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Thursday, December 5, 2013

Slowly adding Christmas in the house . . .


Since 2003, our family has taken a Christmas vacation and not been home for the holidays.


We did very little decorating, holiday baking, or even shopping - our ski trip was the present for everyone.


But, this year, KC is in a new job and has only Christmas Day off so we are home, we are decorating, we are shopping big and I am loving it all.


I am having fun finding Christmas decorations that haven't been out of the attic in a decade.


Each day I am gradually adding more "Christmas" to the house.


For the entry, I stole a chair from the guest room,


added a shell Christmas tree and some cloth candy canes to the entry cabinet.


We put the extension on our dining room table for Thanksgiving and are leaving it on until after Christmas.


Every surface in the dining room received a touch of Christmas.


I am savoring this slow process of bringing Christmas to the house and don't feel rushed.


Today we will put up the lights, Saturday we will cut a tree and I will keep adding a little Christmas each day.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I am joining these fun parties

Sand and Sisal - Christmas Extravaganza

Home Goods Blog - Holiday Home Link Party

The Charm of Home - Home Sweet Home

The Shabby Nest - Frugal Friday

French Country Cottage - Feathered Nest Friday

My Romantic Home- Show and Tell Friday

Imparting Grace - Grace at Home

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson - Share Your Cup Thursday

Rooted in Thyme - Simple & Sweet Fridays

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48 comments:

  1. Terra December 5, 2013 at 11:05 AM

    Each of your Christmas decorations is charming, and that will be fun to cut a tree.

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  2. Elizabeth EdwardsDecember 5, 2013 at 12:14 PM

    i love all your candy canes. so fun!! enjoyable Christmas decor. ( :

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  3. Brenda PruittDecember 5, 2013 at 12:15 PM

    Change is good! And it's looking mighty Christmas-y at your little cottage by the sea. Fun to just putter with the stuff, isn't it?
    Brenda

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  4. My Garden DiariesDecember 5, 2013 at 12:17 PM

    It looks beautiful friend!!! How cool to have taken a trip every year! But how nice to be home this year!! I bet you are getting a kick out of opening the boxes! I am in love with your candy cane on the front door!!! It is perfect!!! Have fun chopping down your tree!!!!

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  5. ~Lavender Dreamer~December 5, 2013 at 12:30 PM

    I love your pretty shell tree and all of your special touches. I'm adding a little every day, too and not getting in a hurry. It's more fun that way, isn't it? Enjoy your afternoon! Hugs!

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  6. Mary@mydogsmygardenandmaryDecember 5, 2013 at 12:38 PM

    Everything looks lovely Carol. How fun it is to decorate and I hate to take it down. I am almost finished once I get someone to get some items put up and taken down in the garage. After following off the ladder and getting a concussion I am not allowed to get on the ladder which is very hard when your decorating. Christmas is my favorite holiday.
    Have a great weekend.
    Mary

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  7. The Quintessential MagpieDecember 5, 2013 at 12:58 PM

    It really looks cute! I love your Christmas things, and that striped candy cane stole my heart and the sign that says, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas". Love it all. Enjoy and savor your time this year! It is fun to decorate.

    xoxoxox

    Sheila

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  8. Acorn to OakDecember 5, 2013 at 1:02 PM

    I love the idea of going on a ski trip over Christmas. I can imagine how fun it is to bring out the decorations after all these years though. Your decorating is looking great!

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  9. Farm Road QuiltsDecember 5, 2013 at 1:33 PM

    Love your decorations. I'm a sucker for candy canes! I think it's the combination of red & white, love it.

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  10. SueDecember 5, 2013 at 1:49 PM

    I want to sneak over and steal your candy cane on the door and by the looks of it from comments, everyone just loves it. All your touches are perfect. Gosh, what a story that you usually go skiing each year and now are home this year; makes it so special to be sharing with you. Can't wait to see your tree. I have to pin your lovely Christmas settings.

