Friday, December 12, 2014

it's a million tiny little things . . .


Welcome to our home, the fifth and final home on the Creating Christmas link party at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson.


You were invited to a White Christmas at Lynn's home, a Rustic Christmas at Alice's home, a Thrifted Christmas at Cecilia's home, a Vintage Christmas at Jann's home and now a Sweet & Simple Christmas at my home.


As I took pictures for this post, I thought about why I love Christmas and a line from Sleepless In Seattle came to mind.


Tom Hanks' character is explaining what was so special about his wife and he said, "It was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, they meant that we were supposed to be together . . . "


Christmas to me is "a million tiny little things" . . .


it's my grandmother's school slate from the late 1800's-  the slate is always out at our house with a seasonal message written on it . . .


it's the cross stitch I worked on in the hospital for 5 days while my father was dying at Thanksgiving 18 years ago - I finished it and hung it on the wall in his memory that first Christmas, and every year since . . .


it's favorite books including a copy of "Christmas Is Love" given to me 50 years ago by girlfriends for my birthday - those same friends visited us for a little reunion last June . . .


it's the different Advent calendars I lovingly create each year even though my children are now adults . . .


it's decorating the mantel with stockings I knitted for the family 10 years ago . . .


it's a 1927 edition of "A Christmas Carol" - it belonged to my Aunt Kay as a child and she gave it to me because I was to be my mother's Christmas Carol - I arrived a month early! . . .


it's the Maileg toys I have coveted for a few years and finally found to decorate our house this year . . .


it's a live Christmas tree (we hope will grow a little each year) decorated with ornaments collected over the 45 Christmases Steve and I have shared . . .


and it's a primitive little stocking I made the other night - I try to create a few new items each Christmas.


So, come on in and try to spot some of the "million little things" that make Christmas special for the Cooks.


This year we went with an artificial "pencil" tree because we wanted tall and skinny.


I love the view of the tree looking from the living room through the dining room.


In past years I have draped greenery all over the house, but in keeping it simple, the dining room is the only spot with greenery on the window.


This shot really shows the contrast between the dining room that just got a fresh coat of white paint and the living room that is still waiting for its makeover from yellow to white.


The living room is simply decorated this year and doesn't look overcrowded now that we put the tree in the entryway.


Because we essentially live in an art gallery, the art work doesn't represent Christmas - Steve offered to change the painting over the fireplace, but I love it and I don't care that it isn't "Christmasy".


In past years, every flat surface in the living room was covered with Christmas decor


and it actually started out that way this year, but I took a lot of stuff back up to the attic opting for a sparser look.


Our little cottage is simply decorated with little things we love and now we can focus on the fun of Christmas - parties, goodies, family . . .

Now it is your turn to share.

Please link up your Simple Christmas or one of those "million little things" that makes Christmas special at your house.

The link party will remain open until December 19 and don't forget to link up at all the other homes too!

And, regarding the word verification that is now appearing on so many blogs, I was just informed that you can just ignore it and hit publish- good to know.



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61 comments:

  1. I love your house. The colors, the sentiments, the things you choose, and Steve's art make it pretty darn special!

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  2. I have really enjoyed following along on instagram and seeing all of your gorgeous Christmas decorations. You did a great job and I hope you have a wonderful holiday and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
    Julie at Julie's Lifestyle

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  3. Thank you for such a sweet, sentimental and beautiful tour of the treasures and "tiny things," which make your Christmas so special and heartfelt. Everything is lovely and so very, very pretty!
    Merry Christmas,
    Jemma

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  4. I love what you have done here, Carol. It's so special: the sentiments and the decor. I love the light that comes through the window in the dining room. And Steve's paintings look Christmas to me in S. California. Beautiful.

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  5. Oh Carol, this post touched my heart. You made me tear up with all the beautiful treasures you have collected through the years. Your grandmother's school slate, the book your aunt gave you and that special embroidery piece you hang up every year in honor of your dad. So beautiful. Thank you for sharing. Happy weekend my dear friend.

    ❤️Ana

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  6. Oh, I just love this post, Carol, with all of the fond memories as we get to tour your Christmas home!
    And please don't forget...I have first dibs on that red scale is you ever decide you're tired of it. :-)))
    Mary Alice

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  7. All the little Christmas details in your home are just beautiful! But, that's no surprise...your home is always beautifully decorated and so YOU. That's what makes a house a home!Will be linking up later today.

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  8. I can't even begin to tell you what part of this post that I like the best. I love it all, especially your memories and that chalk slate! How exciting! Hope to be able to participate after this weekend with a whirlwind of activities is over!

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  9. Your home is so charming decorated for Christmas. I like a "less is more look" with holiday decor anyway. I love all the sentimental pieces and the stories behind them in your home. That's truly what Christmas is about.

