Monday, December 3, 2012

Christmas at our Home

Our Christmas Tree 2012
For those who have followed my blog for several years,  you know how much I love Christmas...  I love decorating inside and outside.  I  am not an elegant person (never have been---never will be)----so my decorations are just things that we love... Many are little things which someone made at one time... To me,  decorations bring back memories---and Christmas is all about MEMORIES....

Today,  I will share some of the little decorations around our house now.  The picture above is our tree.   When George and I got married in 2001,  one tradition that we started was sharing some ornaments with each other... That tradition has continued ---and as you can tell,  our tree is FULL of lots and lots of ornaments we have give to each other.   (George says that we need a new tree --or a bigger one--- IF we get many more ornaments on it.... ha ha )

All of these pictures were taken on Dec. 2, 2012.  Be sure to click on the photos for enlargements.  Hope you enjoy seeing some of Christmas at OUR Home!!!




See the little log cabin on the left?  That was a gift that I gave George the first year we were married.   Before we bought this house,  we talked about owning a log cabin somewhere....  My dream was to be in a log cabin somewhere on a mountain in winter during a big snow storm!!!!! WELL-----we got more practical and bought this little home here in Fairfield Glade...  That little tiny log cabin (pictured above) is our ONLY log cabin!!!!!!! ha ha

AND---NOTE the big snowball next to the log cabin.... That was a gift from a friend when she and her family lived in Colorado.  It is a Colorado Snowball!!!!!  (This is the kind of Christmas decorations I LOVE.  Like I said,  you won't find ELEGANT here!!!)




I collect ANGELS ---and have quite a collection.  The picture above is one of my little Sweetie Angels.  Isn't she adorable????




The angels I have collected more recently are the WILLOW ANGELS... You can see some of them in my new header picture at the top of the page.   I have a total of 12 Willows now---and love them all... Here is a picture of some of my other angels---including the Willows.   I love all of my angels ---and have so much fun getting them out this time of year.




We love our Nativity.  This set came from George's family.   It proudly sits on our coffee table --reminding everyone what the real meaning of Christmas is.  (Behind the creche is a tiny tree with candy canes,  and also some candles...  I love candles at Christmas also!)




Since we don't have a mantel,  George and I hang our stockings on a bookcase.... Wonder if Santa will fill my stocking this year?????  Have I been naughty or nice????? Hmmmmm.




I love wreaths... I think I have about 6 different wreaths... Four are outside;  another one is on the front door;  and the one above hangs over our fireplace.




There are many more 'pretties' to show ---but I'll stop today,  and share only one other photo.   This shows a little more of our Living Room  (which is really a large Great Room ---Living/Dining combined).  You can imagine that one of my favorite things to do is to sit in my recliner with a roaring fire going in the fireplace ----enjoying the Christmas tree and Christmas music..... What a LIFE!!!!!!

Hope you can relax and enjoy this Advent season as much as I do.

Hugs,
Betsy
at

74 comments:

  1. Ms. ADecember 3, 2012 at 4:07 AM

    Everything looks beautiful! Could you send me just a tad of your Christmas spirit? I need some!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousDecember 3, 2012 at 4:25 AM

    It's very pretty, Betsy. I always look forward to the ornaments you and George exchange each Christmas. The Nativity, angels, etc. are all so very special. I would love to sit by the fire and watch the birds outside with you two!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousDecember 3, 2012 at 4:31 AM

    Betsy, your Christmas spirit shows in the beautiful way you decorate your lovely home.

    Your collections are magnificent!
    Hugs and smiles across the miles :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Devilish AngelDecember 3, 2012 at 4:34 AM

    Lovely...

    ReplyDelete
  5. JeevanDecember 3, 2012 at 4:40 AM

    Wow! Your Christmas tree looks wonderful and there is nothing perfect, so the best we can do is worth. All these items are pretty and cute... l liked looking into your living room. I hope it feel warm inside. Neat decorations Betsy, that’s what I love here :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. SnapDecember 3, 2012 at 5:20 AM

    Always fun to *visit* you in December and see all your decorations! Enjoy the recliner and fireplace!

