12/10/13

Our House At Christmas

Every year I find myself drawn to a simpler Christmas all the way around.

My mind seems so full these days-I hate that little panic feeling that can creep up--it's creeping up right now. For me, it's not getting "it" all done...I know I can eventually.  It's getting it done and enjoying doing it, instead of feeling out of sorts and frazzled.  I think it's because last week was a complete wash around here-poor Janey wasn't feeling well, and I ended up taking her in to the doctor's office-what I thought was just teething was also an ear infection.  And then the medicine I have to give her makes her have an awful stomach ache.  EEEK!   It is funny how much things change from when I had a baby nineteen years ago.  I just wanted the plain pink amoxycillin!!!, none of this fancy new stomach-ache inducing antibiotic which just trades one problem for another.  Anyways, she is feeling so much better ear-wise and finally, finally, took a good nap today.

Here is our tree in the upright position.  The needles are pouring off of it already.  Not for lack of watering, just because it was probably cut down in October.  Everything is so plain but I love it.





22 comments:

  1. I can totally relate. I know it will get done, but it the feeling of being so overwhelmed in the process that makes things so not enjoyable. Glad to hear Janey is feeling better!

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  2. Your house looks lovely! Can I ask where you got those darling Christmas stockings? I've been looking for some like that for our home.

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  3. I love your tree...we are like you... one tree, cut down, full of memories and hand made ornaments. Isn't that what its supposed to be about, I think its beautiful.

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  4. Your house looks beautiful Sarah! I love your tree. And I can so relate with wanting to not just get it done, but also enjoy the process. Sometimes that's the hard part! Especially with sick kids. :( Hope Janey gets feeling better soon!

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  5. I love the bittersweet around your mirror! I had it in our great room for our Fall decoration in 2012 and learned this year that it's illegal to have (or sell) here in MN! I was so bummed!!! (Or maybe yours is fake…that's what I should look into!) I was late to the game this year and couldn't get the advent ring to hold up the candlesticks to start having an advent wreath in our own home…I put it on the calendar for early November 2014! To make up for it, I bought pillar candles and will just hold them in a round cake pan on our table. Hope you are having a blessed Advent!

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  6. Your tree is beautiful. I know some people can't imagine having anything but a real Christmas tree, including my sister-in-law. After 25 years, my brother, when sent out to buy the tree, came home with a pre-lit artificial tree. She had a fit, and he told her he was done with the hassle and the mess and all the time taking care of a natural tree. He told her she could go buy one and do everything, so she said fine. Nobody could tell it was artificial, she loved how easy it was, and refused to buy a real tree ever again. It makes everything so much easier at Christmas. Have you considered it? Also, it tends to cut down on colds, allergies and ear infections.

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    1. I always felt this way - we have had a real tree for my entire 35 years - but last year it was so much that I told my husband we should consider a pre-lit tree instead. So we bought one last weekend - took it out of the huge box and it began shedding and making a huge mess - then we realized we had to mess with each branch to "fluff" it out. It was going to take hours! We boxed it back up, took it back to the store and went and bought a small real tree and set it up easily. I do think there would be some things that are so much easier about a pre-lit but it was a lesson for me that that fake doesn't always mean easy!!

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  7. One of the reasons I was first drawn to your blog Sarah is because you value simplicity (just like I do!) As a child our family didn't celebrate Christmas so when I started celebrating in my late 20's I had no template other than the media (and we all know how accurate the media is! lol). And so it began with buying gifts for everyone I knew, sending out elaborate cards, buying a pre-lit artificial tree, lights galore, lots of decorations...you get the picture. It was expensive and exhausting and none of it had to do with what this season is REALLY about, Now that I'm older and wiser Christmas has been pared down to what I love. A fresh cut tree that makes my house smell lovely adorned with homemade and special ornaments, fresh wreath on the door to welcome guests, simple white lights on our eves, and stockings hanging on the mantle. We now only buy gifts for each other (just my husband, me and our kids). We have a small family so that's only 3 gifts each and you what? It's more than enough! We have 2 Christmas traditions that we love to do. There is no stress, no feeling like we have to attend parties we don't want to or large stressful family gatherings. Just us in our cozy, peaceful Christmas house. :) (Sorry this was so long!!!)

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    1. Your Christmas sounds lovely! I think I'll take a page from your book next year. Thanks for sharing :)

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  8. My baby just got over ear infections too - and we had a round of that nasty stuff too (sadly it didn't even work, and we had to do another round of something else which happily did not cause the tummy troubles. Cefdinir or something like that) Sick babies are so sad! Glad your girl is feeling better. We are still working on getting naps sorted out again. Your decorations are lovely. Makes me want to go pick up some poinsettias for my house now!!

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  9. Oh so glad your little Janey is feeling better! I love your house...so pretty and festive! :)

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  10. Hi Sarah,
    Your tree is beautiful! Your nativity set and your advent wreath are awesome! Yes I agree with the panic feeling, it can spoil the spirit. I always instantly try to think of how blessed I am and then it goes away! Merry Christmas!!

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  11. So glad little Miss Janey is on the mend. Your house is lovely - simple and expressive of the reason for the season.

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  12. I love your house Sarah. It's always so simple, but nice - just like it should be. I've said it before, your family is lucky to have you :)

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  13. I love it! It's good to have a reminder to slow down & remember why we celebrate this season... For our Savior. He can bring peace to our crazy, stressed out hearts & minds if we remember to 'be still'. I wish you and your family a peaceful and merry Christmas, Sara! :)

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  14. Your house looks amazing! Hope you and your family have a great Christmas!

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  15. Hi Sarah! Love your blog (am following you from http://disappearingrose.blogspot.com/) and today I just have to ask you where you found/bought/made the wonderful flat base for your Advent wreath! I LOVE your base, and have not had a good one in several years. This year's Advent wreath is greenery with four short candles balanced on the top (hence me having only one photo up on my blog currently) -- I really prefer and enjoy the tall tapers but the only taper holders I could find this year would not fit the candles I had. Thanks in advance for your help! (If you cannot recall that is okay, I know you are busy, figured it could not hurt to ask!) Oh, if you wanted you could email the info to me (disappearingrose@yahoo.com)

    Merry Christmas (early) to you and your lovely family!!

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    1. Here it is! Happy to help...
      http://www.catholiccompany.com/jesse-tree-pewter-advent-wreath-candles-included-p3001457/?

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  16. Your decorations are beautiful!
    Unsolicited internet advice: look into acidophilus when on antibiotics (available in the vitamin aisle). I fed it to my toddlers over apple sauce or ice cream (buy the gel caps). Really helped with the nasty diapers and upset tummies!

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  17. I love your decorations! Simple and beautiful and happy. Just how Christmas should be.

    I think the stockings (at least the last one) came from LL Bean. My mom ordered the same one for my new baby to go with her collection.

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  18. I wouldn't call it plain. It's simply lovely. I love simple too.

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