time to simply enjoy Christmas . . .

I have reached that point in my decorating when I can simply enjoy Christmas.

Lulu thinks I spent way too much time decorating and is quite happy that I am now finished.

Spotting this sign on My Sweet Savannah the other day made me smile because shopping is not part of our Christmas at all this year.

Farolitos on Canyon Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico - 2010

Our family began vacationing for Christmas in 2003, but this year is different because we all agreed to NO PRESENTS.

Homewood, Lake Tahoe - 2009

Time together 

Canyon Road, Christmas Eve - 2010

is our gift to and from one another.

North Star, Lake Tahoe - 2008

And this year, there will be 6 of us instead of 4 - we leave for Kauai in 10 days !!!!

With no need to hit the stores or shop on-line, there has been a lot of tweaking the decorations and using up supplies.

This quilt I made 35 years ago has seen better days and it was cut up for projects inspired by all the Christmas ideas on Pinterest, blogs and Instagram.

I have always wanted to make stockings out of old quilts

and now I have finally done so.

Little stockings are hanging here and there around the house

and tucked into a little tree in the entry.

The last bits of drop cloth 

were sewn into ornaments that will be mailed off tomorrow to a friend.

The making is done - the sewing machine is put away until 2016.

Decorating is complete 

and now I just need to take pictures for the Creating Christmas Link Party hosted by Jann of Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson.

Check out Day 1 of the link party at 

Tea Time With Trina

Day 2 is hosted by Cecilia of My Thrift Store Addiction.

Cozy Little House Holiday Party
..  ..  ..  ..  ..  .. .. ..  ..  ..  

I posted the pic of Lulu with her ball on Facebook

and my neighbor altered it a bit!