    ReplyDelete
  7. SharonDecember 3, 2012 at 5:24 AM

    We always seems to have so much in common and such similar ways of looking at things. I, too, have not an ounce of fancy in me. Had to laugh as we have a similar creche on our coffee table from Bill's early childhood. One of the sheep is missing half its head. Bill's mom always laughs saying she doesn't know who it ate it - Bill or the dog!! (I'm anxious for your input on my blog picture saga discussed in today's post. I want to know how you do things.)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Elizabeth EdwardsDecember 3, 2012 at 5:39 AM

    you have quite a collection of angels. so cute. i love Christmas too. all the colors & bright moments. so great!! thank you for sharing with us. have a great week. ( :

    ReplyDelete
  9. Arkansas PattiDecember 3, 2012 at 5:44 AM

    I do love your Christmas posts best Betsy, partly since I don't get to decorate (cats and decorations don't mix) but get to enjoy yours. What I enjoy the most is how personal your decorations are and the memories attached. Just beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Debbie JonesDecember 3, 2012 at 5:48 AM

    Oh, I love the way you have decorated your home! Our tree usually looks much like yours with lots of lovely, eclectic, memorable ornaments. This year, we have had to "down-size" Christmas a bit - decoration-wiseas I explained in my blog post of yesterday. Enjoy this wonderful season! You have a lovely home!

    ReplyDelete
  11. pamDecember 3, 2012 at 6:34 AM

    It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. FlowerLady LorraineDecember 3, 2012 at 6:40 AM

    So joyous and beautiful.

    Happy Holidays ~ FlowerLady

    ReplyDelete
  13. DonnaDecember 3, 2012 at 7:05 AM

    It all looks festive and pretty! I agree - what a life!

    ReplyDelete
  14. ConnieDecember 3, 2012 at 7:05 AM

    Your home and decorations all look so lovely, Betsy! Yes, it is the memories connected with those decorations that mean the most! That is how it is in our home too.

    ReplyDelete
  15. HolleyGardenDecember 3, 2012 at 7:05 AM

    Oh, I loved seeing your Christmas decorations! Love the tree stuffed with so many decorations - to me that is a beautiful tree. The fact that it is filled with memories makes it special. And the willow angels in your header are adorable. I'm glad you're getting to sit back and enjoy the season.

    ReplyDelete
  16. TaborDecember 3, 2012 at 7:09 AM

    Joyfulness does not need elegance to be filled with Joy!

    ReplyDelete
  17. From the KitchenDecember 3, 2012 at 7:32 AM

    Lovely! So far my home looks like Scrooge lives here but not for long!!

    Best,
    Bonnie

    ReplyDelete
  18. eileeninmdDecember 3, 2012 at 7:36 AM

    Betsy, your decorations and tree are beautiful. You do not have to be fancy at all, what counts the most is all the lovely memories your ornaments hold. Enjoying your tree and a roaring fire sounds perfect to me. Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  19. linda mDecember 3, 2012 at 7:49 AM

    Very pretty, Betsy. I love your decorations and yes, you will need a larger tree soon. Your angel collection is great - I collect snowmen.

    ReplyDelete
  20. RandyDecember 3, 2012 at 7:50 AM

    Just FABULOUS, Betsy! Isn't it just a flood of memories every time you open one of those Christmas storage boxes? It always amazes me how a single ornament can transport you through the years to another time and make you relive everything all over again. I get swept up on visions every time I decorate for Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Auntie sezzzzzz...December 3, 2012 at 7:54 AM

    Lovely! One of the nice things about this Season is... That it prompts bloggers to give us peeks into their homes. I just love that!

    To/for me, blogging has to contain peeks onto my blogging friend's "nests." Silly maybe, but so. :-)))

    ReplyDelete
  22. MadSnapperDecember 3, 2012 at 8:02 AM

    Santa will be pleased when he comes to your house to fill those stockings, you are so festive and ready. a beautiful tree and i like the big white angel

    ReplyDelete
  23. MTWagginDecember 3, 2012 at 8:45 AM

    Betsy, I knew we were kindred spirits! I don't like the "decorator type" Christmas stuff, I too love and use the things that have meaning to me (my tree when put up is all handmade ornaments). That nativity brings back memories, I wonder how many gazillions of those figures were sold back in the day ours looked just like those and my Mom still uses them to this day.

    ReplyDelete
  24. TexWisGirlDecember 3, 2012 at 8:49 AM

    i've not gotten anything out yet. :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. BethDecember 3, 2012 at 8:50 AM

    Oh, what a gorgeous tree, Betsy! (I'm not into "fancy" either---we still have a bedraggled toilet paper roll Santa that Ariel made in kindergarten on our tree!) I particularly love your creche---it is so beautiful.

    By the way, sorry I haven't "visited" for a while. A houseful at Thanksgiving and other things kept me away from blogs. Glad to be back!

