Holiday House Tour 2012

If you would like to go on a tour given by an organized woman who had a part-time job and went to school and whose husband traveled some, but still managed to keep life running smoothly for a large family, please click to the tour I did in 2008.

Today's tour will be lead by an exhausted woman who has a very full-time job, a husband gone close to half the month and is used to any empty nest but joyfully has a very full house now, Also? My boss is out on leave for a few weeks, so I volunteered for some projects that would have been hers. Cause, you know, it's not like Christmas is a busy time at home. Also? I took all these pictures before work one morning and edited them while my hair was being colored last night.

2008 or 2012, one thing is the same. For me, Christmas is really all about family. We are very lucky to have our future son-in-law with us this year. I know he will miss his family, but I also think he will have a good time. 

To the tour . . .

I don't decorate early, but I start thinking about Christmas on Thanksgiving night when my brother and sister-in-law and nephews bring a poinsettia when they come over for our pie extravaganza. It's an annual tradition.

 

I used to also swap out a huge pot in the front of my house for Poinsettias at Christmas, but then I started sending kids to college. Luckily, the lavendar is still lovely.

This is our tree. I will confess that it is artificial as we came very close to losing our house (firefighters in the backyard close) in a wildfire and the thought of having a fire hazard in my house gives me an anxiety attack. Even though we never let our tree dry out. Anxiety doesn't care about facts. In front of the tree is my husband and I all spiffed up for his annual workplace Christmas party. I wish I could tell you the story of my workplace party, but there's no way. Let's just say next year their needs to be a memo about how you don't get sloppy drunk with your co-workers. There are several people whose personal lives I'd prefer to know less about than I now do. Oh, and I'm using this picture because I'm freaking out about turning 50 and I think I look pretty good here. My husband's okay, too :)

 

 I have a lot of decorations because my mom loved decorating and I got all her stuff when she passed away. I treasure it. Before I start decorating, I take my regular photos and tchotchkes down and put them away. I don't like clutter.

 

Children of all ages know they will find a candy cane in the sleigh on the table by the front door.

 

Adults of all ages know they will find a candy cane in the sleigh on the table by the front door.

You will generally find a bountiful selection of home-baked goodies. Specialties of the house are peanut clusters, cinnamon rolls, molasses cookies and banana bread. This apron was made for Social Butterfly by Nana and she learned to bake in it.

 

Three of the stockings are hung by the chimney with care. The fourth one is hanging off a fireplace poker because one of the stocking hangers broke and I'd prefer to wait until after Christmas to replace it. With something on sale.

I am not religious, but I appreciate the cultural significance of Christian figures and these lovely things have all been given to me by my mother-in-law or mother.

My oldest son calls this vignette "Giant Carolers Stomping Village." I broke the light for one of the cottages this year while I was decorating. I am telling you, I am a hot mess lately.

What to do with the ornaments that no longer make it on the tree? A bowl on the dining room table. We look at the picture ones more this way. In fact, just tonight MVP pointed out that Danger Boy was a dead ringer for David Bowie when he was about 13 (Danger Boy, not David Bowie--okay, the DB thing is kind of weird). Shoutout to my friend Heidi--best thing I ever did was start an annual handmade ornament exchange with her and her two crafty daughters!

Our tree is full right now of the kids' ornaments I've bought them each year. We'll have to start replacing when they take them with them--starting this year. The girls each get snow babies and one son gets Santas while the other gets snowmen. We have several personalized dough ornaments and I love them. Who knows, maybe I'll have a gorgeous theme tree that wows my grandkids (someday).

I will close with my two favorite decorations. Then I will fall facedown on my bed and kick myself for not taking Friday off work as a personal day.

 

I have these for three of the four kids. Don't ask me what happened to the fourth one; I already torment myself. I know there were four because they all had the same Kindergarten teacher. We were truly blessed.

This is the door from the kitchen to the garage. I took this a few days ago--there are many more now. I am a Christmas card fanatic and I LOVE to read your card.  I know for sure one person that reads this is going to recognize her adorable son's photo. I've left space for our New Year's card. I can't see us taking a picture before Sunday with everyone's schedules and I sometimes leave this up until Valentine's Day anyway.

