Merry all Around!

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(Archive Post 2018)

Sometimes the least laid plans become the Best! We had a wonderful family Thanksgiving here, but plans for no major company during the Christmas season...kinda a put a damper on our holiday decorating. AND the insane Chicago weather screwed with any plans outside---much like the rest of the country---you just don't know from one day to the next.

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We had to put the tree up....especially with all the work we both did on the antique tree stand. Two years ago---we gave up our space grabbing huge Christmas tree, when i got the stand. I found a thrift store tree for $15.00 I think it was. Downside, it can only hold half of our ornaments. Upside---It only holds half of our ornaments----lol. Six totes instead of 14 or so Yay! on our backs. 

After 50 years of marriage and inheriting so many ornaments---we really do need to 'down-size'. 

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The tree stand is home to some old toys---and stuffed animals. The only new ornament this yearis the wooden deer clock. Lots of toys are included on the tree----Santa magic, I guess!. 

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The tree takes about 1/3 the space of the old one---actually better for our small house. 

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Lots of wildlife, fish, snowmen and color---we fill the tree from the trunk out! The porcelain loon, is one of 12 birds from Marshall Fields, the last year they were open. Such memories riding the escalator---it's just not the same now as a Macy's, sigh. 

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These antique looking horses were from the 1990's. The cute pig at 12o-clock was by an artisan who worked with vintage and her creativity who has retired.

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The six boxes we brought out---held a lot of red and white. 

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Again, lots of red and white.

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Having done art shows for almost 40 years, I have many ornaments hand-created---this little raccoon is a favorite by an artist in Illinois.

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Next to the tree is my mom's maple rocker with a big throw on it...perfect for Santa to rest...some toys, a favorited snowflake pillow, a hand made gift from my friend Dot. 

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Trees are magical---and we have it on when we are home. 

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A stoking and hat---on the yarn winder---we are a bit silly here.

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The antique Yarn winder stages a few Christmas things. I put bags around my big plants----and a nutcracker stands watch in front of our spinning wheel.

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Dusk began falling when we finished....the magic of the lights took over the room.

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On the TV wall..we have a string of lights---and a few Christmas items out. I try to work around our regular items. 

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The Grand's Owl...has taken up residence...some potpourri with pinecones collected on a Fall walk fills and old saucer from the early 1900's. 

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A hand-pieced angel adorns a candlestick. The statue was a gift from my husband, many years ago. 

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The lights snake over the Victorian China cabinet. I shoved some snow into the ivy arrangement that is always there. Our Royal Copenhagen Polar Bears share space with Father Christmas-

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Snowmen landed here along with a vintage linen, old tin box, and a mechanized, singing puppy sock which the Grandgirl loves. The adorable vintage looking printable came from https://lorabloomquist.com

The puppy sings "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!" and flaps his ears.

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His ears wave in time with the music and lights up.

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Another artisan set of snowmen---and a little box red station wagon. 

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A battery candle made to look like a snowman. A felted snowman from a craft show.

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On the buffet, Dancing singing Mickey and Minnie---Happy 90th Birthday, Mickey!.

I kept this very simple this year---lights under the snow and spotlights make it very magical at night. 

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My vintage plate cookie tray holds molds and candy molds, until we have company and fill it with cookies.

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An Old Currier and Ives tin...is the center focal---with snow balls and sisal trees.

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I'll try and do a video with these two---they are so darn cute!

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We bought the carousel and ferris wheel in place of putting out the entire village---a two day---torture session. Next year the Grandgirl will sleep over and help Gramma put up the village, a much better idea.

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so.... HAVE yourself a Merry Little Christmas---

we will have a laid back one here, for sure!

All the opinions and photographs in this blog are my own, unless otherwise designated. I have not been paid or reimbursed in anyway for my opinions, posts or any products shown or anywhere I shop.

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