    ReplyDelete
  26. imacDecember 3, 2012 at 9:37 AM

    Nice deco there my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  27. LynnDecember 3, 2012 at 9:37 AM

    So lovely Betsy. Such a beautiful tree. Your wonderful warmth as a person is personified all through your lovely home, especially at Christmas. Thank you for sharing. As I sip my tea, makes me smile cause I can truly picture where you home is, the mountains all around you in the distance, your beautiful deck outside, the yard etc and all the coziness you and George have together, inside. Merry Christmas Betsy. I love saying that, so I start Dec 1st!

    ReplyDelete
  28. LynnDecember 3, 2012 at 9:42 AM

    BTW I forgot to say that I believe you are elegant when situation calls for elegance. No one could have looked at the pictures of you and George at Jeff and Dawn's lovely wedding and thought anything other than, "elegance".
    Have never seen a more radiant, elegant mother of the groom, my dear friend.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Big DudeDecember 3, 2012 at 9:46 AM

    Here you are all decorated and we're still trying to decide what to do.

    ReplyDelete
  30. joyDecember 3, 2012 at 10:15 AM

    Wow! It is beautiful for me. I collect angels too . Ibam going to decorate my christmas tree next week end:)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Fun60December 3, 2012 at 10:25 AM

    There is no mistaking what festival is fast approaching in your house. It looks wonderful - just overflowing with Christmas spirit.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Debbie TaillieuDecember 3, 2012 at 10:25 AM

    Thank you so much for the tour of your Christmas Home!! I love seeing all the beautiful decorations! If I were there in persone I would still be stopping at each of your collections and admiring them, hopefully with a hot cup of peppermint cocoa in my hand, sipping while you tell me every story behind each piece! I love doing that! hahaha!
    Merry Christmas to you and George!
    I will post a picture of my tree on FB for you!
    Hugs!
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  33. Sylvia KDecember 3, 2012 at 10:31 AM

    I know it will be a wonderful and very Merry Christmas for you both!! Looks like the perfect place to kick back in a comfortable chair with that roaring fire and appreciate the moment -- all of them!! Beautiful, delightful decorations, Betsy!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Ginny HartzlerDecember 3, 2012 at 10:38 AM

    I love it ALL, especially seeing your whole beautiful living room! The header is just divine!!! Do you keep your angels all together like this or is this group just for the picture? Woe is us, no tree this year!!! The cats chew the lights, and I mean CHEW with their back molars! Well, they are my Christmas gift and better than a tree, to rescue three beautiful cats I am happy.

    ReplyDelete
  35. UnknownDecember 3, 2012 at 10:41 AM

    Beautiful decorations Betsy, it looks nice and cozy. The angels are adorable, I also love the Willow Tree Angel's. That christmas tree is lovely, with all the ornaments..very pretty. Have a great day.

    Hugs,
    Eva

    ReplyDelete
  36. Latane BartonDecember 3, 2012 at 10:48 AM

    Hey, Betsy, I am right with you.... sitting there enjoying the fire and maybe a cup of hot chocolate. Beautiful pictures today.

    ReplyDelete
  37. HappyKDecember 3, 2012 at 11:00 AM

    Your tree is huge and beautiful!!!

    ReplyDelete
  38. DeniseinVADecember 3, 2012 at 11:00 AM

    Your decorations are wonderful Betsy, and I love your collections. Your angel header photo is very special.

    ReplyDelete
  39. ChristineDecember 3, 2012 at 11:05 AM

    All your decorations are so pretty Betsy. Love all your little angels. I bet Santa will fill your stocking too!

    ReplyDelete
  40. AnonymousDecember 3, 2012 at 11:38 AM

    Those lovely ornaments hold feelings - and that makes them the best ornaments ever!

    ReplyDelete
  41. CarlettaDecember 3, 2012 at 11:51 AM

    Your post has helped put me in the Christmas spirit!
    I'm amazed at your Christmas tree. It is filled!!! Very lush looking.

    I did my tree yesterday and need to put up just a few more decorations in the living room.
    I do wish I could have a roaring fire like yours but today our temps should be above 70 degrees. NOT very Christmaslike!

    ReplyDelete
  42. SusannahDecember 3, 2012 at 11:59 AM

    So wonderful for you to enjoy!!! Everything looks so festive and it is nice that some things mean so much to you. I have some of my great grandmother's ornaments. They are so precious to me. Enjoy your fireplace and your tree and I hope this month is wonderful for you and George.