 So that's it. I'll be around to visit over the next few days; a heartfelt thank you to Jen on the Edge for hosting--these things take work and she's the hostess with the mostest when it comes to Christmas and blogging.

This is last year's Christmas card picture and still an accurate representation of who is at our house for Christmas. We are lucky and grateful as I hope you and yours are. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 

The girl next door, Danger Boy, Jenn, Mr. Fix-it, Social Butterfly, MVP, Grownup Girl and Grownup Guy

Edited to add . . .

My boyz--who have apparently become very large men. Thankful they were willing to humor their mama 'cause they know I love photographic evidence of everything.

 

 

 

Comments

[Jen on the Edge]

I. LOVE. YOUR. HOUSE.

Everything is so personal and has a lovely story to go with it. Thank you for sharing.

[Arli]

I love that the decorations are so meaningful and personal. I especially like last year's holiday card of your beautiful family. My you find some time to relax and enjoy.

[Green Girl in Wisconsin]

That door is always fabulous. And putting the "nonhangable" ornaments out that way is brilliant. Very festive home, Jen!

[Cassi]

Lovely decorations and you take such lovely photos, too.

We are not religious either, but we have some very beautiful Christian-themed ornaments and nativity set that I love. There is a lot of beauty in that tradition.

[Jenrantsraves]

It makes me happy to see my boy's smiling face on your door! I have a Christmas card holder that hangs by the door, but I have decided that I really don't like it because the cards aren't displayed. I will have to do something like you do next year.

Loved seeing your home. What a welcoming place that is obviously full of love and great memories. Merry Christmas!

[Jenrantsraves]

By the way, only you would understand the fact that I love that my card doesn't clash with your paper! ; )

[Janet]

such lovely pictures, thanks for sharing! When I lived in Japan, the general I worked for had a contest each Christmas. The door that was decorated the nicest won a gift certificate. Of course, my door never won, but I saw so many great ideas, of which yours was one! I wish I had an extra door to do this on...maybe the spare bedroom...hmmm...Merry Christmas to you and yours, Jenn!

[Smalltown Me]

I love that you're displaying SB's little apron. What a beautiful nostalgic touch. Enjoy your Christmas with your beautiful family.

[Patience]

You and your husband look smashing together!

[lanes]

Love the photos (and wish I'd remembered the Christmas card door earlier in the season!) Merry Christmas to you and your fam, Jenn!

[Brightside-Susan]

As always - so personal and cozy!

And you looked fabulous for the party!

[Busy Bee Suz]

Beautiful Jenn....your home and your thoughts towards the holidays.
I DO love the card door, and like you I LIVE for Christmas cards. we should have shared addresses this year! *snap*
Christmas IS all about family and yours is wonderful.
P.S. that Christmas party sounds *interesting*

[mrs. g.]

Pretty Jenn. I love the vintage apron hanging from the stove.

[Jocelyn]

You know, when it comes to impending 50, I'd just say this: the only reason to freak out would be if you looked at your life and thought you'd missed the boat. This post alone is clear evidence that you jumped on the boat and commandeered it--and should enjoy the advancing years as evidence of your ability to continue to hold the position.

You've missed out on nothing. Now, if you were alone and miserable about that, then 50 would be tough.

[Strictly Jen]

Fantastic decorating, and you look fantastic too!

[Gail]

Good choice on the shrug, festive. And your house is festive, too.

[Karen (formerly kcinnova)]

Oh, wow, DB has grown up!!

I'm glad to know that your "picture door" display is staying up for a while -- mine aren't getting mailed out until after Christmas this year.

What a treasure to have that little apron! I don't know what happened to mine...

[Gail]

Merry Christmas !

[Kim Kasch]

Best decoration of all is having the kids at home and on Mom's arm :D love those kids that are willing to comply with our wishes for "lasting memories". My boys aren't always so willing to let me snap photos without making strange faces for those memories.

[Fireplace Heater]

Reading your post makes me feel like I'm touring around your house lively, I prefer this than your 2008 tour.