These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
-- John 16:33
I have had the above verse on my kitchen windowsill for a little while now, not because I have any particular tribulations at the moment, but because of what Jesus says right in the middle: BE OF GOOD CHEER, I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD. What an unusual thing for Him to say -- "be of good cheer." But I love that He said it. And since He DID say it, I am trying to be more intentional about celebrating -- not just Christmas, but life in general. To that end, I have been decorating and trying to "cheer up" the house. Have a look-see, if you want.
This wreath is a new purchase. I love all the red in it, especially against my red front door. I did add the jingle bell, which is peeping out from under the bow.
I made this tree skirt last year (with this tutorial). The fabrics are probably from the eighties. At one point my MIL had made a bunch of Christmas sacks and they weren't being used anymore so she gave them to me. I decided the fabric would be better used in a tree skirt.
A few pics of ornaments:
A ceramic Santa painted by my husband |
Clay Santa and colored angel made by my daughter |
Bird in basket was a gift from a Chinese friend in college |
One of several crazy gingerbread clay people made by my brother and sister-in-law |
This little plastic ornament used to hang on my grandmother's tree |
Snowman painted by my husband when he was a child |
Our stockings were all made by my sister and my mother. My sister did the cross-stitching and my mother did the rest.
Because the mantel is brick I have to use stocking holders. These are a little modern looking, which I think suits this fireplace.
A Christmasy table runner on the coffee table.
A nativity scene on the dining hutch.
Another nativity scene on the piano. Unfortunately, Joseph went missing many years ago :( At least the wise men still come.
This wind-up Santa is in terrible condition, so I put him high up on top of the clock (which I see needs dusting). I'm sentimental about him because my great-grandfather gave him to me when I was a baby.
Some other Santas on my bookshelves.
This one was painted by my sister |
This jolly old elf was knitted by my daughter |
Snowman (he needs a scarf) |
Rustic angel |
A thrift store treasure. He actually stays out year round. |
Christmas village on top of the piano |
May you have good cheer both in your homes and your hearts this Christmas season!
I never got to see your house for Christmas this year...what a blessing to see it here through pictures...you catch the beauty of your home and the love that resides there in it...so glad I got to come in through blogland.
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