    ReplyDelete
  43. NellieDecember 3, 2012 at 12:56 PM

    Very pretty, Betsy. Now, I need to get busy around here! I have begun, but have slowed down a bit. It's time for me to pick up some speed. xo Nellie

    ReplyDelete
  44. Lisa @ Two Bears FarmDecember 3, 2012 at 1:23 PM

    I love your decorations Betsy, and your tree is beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  45. nannyDecember 3, 2012 at 1:34 PM

    Oh Betsy, your decorations are just the kind I like!! Filled with memories.

    I love you header and the Willow Angels. Aren't they wonderful.

    I always buy an ornament when we go somewhere and they are my favorites. I love to hang them and dream about where I bought them.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Rose ~ from OzDecember 3, 2012 at 1:47 PM

    I love your Christmas header too - its beautiful.
    Yours and Georges tradition when you were married of the ornaments is truly beautiful.
    May I borrow the idea? and suggest it to my dear friend who is getting married 2 weeks before Christmas at 12 noon on the 12/12/12.
    x

    ReplyDelete
  47. Small City ScenesDecember 3, 2012 at 2:18 PM

    I do love your decorations, Betsy. It is getting me in the mood. I do belong to a small homemade Christmas card swap so I have been doing that. Bob is going to put up some outside lights. Just for his Lady he said. Isn't that sweet. I have never had outside lights--ever.

    Beautiful and whimsical header. MB

    ReplyDelete
  48. CatherineDecember 3, 2012 at 2:44 PM

    Your house looks terrific Betsy! Love your tree! Ah yes, decorations and Christmas music. Tis the season! Hope you are having a good one my friend.
    xo Catherine

    ReplyDelete
  49. KayDecember 3, 2012 at 3:08 PM

    Your tree is beautiful

    ReplyDelete
  50. Ruth HiebertDecember 3, 2012 at 3:08 PM

    The tree,decorations and indeed the whole room looks so inviting and cozy.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Linda at To Behold The BeautyDecember 3, 2012 at 3:25 PM

    I don't believe I've ever seen a more decorated tree. And I'll takey "homey" over "elegant" any day. :)

    ReplyDelete
  52. Anni December 3, 2012 at 3:27 PM

    Oh how I love the angel...the soft sculptured one above the Willow Angels. I have one only of the Willow...holding a little red bird.

    Anyway, I love collections, I would bet your Angel Collection is out of this world [no pun intended].

    And I see your fireplace...I have a mantel, bu actually no place to hang stocking from it...so, I took the small wire ornament hangers and put them in through the loop of the stocking and slowly and gently pushed it in the seam of the wood on the mantel...it works and no scarring of the wood. Maybe you can do the same with your wood slats?!! \\\\ <- put the thin ornament wire between the slats? Just a thought ---

    Have a great week Betsy...
    from Anni @ Hootin' Anni's AND I'd Rather B Birdin.

    ReplyDelete
  53. WendyDecember 3, 2012 at 4:15 PM

    What a lovely home you have, full of meaningful decorations. Who needs elegant?
    I love your angels, especially the one that looks like a hugable doll (the big one).

    Nice fireplace - so cozy and inviting. Happy decorating!

    ReplyDelete
  54. AnnDecember 3, 2012 at 5:59 PM

    All of your decorations are so nice Betsy. I don't do elegant either...lol
    I have also had a little dream about living in a log cabin but I don't believe a snow storm was in my dream.

    ReplyDelete
  55. BethDecember 3, 2012 at 6:33 PM

    So welcoming. I can picture myself curled up in your living room with something warm to drink and talking and laughing with you!

    Love your header.

    I see some angels in that one photo that are just like some I have. I too love my angel collection; I leave some out year round.

    Sorry I haven't been here much, but I really appreciate when you stop by. Blessings dear betsy!♥b

    ReplyDelete
  56. AndreaDecember 3, 2012 at 7:16 PM

    Happy Christmas Betsy, yes you are very blessed! I remember the wide angle shot of your house from outside with those decorations on the doors and walls. That means i have been following you for years! Well, that header now is gorgeous too! Enjoy your music and decors and talks with the Sr Hiker and have total fun!

    ReplyDelete
  57. DorothyDecember 3, 2012 at 7:38 PM

    Your Tree and decorations are beautiful! May your Christmas be joyous and perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  58. RoseDecember 3, 2012 at 7:58 PM

    I enjoyed seeing your decorations....