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  10. Carol, there's a million little reasons why I love this post! Grannies chalkboard, your Maileg elves, sweet Advent calendar, and I could go on and on! Each one of you have brought so much to this party! I could not have asked for a better group of fabulous girls! Love every single picture! Simple and Sweet is Simply Sweet!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  11. All pretty! Follow you on instagram, but just realized I wasn't following your blog - now I am :-)

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  12. Oh Carol, I would enter, but my little bit of decorating is just not even in the ball park. Your home says Christmas in such a soft and delightful way and it says it in every little nook and cranny. I admire your amazing ability to rearrange your home from season to season and from event to event. Why Country Home Magazine hasn't done a spread on your home is beyond me, but then maybe it has and I just don't know it :) Thank you for this lovely tour . . . of all of your home tours this year, yours is my favorite.
    God bless and Merry Christmas.
    Connie :)

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  13. Carol I loved looking at all your million tiny things… each one so meaningful. What a beautiful cross stitch in honor of your father. What a memory for you. And I love your pencil tree. It all looks so cheerful, be achy but just full of the Christmas spirit. Well done!

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  14. Carol, Love your Christmas tree. Merry Christmas!

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  15. Such a lovely post Carol! I love how inviting your home is, but not overwhelming. It's so light an bright and fresh. Lovely Christmas memories too. I've been decorating this week, but need to take pics in daylight on the weekend so I'll be back to link up.

    Thanks for the heads up on the Word Verification thing. It's been popping up everywhere, but for some reason not on my blog or some others I know. Not sure what's up with that.

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  16. You have some wonderful mementos in your collections. You have put them all together in a wonderful way. I especially love the crisp but cozy look of your living room. Always have. So cozy and beautiful.

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  17. I love your 'sparse' look ~ some places are horrible because they are over-done. Yours is Just Right!
    I especially like the slate, and the wall hanging ~

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  18. So so cute and cheery. You know I love all that red and white.

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  19. I love your Whoville style tree! Everything is lovely! xo Jen

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  20. Your home is enchanting. I'm sure visitors feel their spirits lighten the minute they enter. Lucky them.

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  21. I love all of your million different items which all flow together for a perfect Christmas display! Blessings to you Carol!

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  22. Okay, Carol, you know your California cottage by the sea is already cute, every single day, but I have to say, your home at Christmas time is such a sweet and simple festive treat!

    Poppy

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  23. Carol, I loved your list of all the little things and your house looks wonderful and festive!

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  24. Your cottage looks so pretty all decorated for the holidays. I love when the stories are told behind the items. Simple is good and I tried it this year, but it gets away from me since I have SO much stuff! I loved your festive and clean look! I like the painting above the fireplace!

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  25. Oh, your home is indeed filled with wonderful little things Carol. I just adore your Xmas books and maileg toys, as well as your handmade items. But my favorite is that cross-stitch you made in memory of your father. Precious.

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  26. It's always the little things that are the most important. Your home is such a treasure trove full of special memories. Thanks for sharing your home tour with us.

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  27. Carol, your home is so bright and happy and you've decorated it to perfection with your signature colors! Thank you so much for sharing your holiday home tour with us!
    ~Vickie

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  28. Carol, I love all your pictures. It is a million little things . I love your grandmother's slate, your cross stitched wall hanging you made with your father....Blessings xoxo,Susie

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  29. Carol, this has to be one of my favorite posts of the season! The words and photos of a 'million' little things that mean Christmas. I also love the sparser look and think maybe next year I might do that. At times I think my decor is too cluttered. Such sweet vignettes and moments to enjoy in your home! Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
    hugs,
    Linda

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  30. Carol, Oh goodness everything looks so charming and inviting. I never get tired of coming over to your cottage to see what fabulous things you have done. The Maileg toys are adorable and I just may have to ask Santa for one to start a collection - they are so cute I would not want to put them away after Christmas.

    Wishing you and your family a Joyous Holiday Season and Peace, Prosperity and Happiness in the New Year. So thankful that you are well.
    Blessings, Erin

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  31. I love all of your family pieces that have been passed down through the years. Your home looks festive and cozy! Merry Christmas, Cecilia

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  32. Lovely lovely lovely... so pretty and warm and sweet and simple. Love your display. xox

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  33. Carol, that's one of my favorite lines from the movie. Actually, the movie is one of my all time favorites! '-)
    Your cottage is perfect as I knew it would be. It always is, but love the special million touches. You have sentimental Christmas touches. The same is important to me too. Our ornaments are ones collected through the years, though now that we put up a smaller tree, there isn't room to pull all of them out of their boxes. ;-(
    Thanks for sharing your home. Always a distinct delight!
    Happy Holidays!

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  34. Your home looks so inviting! I love the cottage feeling you have created! and your windows are perfect!! That sweet cross stitch holds some wonderful memories....very special! Merry Christmas!