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  11. DawnDecember 5, 2013 at 1:49 PM

    Im so excited for you having your daughter home for Christmas:) and I am still amazed by what is in that attic.

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  12. StaceyDecember 5, 2013 at 2:22 PM

    So pretty! I bet you are so excited to be home. We've talked about vacationing at the Christmas holiday before but I don't think we could break with tradition. Your home looks amazing, as always. Love it!

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  13. SusieDecember 5, 2013 at 2:44 PM

    I love your Christmas touches. Your reds just fit right in. Your vacation holiday sounds pretty good... will you miss it terribly? Blessings to all, xoxo,Susie

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  14. AnonymousDecember 5, 2013 at 3:13 PM

    I am in love with the vignette involving alphabet balls - looks so pretty! And your sign, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, just delightful. Sounds like you're having fun getting festive!

    Mary

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  15. Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️December 5, 2013 at 3:13 PM

    I love your candy canes and all your Christmas decorations.

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  16. JunkchiccottageDecember 5, 2013 at 3:31 PM

    Carol,
    It looks beautiful. So happy you will be home for an old fashion kind of Christmas. Enjoy the decorating, baking, shopping, wrapping etc. It goes so quickly enjoy.
    Kris

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  17. Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow December 5, 2013 at 3:32 PM

    It's so festive! I love the glass balls spelling CHrismtas!

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  18. lynneDecember 5, 2013 at 4:17 PM

    How fun to unpack things you haven't seen for so long! It must feel so exciting, like opening presents a little bit? I love your embroidered Santa with the beads.

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  19. MelanieDecember 5, 2013 at 4:46 PM

    How exciting it must be to unpack Christmas decorations that haven't been opened in many years! I bet you didn't even remember what you had! Have fun with all the decorating. :-)

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  20. Vickie @ Ranger 911December 5, 2013 at 4:51 PM

    I love your funky wood candy cane hanging on your red door! So fun!

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  21. chateau chicDecember 5, 2013 at 4:56 PM

    Your home is looking so cheery and festive, Carol! Love all your Christmas touches.
    Mary Alice

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  22. ANNEDecember 5, 2013 at 5:42 PM

    It all looks beautiful!

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  23. Castles Crowns and CottagesDecember 5, 2013 at 6:05 PM

    My dear Carol! WHEW, another wild day on the road. It snowed yesterday, and we shoveled, I almost drove into a tree, it's below zero, but WE LOVE IT!!!!!!!

    So good to see your Christmas décor go up and to know you are staying home, enjoying baking and SHOPPING! OH YEAH!

    Love all the reds. Big hugs to you! Anita

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  24. KathyDecember 5, 2013 at 6:19 PM

    How fun that you are able to take your time with it plus getting to shop your own attic. It is looking beautiful!

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  25. SarahDecember 5, 2013 at 7:09 PM

    What fun! I know your seaside cottage is going to be delightfully dressed for Christmas. Can't wait to see all the details. I had planned to put up our tree this evening. Frustrated with it once I had it out of its box, so think I'll go buy a new one tomorrow. Best laid plans.

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  26. Blondie's JournalDecember 5, 2013 at 7:39 PM

    You really have some fun, festive, cute and beautiful decorations...the full Monty! But you are always so creative, my friend! We are planning to be like Paul Bunyon this year as well, keep your fingers crossed. And enjoy Christmas at home this year!!

    XO,
    Jane

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  27. NanaDianaDecember 5, 2013 at 7:52 PM

    Oh- It all looks just lovely, Carol. I can remember the years we went away and didn't decorate and it wasn't the same. Enjoy every moment of the year! xo Diana

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  28. StacyDecember 5, 2013 at 8:48 PM

    Carol, this is one of my favorite posts of yours. I could feel your nostalgia of Christmas decor you have not seen in years. I think your Christmas star is so perfect for a home by the beach. Merry Christmas!