    ReplyDelete
  59. carolina nanaDecember 3, 2012 at 8:46 PM

    Beautiful decorations and your angels are so pretty !
    I am behind with all my decorating because of the flu/cold/crud or what ever I've had for the past week but got a lot more done today so hopefully I'll have it all done by the end of this week.
    It feels funny decorating for Christmas in 70 degree weather,now I know what it's like to have be in Florida at Christmas time !!
    Blessings
    Marilyn

    ReplyDelete
  60. ShugDecember 3, 2012 at 8:53 PM

    gorgeous tree Betsy....So very pretty...I just love all the ornaments! reminds me of the tree we had at home when I was young.
    Big Hugs,
    shug

    ReplyDelete
  61. Cheryl @ TFDDecember 3, 2012 at 10:59 PM

    Love your tree! I haven't put up ours yet...all these cats, yikes! I don't know how it'll work this year, but I'm gonna give it a try as soon as I work up the courage. Our ornaments aren't elegant, either, but things I've collected over the years and even a few from my kids childhood. Memories are more import than elegant, imho!
    The Willow Angels are special and I loved the little cabin, too. Your house looks festive and pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiDecember 3, 2012 at 11:00 PM

    Tour tree and other Christmas decorations look beautiful, Betsy! I love collecting meaningful Christmas tree ornaments and I think I can remember where I bought or was given each and every onnament on my tree. Everything is already packed away this year for our move, but I am enjoying seeing Christmas on everyone's blogs!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Small KucingDecember 4, 2012 at 12:31 AM

    Your tree looks so majestic. :)

    gosh...am not eyeing the ornaments in the photos but am admiring your bookshelves.....Both of you must love to read a lot.

    ReplyDelete
  64. MaryDecember 4, 2012 at 9:26 AM

    Your tree is beautiful! What a lot of angels to watch over you :-) Relax and enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  65. JeanneDecember 4, 2012 at 11:11 AM

    I love your decorating style and Christmas spirit! I have started a Willow Angels collection too and love them! Thanks for the tour! Your tree is beautiful and I too love using ornaments with meaning. I have quite a collection and could probably decorate a few trees!

    ReplyDelete
  66. AnonymousDecember 4, 2012 at 1:43 PM

    I love your header image, Betsy.

    I have a pair of Willow Angels called 'Sisters' There are two girls with extended hands that you can put together or separate.

    ReplyDelete
  67. A Colorful WorldDecember 4, 2012 at 1:46 PM

    It's a Wonderful Life...indeed! :-) Love all of your sweet decorations! The nativity scene reminds me of mine. There's a little story behind it and I will likely post it when I can. The tree is gorgeous! Wow! You really are getting me into the spirit!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Rose ~ from OzDecember 4, 2012 at 2:35 PM

    Hi Betsy, you're a honey - you've given me hope that this may be "the best thing to happen to me" too! I'm going to hang on to that.
    Hugs
    Rose

    ReplyDelete
  69. Terry and LindaDecember 4, 2012 at 4:08 PM

    I love Christmas also, Betsy! Seeing some of your decorations made me go...oh I have some of those, or this or that! My tree this year is full of 'memory' ornaments and even an old string of the old type of lightbulbs. Made me cry a couple of times as some of my ornaments have come from people who are now passed. Made me miss them all over again.

    Linda
    http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
    http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

    ¸.•*¨*•♪♫♫♪Merry Christmas to you ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥
    ˜”*°•.˜”*°•.˜”*°•.★★.•°*”˜.•°*”˜.•°*”˜”

    ReplyDelete
  70. Gardener on Sherlock StreetDecember 4, 2012 at 5:27 PM

    It looks great. Very happy!

    ReplyDelete
  71. NealDecember 4, 2012 at 6:43 PM

    Gorgeous....you really do love decorating don't you.

    ReplyDelete
  72. Chatty CroneDecember 4, 2012 at 7:48 PM

    The tour of your home has been lovely, but I knew it would be. It's just beautiful where ever you turn. And I love your tree. And your stockings - I bet you have been a good girl!
    sandie

    ReplyDelete
  73. Busy Bee SuzDecember 5, 2012 at 10:48 AM

    Your home is a pretty as a picture {perfect Christmas!}!
    Love it all. Your angels are so precious.
    XOXO

    ReplyDelete
  74. RohrerbotDecember 9, 2012 at 1:02 PM

    Lots of pretty colors! Love your tree. Full and full of holiday spirit. Happy Holidays!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting my blog... Your comments mean so much to me... I have had to put on 'comment moderation' (due to spam comments)... Sorry about that --but I do read your comments and LOVE them.