Christmas !

Wow - hard to believe that Christmas is less than a week away ! I thought that once I retired all the holiday preparations would be SO easy because I would have SO much more free time - HAH!   Now I wonder how I ever got anything accomplished when I was working.  Each year there are new things I want to try or events I want to host - and before I know it the time gets away from me.  But some things are constant...cookies, decorating, entertaining family and friends, and quiet times enjoying the lights on the tree.   Here are some things I have enjoyed this Christmas season...

Our tree...we put our tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving.   It is a slim line artificial tree and we love the way it looks in our new place.   Seems to have been made for that corner.  This year we added the red ribbon as garland and I think it really makes the tree pop!   Under the tree is my dear Aunt Mamie's "Queen Louise" doll that she received from Santa in 1906 or so.   We had her refurbished and decorate her so she can enjoy sitting under the tree.

Before we downsized and moved to an apartment home we had several wreaths for various doors.  All but this one were donated to charities...this is our favorite.  Dear friends gifted us the Cat's Meow "It's A Wonderful Life" houses several years ago as it is my dear husband's favorite movie.   He worked in banking and always fancied himself to be George Bailey!   Once we had no windowsill that was perfect for the houses I wired them to a wreath, added a bell (for Clarence) and put a rose and some of Zuzu's petals on there, too.   Everyone comments on this wreath - and I love that it is not exposed to the weather so it should last for years.

St. Nicholas watches for visitors in our hall...

The foyer welcomes guests with our photos with Santa from when we were very young...as well as John's certificate that the bells of Bedford Falls rang for him on his 60th birthday.

I gave up on a live poinsettia years ago...this silk one has held up...and I am loving my Mary Poppin's umbrella as we get ready for the new movie!

The powder room door greets visitors...

and our angel keeps watch as well.

I switch out my wine bottle lamp to a holiday version and add some little touches in the kitchen...

And the champagne is ready to pop for guests!

An elf guards the stocking of the mouse in the grandfather clock...

And the Eagles snowmen are asking Santa for another Super Bowl win!

A simple coffee table wreath adds a candle glow...

And my Uncle Joe's cane adds a touch of "Miracle on 34th Street" to our home.

The reason for the season....John's mother's beautiful Nativity set is on display, but the Baby Jesus does not come out until Christmas Eve.

Table is set for a family brunch with cousins...

with a little ornament favor for everyone to take home.

In previous years I would remove everything from the china closet and fill it with Christmas dishes...now I just add a few pieces to make it special!

No "elf on the shelf" in our home...but there are elves watching out all over the place!

Our decorations will stay out until New Years...then we take them down the day after and get ready for a cozy January.

When do you decorate your home ?  How long do you leave the decorations out ?   Whatever your traditions - wishing you a wonderful Merry Christmas !

Thanks for stopping by Our New Vista...please leave a message and God bless !