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  29. cynthia lee designsDecember 5, 2013 at 9:24 PM

    Everything is looking great and so cute!! I've been taking my time decorating too and just enjoying all of it.
    Hugs,
    Cindy

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  30. greenthumbDecember 5, 2013 at 9:50 PM

    It's all looking very pretty at your house, I bet your having lots of fun. We are off on holiday just after Christmas so not much decorating going on at our place.

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  31. Cindy (Applestone Cottage)December 5, 2013 at 11:12 PM

    You have some charming and fun Christmas decor! I love the red of course, and those Santa's~
    Cindy

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  32. francisDecember 6, 2013 at 5:51 AM

    To live the life you have imagened .........
    I read in your sidebar
    I realise I am working on my INSIDE right now
    Whole you are working on the outside
    With all the respect for you being you because I now you share
    The process of WHY and HOW ........
    And there is an INSIDE part with you too.
    I love to follow you !

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  33. PondsideDecember 6, 2013 at 6:18 AM

    It looks like you're off to a good start - everything looks so fresh and welcoming. I'll bet Christmas at your house will be particularly happy this year. Change is good!

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  34. PoppyDecember 6, 2013 at 9:03 AM

    All your little touches of Christmas have charmed an already cheery home. Love your tray of Santa on his horse and the candy cane on the door, so welcoming!

    Poppy

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  35. fiona andersonDecember 6, 2013 at 10:49 AM

    All the reds and greens of Christmas match your house so perfectly, it all looks so pretty. It must be nice getting out all your Christmas bits again, after so long.

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  36. Down by the seaDecember 6, 2013 at 11:45 AM

    I enjoy putting all the decorations slowly, and red and green are always the colours that mean Christmas to me. As always I lovre the way you display all your treasures.
    Sarah x

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  37. Betty December 6, 2013 at 12:03 PM

    I love your christmas decorating. So many pretty things. Are you sure you are not Mrs Claus?

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  38. SharonDecember 6, 2013 at 1:16 PM

    Thanks for visiting my blog! I have enjoyed reading your blog and love your house and holiday decorations.

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  39. Linda @ A La CarteDecember 6, 2013 at 2:53 PM

    Your home is looking very festive! I am enjoying decorating my home this year! So far it seems to be a mess, but I'm hoping after this weekend it is more put together!

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  40. Vicky HuntDecember 7, 2013 at 1:06 PM

    Oh Carol...I love how festive your home is looking. The baskets with the balls spelling Christmas and the big letters spelling joy are my favorites! I love the have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas sign too. I need to make one of those! Have fun decorating and enjoy the season...:) Oh...the ornament exchange post is up, so be sure to link up soon...:)

    Blessings, Vicky
    Life On Willie Mae Lane

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  41. AnonymousDecember 7, 2013 at 2:39 PM

    Love it all- it's looking fab! ♥

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  42. mary scottDecember 7, 2013 at 5:46 PM

    What is Santa Claws bringing Lulu?? Is she enjoying the Christmas decorations? Mary

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  43. LaurieDecember 7, 2013 at 7:49 PM

    So, so cute! You have the touch, girl!

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  44. ReneeDecember 7, 2013 at 9:25 PM

    Everything looks so nice. I like opening boxes and finding the treasures stored in them.

    Have fun decorating and being home for Christmas this year.

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  45. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouseDecember 8, 2013 at 1:44 AM

    I love all the red in your Christmas touches! It looks very festive and happy. I also decorate slowly, a little is added each weekend.

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  46. UnknownDecember 8, 2013 at 12:54 PM

    You are doing a fabulous job....I love it all. I bet it really is like Christmas every time you open up a box that has been stored. I can tell you are having tons of fun.

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  47. JeannaDecember 8, 2013 at 6:09 PM

    It all looks so lovely and "comfortable" Carol... like HOME! II love it :)

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  48. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonDecember 17, 2013 at 4:00 PM

    It certainly is looking wonderful Carol. Warm, cozy, and festive! I love it! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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