christmas inside

I love decorating for Christmas. My mom always went big in our house in December, making our home in the desert feel just like winter in the States. And so the precedent was set, and I can't walk past a holiday display without wanting to buy something. This year I resurrected some decorations from Charlotte days, and some that made the miraculous journey to Kenya and back. It was fun to just walk outside and gather branches from the evergreens in our (and our neighbor's) yard.

The tree, which looked a bit smaller out with all it's other Christmas tree friends. I love turning the lights on each day!

Christmas mantel.
We found a little tree and I decided to put it in our room. Since all the ornaments had gone to the big tree, I had to improvise. I made it a Moosey tree and put his toys on it.

Sometimes this is a problem.

We have a fireplace upstairs, too. The stockings are hung by the chimney with care.

Ok, now back downstairs . . . Better Homes and Gardens attacked the banister.

Unfortunately my wreath holder doesn't work on the front of the door, so I hung it on the inside. We see it more often that way. :)

Oh, hi, pal. You're not a Christmas decoration.

Sit still for a second so I can get a picture!

Hey, back up! You're pretty close to the camera there, buddy.


That's better. Handsome boy.

The Gingerbread House in its completed form. Unfortunately, it has succumbed to a slow demolition due to a certain member of this family that enjoys ripping off shrubbery for snacking. I believe it is now missing a gutter.
Christmas cheer in the kitchen makes washing dishes a little more enjoyable.
Bought at the overlook dukas in Kenya, our little nativity set!
Back to the living room.
Joy to the World!