Christmas Archives - Page 7 of 11

2011 Christmas Card

December 23, 2011 jennifer Christmas, Paper

Well, they’re done.

Done and in the mail. For as much stress as I felt over them, and for as long ago as I purchased the paper and planned them, I’m a little amazed by how simple they look. But I do like them.

Here is my 2011 Christmas card:

I cut each card by hand, which was a small project, but not an unpleasant one given how much I liked the paper. I was excited to find the greeting as well.

I’m grateful I got them done, because receiving Christmas cards is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. Right now my kitchen counter card holder looks like this, front and back:

With too many of these people, once frequent communication has become rare, something I hope to improve next year. But even only with annual cards I feel grateful for the reminders they are of remarkable people with whom I’ve crossed paths, people who have influenced me for good. It’s a wonderful part of Christmas.

And as for you, from our family to ours, “Have yourself a Merry little Christmas!”

Thanks for reading along. Merry Christmas!

Jennifer

Master Bedroom Mantel

December 8, 2011 jennifer Christmas, Decorating

Restful, calming, inviting.

Adding beautiful greens to my bedroom mantel gives the entire room a new feeling. I love this view from the top of the stairs. It makes me look forward to unwinding, finishing the day peacefully. During the day I love how bright the sunlight is in this room; it makes our gray winters a little more bearable.

Silver bells, layered garlands, white lights with silver covers. Simple and classic. Every year I wonder if I’ll be ready to do this mantel differently. Then I unpack this garland, hang it up and fall in love all over again.

A few pieces of silver on the mantel with my white antler wreath. I love this wreath.

Creating an atmosphere like this in my bedroom reminds me to slow down, enjoy the season, take care of myself.

Merry Christmas!

Hopeful Homemaker shared here

One comment Christmas, Decorating

Christmas Mantel: Family Room

December 8, 2011 jennifer Christmas, Decorating

The stockings are hung.

I smile as I watch our younger children standing beneath them, trying to spot theirs. It’s a really short mantel, especially for ten stockings.

I placed my all-time favorite nativity scene above the stockings.

I get a lump in my throat every time I stop and look at it. The simplicity of it speaks to me. I love that the entire scene consists of the manger, baby Jesus, sheep and three angels. It reminds me of the heavenly host – so much bigger than the small circle of witnesses present in person – that celebrated and rejoiced in the birth of the long-awaited Savior of the World. There is a production called Savior of the World that we try to attend every year which has forever enhanced my feelings about the unseen witnesses to the birth of our Lord. This nativity scene rekindles all those feelings for me.

The world – all of us – waited so long for Him to come. Now we wait for Him to return.

Enough said. I just really, really love it.

It’s hard to believe that in just over two weeks those stockings will be filled instead of hanging expectantly. Where do the days go? I still have much to do…

Sigh. It’s a wonderful time of year, isn’t it? I hope you’re enjoying it!

Jennifer shared here