holiday decorations

The living room in our house is 20×30 and has cathedral ceilings with these massive, substantial-looking dark wooden beams.  Our living room is also super ugly because we haven’t had the time, money, or inspiration to do much with it since we moved in just over a year ago. One thing I couldn’t stand about our house last Christmas was how tiny our skinny, 7′ tree looked in our giant room.  We were determined to get a 9 footer this year.  I also wanted to get all new decorations. We say this every year, with plans to raid Target the day after Christmas for markdowns but at that point I really don’t want to spend another dime, regardless how spectacular the deal.  The problem with choosing a theme for our tree is that I have to choose a theme for our tree.  I kind of decided against it.  I just want to buy ornaments that I like. That we like.  So I picked out some multi-color glittery unbreakable balls.  Theo picked out a Darth Vader.  Dexter picked out a Captain Hook.

Our theme is us.  Whatever we like.  Done.  Maybe we will be more sophisticated one day but it’s not looking good.  We have multi-colored lights, after all, and we like them.  So there.

Christmas card tree on the wall.  Since we have no other decorations there.  ðŸ™‚ Why not go all out tacky this year?

Vintage Disney ornaments.

My pinterest-inspired (pinterest fail) hand Santas.

Our beast of a tree.  I’m desperately hoping I have a mantle to decorate before next Fall. And something besides a brass fireplace screen. And some better window treatments. And painted walls. Oh, I could go on for years.

Obligatory bokeh.

Vintage 12 days of Christmas bell decorations – painted by Ryan’s grandmother.

Looking in from the foyer.  Don’t mind the mess.  That’s just life happening.

Ceramic Santa & Reindeer, also painted by Ryan’s grandmother.

Vintage Felt Advent Calendar, made by Ryan’s mom. The boys LOVE choosing an ornament for the tree each day.  It’s become one of their favorite things about the holiday.

A few of my baby ornaments on the old tree (currently in our bedroom).

The tree in our room – just disregard that unfinished paint job.

A few decorations in the boys’ bathroom.

When we chose the color scheme for the boys’ bathroom with a sky blue paint on the walls to compliment the hot air balloon theme, I pictured this exact thing – a sweet snowman shower curtain we could use throughout the winter just for a change of scenery.

Light blue lights on a mini-tree.  I need to find some tiny snowman or snowflake ornaments for it.

Oh, and Dexter talking to Buzz.
xo,
~C~

santa’s little buddies

You guys!?!?  I want to cry when I look at these pictures!

How is it possible for 2 little guys to change SO much in 3 short years?!  For instance…Dexter didn’t even exist (okay, he existed but not on the outside of my body) and now look at this kid who wears big boy unna-wears to the mall when we pick out ornaments and visit Santa.  And don’t even get me started on Theo – he looks like he’s aged 8 years since last December.  Meanwhile, that mall Santa stays about the same.  

We made a big production out of going to the mall and it was a lot of fun.

Checking out the gingerbread house contest.

Checking out the little mermaid…haaay pretty lady!

The line was not long but it was kind of slow moving so the boys were excited to finally talk to Santa!  Theo was the teensiest bit apprehensive this time, wanting me to hold his hand as he walked up to Santa.  He asked Ryan if the parents are ever in the picture.  But he was fine – and told Santa he’d like a whole bunch of Legos and “maybe some key chains or somethin.”  Ha.  Dexter said he’d like a blue candy cane and some blue presents. 

Afterwards, they were given the choice of cookies or ice cream for a special treat and chose….

Ice cream!
At last, it was time to make final decisions for 2013 ornaments and get home to hang them on the tree. 

Picking the perfect spot…

And while we’re on the subject — can anyone solve this mystery:  The Case of the Disappearing LED Christmas Lights.  Evidence A & B:

Not really excited that half the lights on my tree disappear in photos?! WTH…help??

happy, happy –
~C~