December is speeding by so quickly. I'm not nearly as busy with holiday preparations as I've been in the past, but the pace is still brisk. One reason is that I'm training a replacement for my position at work. Yes, I'm stepping down in January, and with Dan fully retired, we're certainly going to have a lifestyle change. I'm excited for what lies ahead! hopefully seeing the kids more, taking our trailer out a bunch, and spending more time with hobbies I love.
Knowing it would be a busy month, I put my Christmas decorations up early, so that we could enjoy them during downtime throughout the month. In the evenings I've been on a movie watching binge. Dan and I watched News of the World a couple of nights ago, and when we finally figured out how to stream the new season of Yellowstone, we binged on that one night. I've been re-watching lots of my favorite movies, too, including Sabrina (the newer version), An Affair to Remember, The Bishops Wife, and The Holiday. My favorite classic, White Christmas is all queued up for later this week. When the grandkids were here last week, I saw Elf and Home Alone -- for the first time. (I'm hopeless when it comes to newer movies).
The tree through the French doors from the den.
Last year, I found some fun ideas on Pinterest for upcycling china and making little vignettes. I have so many pieces that are family heirlooms, that I decided to try a few. Nothing is glued or permanently fixed, so next year I can play around and create new things.
A vegetable dish from my great grandmother's set. The little angel was made by my cousin years ago. And the tree is an ornament I found.
These little pine cone girls and bottle brush are new, but the gravy boat is old, and the pearls were my mother-in-law's.
I like to have a little bit of Christmas in every room in the house.
My good friend Terry gifted my kids with Boynton Bears figurines and ornaments through the years, along with this Christmas tree. The guest room is a perfect place to set it up each year, where the mirror shows the back of the whimsical tree.
Brooklynn and Bentley spent a day with us last week. We took them to the Colorado Railroad Museum and spent several hours where they climbed on some of the old train cars, rang the bell on an old steam engine, and were delighted by the huge model train exhibit.
Afterward we came home and baked cookies and watched movies.
Back to a little decorating. The tree in the corner is my angel tree and the hutch displays red and green and white for the holidays.
The only thing missing from the Christmas decorations this year is snow! We continue to set records for the lack of snow in our state. Thankfully, the mountains are getting some for the ski resorts, but even up there, they are making their own.
Maybe I should ask Santa for a snow making machine for my yard?
What lovely decorations Karen, and congratulations on leaving your job. Best decision I ever made! Happy Christmas x
ReplyDeleteYour home looks so lovely. So glad you got to spend the day with your grandchildren. Merry Christmas to you all!
ReplyDeleteI love the china vignettes, what a great idea! I hope your Christmas was lovely!
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