
I'm always thinking of myself as a sherpa too. You made me laugh! :)
I love your decor, your tree, your wreaths, everything. It's all so pretty. LOVE the gingerbread house. I really want a piece of your fresh baked gingerbread now. That is one of my favorite things! Yes, I can smell it from here.
Oh that puppy is soooo cute! Love all your kid made ornaments. I must try thr TJ gingerbread! Yum!
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