Christmas Past

I know, I know it’s not even Thanksgiving but I would fibbing if I said I wasn’t already thinking about Christmas decorating in our new old house and missing that part of our old house a bit.

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So while I obsess over what size tree and garlands are going to work in this house and how to get the wreaths up on the second story windows, indulge me in a look back at Christmas in our little cottage. I loved this fresh basil garland and wreath i used last year from William-Sonoma but this year I am using artificial from my friend at Leftovers Antiques and Balsam Hill..we just have too many windows at the new place!

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First I can’t believe how much my little Santa has grown!  His brother too but he doesn’t let me take as many pictures!;;;

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Can’t wait to get stockings out!

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I knew I would miss those red drapes at Christmas but Nana will put here tree here too!

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This big pine armoire stayed in the old house but it was Nana’s anyway lol! Do you and your mother share furniture like that? It’s something husbands just seem to love!;;

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Not sure if I will use the silhouette ornaments again or not..i have used them about 5 years now I think ..or four but they have held up so well and I do love them! We are getting a new tree..this one from Balsam Hill because we have taller ceilings in new house.  Henry and I have asthma and allergies so we can’t do a real tree.  I hope I love this new one!

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Missing the backporch a bit too! But Nana has her big table out there and is enjoying it mucho!

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I will miss Christmas morning in this house and a lot of the things that went along with it but looking forward to making new memories!

christmascollage5So Happy beginning to the Holidays y’all…I know this can be a tough time for many and honestly it can be for me too despite the monograms and plaid ribbons..I struggle at Christmas missing my grandparents and fallout from family divorces and other more private hurts seems to surface  but I hope I can draw nearer to Christ and my family this season and quiet those demons and celebrate the hope that is Christmas. Let’s be purposeful to not over stress, over spend or have too big of expectations but rather just enjoy what is! As women we put a lot of pressure on ourselves lets try not to…what have you learned about enjoying the holidays over the year??? Praying it is the best Christmas ever for all of us..despite decorations or anything else!

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Comments

  1. So many wonderful memories in that home. And more to come in the new. I can’t wait to see what you whip up, and pics of your boys soaking in the season!!!

  2. I know it’s a decorating sin, but my tree is already up! We used to wait until the day after Thanksgiving to pull out all of the Christmas stuff, but no one comes to our house in December and we’re always feeling lazy the day after that giant meal. Decorating early let’s us make the house really festive for a good two months and guarantees that someone will see it! As an added bonus, it frees me up to pop out into the chaos of Black Friday if I feel like it! Ha! Your pix are beautiful. Can’t wait to see what you do with the new/old place. Happy holidays!

  3. I’ve learned that simpler is always better. I don’t over schedule, stress or expect too much from the season. I love your new old house, but I admit that your old old house has always spoken to me. I love the small footprint and the cottagey charm of it. I know that the new house will sparkle this season with all of your creative touches!

  4. I love your former decorations!! Can’t wait to see the new!!

  5. An exciting new chapter in your new home begins! Thank you mostly for your honesty. The holidays can be bittersweet for many of us who have lost loved ones or have suffered fractured families. Thank you Jesus for redeeming us and making us new creations. Happy Holidays, Holly!

  6. becky I totally understand the older i get i may be there with you! Easier and simpler….its so much i like the idea of enjoying it longer its so much work!

  7. Love looking at your old Christmas pictures and know you will create wonderful memories in your new home. Just wondering, what is your plan for the tree and decorations with the new puppies?

  8. Picture perfect:) Of course everything you do is!

  9. I LOVE your Christmas decor! It gives me inspiration:) Your tree is so classic and would look lovely in your new home.

  10. Love your blog and your wonderful outlook on life.

  11. Loved your thoughts to start off the holiday season! It seems whether you spend a lot or don’t spend much, there’s always some sort of guilty feeling with it! Praying you all have a wonderful first holiday in your new home…I’m sure it will be wonderful, with some new traditions begun!

  12. Your Christmas decorations made your home so cozy and inviting! I’m so grateful that you share glimpses of it with all of us. Did I miss something?? Your mom is living in the original Mathis house? I think that worked out lovely! You two have a sweet relationship. What a blessing!

  13. Holly, Are those bottle brush trees on your mantle vintage or a new purchase? I love them!

  14. Holly,
    What a fun post. There were some really great Christmas decoration ideas, so thank you for sharing.
    Thank you for the reminder that we all need to calm down and take the time to remember what the season is truly all about.
    xo,
    Karen

  15. Holly, I love your sense of style! I love the look of beautiful pillows on my couch and occasional chairs, but when we host big gatherings for the holidays, people tend to scoot the pillows away until they’re on the floor. Do you have baskets handy for so the floor isn’t strewn with pillows?

  16. Girl I have been stalking you for years! Thanks for being great inspiration. You make me want to put my tree up today! I was wondering if you can provide info on those awesome burlap stockings. I’ve been searching etsy and can’t seem to find any like them.

  17. Holly….i had committed to not reading any posts regarding Christmas until after Thanksgiving. However, I just couldn’t pass up yours……. so now I must ask about your bottle brush trees on the mantle…I love the white and green. Are they vintage or did you help them out a little????

    Cant wait to see how you decorate your new home for the Holidays!
    Andrea

  18. Keeley Jurgovan says

    I just saw your friend Grace’s house is in Better Homes and Gardens. I miss her blog posts and love her style.

  19. Your decorations in your old home were so lovely — I’m looking forward to seeing what you do in your new home. I couldn’t agree more about your outlook about the season — keep your expectations of yourself in check and allow yourself to enjoy the season as it is. I hope that your family has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

  20. I totally adore your style, but you already knew that.(he he) Your boys are absolutely precious and I just know your new home with hold so many more wonderful memories.
    I am writing your name on my prayer list as we speak and sticking it my bible. I agree the holidays bring on so many emotions and I pray that yours are full of much love & happiness. sending you big hugs!!! Amy

  21. So pretty! It looks wonderful and I can see why you have such beautiful memories. Thank you for also for your heart on Christmas. Have a great thanksgiving!

  22. I’m ready too!
    Just lovely, Holly & now I’m following.
    xx’s

  23. Such a great post Holly! Love to see that you and your mom share furniture. 🙂 My mom and I do that and it’s so much fun and somehow justifies not letting go of a few things that would be too hard to part with! And YES, we will be keeping it very real over here during the beautiful Christmas season! It’s so much better that way!

  24. Love your Christmas decor!!! Gorgeous. Can you tell me what that font on your oh holy night picture is?! Just love it so much!! Or where you found it!!

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