Our 2018 Cozy Christmas Home Tour

Updated 12.2.22

Is it just me or has this year just whizzed by in a flash??? Please tell me I'm not the only one feeling this way?  I always plan on getting Christmas decor up and make it all beautiful nice and early, then before you know it... Bam! Its here! And I'm scrambling...

I'm sure it doesn't help that I want to add a handful of projects to make Christmas more Christmasy. 😊

Like our Christmas Tree Box/Base/Stand.... You can hear about our fiasco and what prompted that project in How to Build A DIY Christmas Tree Stand.

And even though I have things decorated, there are a few more things I need to do.... of course.  Like make one more stocking for our daughter in law! 😍

This year I was feeling 'cozy'.  I just wanted things to feel warm and cozy, not glitzy and sparkly.  Also, as the years go by, I'm feeling that I want to keep Christmas decor even more simple. There are boxes of stuff I didn't even pull out.  I mean, I popped the tops and looked, but said, "Nah, not feeling it."

I just feel that it just takes a few touches here and there to make it feel Christmasy.  Those are just large pine picks that I picked up at JoAnns and stuffed in that box. Adding a few bells was just enough.

The "joyful" blocks actually say "gather" on the other side. I made them during the fall and then I painted "joyful" on the back. You can see how I made them. DIY Gather Letter Blocks.

This year I tried to make sure that if I purchased something decor wise, that it could be used in more than one season.

For instance, the black lanterns I purchased for the bench.  I can use those year round.  The black and white blanket can also be used from fall to winter. 👍

The other purchase I made was the green "garland" on the staircase.  Its really a big bush that I split down the middle and gathered a bunch to each side and tied up.  It just looked more natural.  Also because it's just greenery, I can use it in other seasons as well.

I even used a bunch of that same garland on the mantle.  The sign was a 'fail' (for the moment) project.  It's a 2x3ft. chalkboard panel you can purchase at Lowes for $6.  I had built a frame for it, that I tried gluing together and it just did not work.  So, for now it's propped up there.  Hubby will help me find a solution.

The sign will also be used for other seasons.  I can erase "Glory to the newborn King" and draw something else on there for other seasons. 

I picked up a few more little Christmas trees here and there.  Some at JoAnn's and some at Target.  I just love how cute they are and they can stay throughout winter.  ❄️

I brought out my Christmas dishes and folded the napkins all fancy 😍.

This year I decided to bring back the ribbon star.  I just love how cozy this all looks. Let's have a cup of coffee. ☕️

When we have the chance, hubby and I love to spend the evening gazing at the pretty lights and Christmas tree and take a moment to count our blessings.

Isn't this vintage nativity scene so precious.  I believe it was my grandmother's. 💗

Here's another adorable nativity scene that the kiddos made when they were little.... They always ask me, "Why do you bring that out??"  If they only understood... their little tiny fingers formed those figures and painted them... ❤️

We have so much to be thankful for. I don't want to get caught up in all rush and hullabaloo and forget what Christmas is really all about. It's about Jesus. Jesus came as a baby, lived here on the earth for 33 years and then died on a cross to give us life. He gave us the ultimate Christmas gift. Life with Him forever. ❤️  Keep Christ in Christmas.

Blessings!
Lori