Christmas At Our House - 2012

I like Christmas decorations that are simple to put up and simple to take down and it's certainly that at our house this year! Most are recycled from year to year but used in a different place, such as my collection of putz houses. Yep, I discovered my 'sparkly houses' are really 'putz' houses - they must have been created by the Germans because it's a Pennsylvania Dutch expression we use when 'we putz around' or do a kind of nothing to fill in time, and yes, I'm exposing my ignorance here! :) But I've always been fascinated by them and snatch them up if they're not too costly if I'm in the mood to spend the money on them. I so like them!

- laundry -

My 'starry night' banner I made last year where it hung in the living room.

- kitchen -

Simple greens and lights above the cupboards. Last year I used a mix of live and store-bought greens -

not again...what a mess that was!

 I bought these tin ornaments years ago and every year they sit on my kitchen window - I so like these, too! Sometimes I keep them up until the wintry days are over.

Part of an all-white manger scene. I've displayed these pieces this way for several years - somehow, the simplicity of a lone shepherd coming to Jesus with what he has speaks to me. This is tucked in the corner of the counter top. The reminder of His Presence is especially real this Christmas!

This is the 'third wall' in my kitchen. The paper flowers are new for this year.

- dinning room -

- living room -

The past three years Wal-Mart had these cute little church ornaments but I didn't care for the gold one this year. It's been said that two of one thing is a collection...I guess this is my start of a church collection!

Several months ago, I changed the arrangement in our living room by placing the couch in front of the fireplace mantel. Last week I found another irresistable fireplace and placed it here...

Oh, she's a beauty! I cannot.wait.to.transform her!

This was a quick arrangement on Saturday and will be enough for this year.

Wishing my readers a blessed Christmas

and a blessed New Year!