Sunday, December 02, 2007

Christmas Part the Second

Christmas is by far my favorite time of year. I start thinking about it around the middle of August and am pretty much fed up only around January 1. That's nearly five months of me planning and orchestrating and, well, just dreaming about Christmas.

It's only just recently occurred to me that I was suffering a touch of postpartum depression last year this time. I was in complete and utter denial at the time, but when I compare the glee I feel right now to the desperate, unnameable sadness I felt last year, it's obvious. A little scary to contemplate, but we're through it now and I have yet another reason to celebrate and feel grateful for the multitude of blessings in this house.

Last night we had Dash's Aunty over and we went out to Get the Tree. We bought a lovely, manageable-sized one from a lot nearby that grows them mere yards away. After a dinner of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, we got to work decorating. We stuck to unbreakable ornaments this year, so the tree looks a touch spare and a little like a toy shop, but I have to admit I think it's my favorite ever.



We don't trust Dash or the cats enough to keep the presents under the tree, so I shoved his toy baskets under there so it didn't look so very bah humbug.

Uncle Santa

Josh's most favorite ornament

I made the Christmas village this year, the stockings, last.

They're unfinished bird houses from the craft store that I tarted up. Dash has a barber shop & I have a bakery.

Josh drilled holes into the bottoms so I could put lights in. They're extra-adorable when they're lit up, but we don't have a tripod so I can't photograph them in the dark.

The cabin has a Christmas tree inside and a flickering light to look like a fire in the fireplace. The grocery store is "Papa J's."

You can almost see the clothesline I made with teensy clothespins and felt mittens and socks. 1/18 (the address under the wreath) is Dash's birthday. I am unbearably twee.

$5 paper garland from Target decorates the valance.


Birdcage is full of ornaments and the pine cones have been elevated on sterling pedestals.

What we wish you this Christmas season and all year round.

15 comments:

Tonya said...

Beautiful decorations! Where do you find the time? If you have any more time, stop by happydash and read about the reveal your dream challenge i tagged you for. you're it!

Tonya

picperfic said...

oh Liz...you are so festive! I do hope my parcel gets to you on time....I absolutely love Christmas too and things are getting very twinkly here in Cambridgeshire! I bet your little man is loveing all the pretty stuff! Isn't that what it's all about?

kate said...

Ooooh. I love the mantle! I keep thinking I'm going to get myself together and actually post some pictures of the decorating that we've done so far, but apparently, I'm far too lazy for that...

jennwa said...

I love the Santa sign. Everything is beautiful. I think your sock monkey ornament is darling.

Jessica said...

Ughhh!! I LOVE the village you painted yourdelf! I may copy that idea for next year! I do tons of painting,and that is right down my alley!

Monkey Kisses said...

how absolutely adorable.. i now want to make my own christmas village!!!! :-)

Jessica said...

I love the stockings! So cute! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!

becky said...

I love your peppy decor, especially, Uncle Santa. Genius!

KC said...

Wow your village is great.. Thanks for the tour
Merry Christmas

Mama C said...

I. Love. It. ALL! I am almost motivated to go out and buy some birdhouses, just to make my own village. But alas, I am not crafty. Have a very merry Christmas!

Mama C said...

I. Love. It. ALL! I am almost motivated to go out and buy some birdhouses, just to make my own village. But alas, I am not crafty. Have a very merry Christmas!

Phillips Family said...

I love it!!! YOu have inspired me to create my own personalized Christmas village...your family will treasure that for years to come!

I am quite glad that this Christmas finds you in good spirits!

The Gallands said...

Your village is amazing! Your decorations have encouraged me to do more! Thank you- I love it!

bbeth said...

warning - stolen idea!!!
I have a birdcage and next year it will be full of ornaments :) Thanks for the tour.
bonniebeth in Louisiana

Michie said...

I love the little bird houses you turned into village houses! What a cute idea! :)