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  35. Your home is so perfect. Cozy, cute, with such wonderful memories. I like the idea of tiny things being what your Christmas is about. Isn't that the truth. I decorated very simply this year. With our house on the market and leaving for the holidays, but I like it that way. Just a little here and there. Thanks for sharing.

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  36. Oh Carol, your home is so lovely and I love all the million little things. All your decorations are wonderful.
    I am so glad that you are feeling better.
    Mary

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  37. Oh Carol I am loving your Christmas Decor Tour. So pretty and I love that you have so many wonderful memory treasures of family and friends. How special is that. So not only can you look at all the pretty items in your decor they all have fond memories attached. So pretty Carol.
    Kris

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  38. A million little things, yes, and as many reasons why I love this post! Such a warm, inviting home you have Carol, and thank you for sharing it with us.

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  39. Love your home all decorated for Christmas! Everything is so pretty!!
    ~Cindy

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  40. I loved this post Carol, and you're absolutely right, it is a million tiny things that make Christmas so special. For me it's the look on my granddaughter's faces as they create something to hang on the tree, and now that they're getting bigger, the desire to make gifts for their family. So many other things of course, but time spent with crafting with them for this special time will always bring precious memories. I adore the simple look that you've opted for this year. Your home looks warm, welcoming, and festive.

    Merry Christmas to you and your family.

    Judi in the UK

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  41. i love your memory filled christmas cottage, carol:) the story about being your mother's christmas carol is so charming! sweet pencil tree and i wouldn't change out the mantle artwork either:) the knitted stocking are adorable--you are so talented! i can't knit, but, your prim stocking is something i'd like to make, so cute!
    merry, merry christmas to you!

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  42. Good morning dear one. I am very late since I went out to dinner with friends after school yesterday, but here I am to ENJOY EVERY CORNER of your cottage. The primary colors at the entrance, the tiny treasures, the love that shines through all your measured placements. THOSE MAILEG TOYS! I LOVE THEM! I just saw them on another Scandinavian blog (LOVE!) and I think toys make a Christmas home so special. I have toy horses around my house, donning bell wreaths!

    Sweet Carol, you are a joy to know. Anita

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  43. LOVE your beautiful decorations. A lovely delight everywhere I look. So many small touches that add just the right amount of love, cozy, and home.
    I love it!
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  44. Hi Carol, Your home is simply wonderful filled with the love of Christmas. Each and every special touch really speaks to the heart of your home and the love you pour into it. So enjoyed the tour and wishing you a special Christmas.
    Hugs

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  45. Your home is incredibly welcoming and is indeed full of a million ‘special’ things. The larger of the two Night before Christmas books looks beautiful. I've not seen that version before. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, Barbara.

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  46. I love seeing all of your Christmas memories and collectibles. Happy Christmas to you Carol!

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  47. Love your festive house at Christmas.

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  48. Everything looks wonderful, and I love all the meaningful decorations you have out! That little primitive stocking stole my heart!! :)
    Susan

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  49. I just love your decorations and that they have a special meaning for you. I also love your red door and blue trim. These are the colors I'm thinking of using on our home at the lake. Seeing yours, well, it's confirmed. Merry Christmas from your SC friend!

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  50. I have really enjoyed seeing all of your special decorations, the things that have meaning to you. Your cottage is so cute - love your pencil tree and how you can see it throughout your rooms. Such a sweet post!

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  51. Simply...I LOVE YOUR HOUSE. Your choice of colors, your style, all of it.

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  52. In the end it's usually the little things that matter most and that we remember most fondly. You have a lovely collection of beautiful little touches that create a beautiful effect.

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  53. Love all your cheery Christmas decor, but even more than that, I love the stories behind some of them. So special! It is so much more meaningful when there is a story or memory attached to the things we surround ourselves with. Have a beautiful Sunday Carol!

    Hugs, Vicky

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  54. Carol! I loved every single one of your million little things! Touched my heart and made me smile! Each one is so very pretty and has such meaning. And your door looks just too pretty with that candy cane!!! Wishing you a festive weekend friend! Nicole xoxo

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  55. You have outdone yourself, it all looks fantastic and so festive. Love the pencil tree, they are great for small space. Have a wonderful Christmas.

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  56. Wow! Your home needs to be in a magazine. So many gorgeous things! Have a very merry Christmas xx

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  57. Aw….I do love your sweet Christmas decor, and I enjoyed the tour! Your cottage is so cheerful at Christmas. :D

    Adorable vignettes, my friend! Merry Christmas!

    xo,
    RJ

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  58. Your Christmas home tour is my favorite this year, Carol. Your post telling the memories behind your decorations touched my heart and brought a tear to my eye. Your little cottage is so full of love, and that's what Christmas is all about. Thank you for the lovely tour, and Happy Holidays!

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  59. The Cottage looks so welcoming and festive. I love that you collected the decor over the year and that each is linked to a memory.

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