it's all very christmasy...

I do realize that it is December 13th... and only 12 more days until Christmas. Which for some of you might seem like an eternity away, but for those of us that are packing up the car for holiday travels in just 6 days... Christmas is literally just around the corner...

I wish it were completely normal to leave your Christmas decorations out until Valentines Day. I just found my nativity set yesterday... and my little 3 foot trees are still pretty bare. I always find myself yearning to extend this season. There is something so magical about the twinkling lights and fresh pine.

We kept pretty simple this year... as most of our Christmas decor is still packed away in boxes and bins either in our garage or my mother-in-law's basement. I did however try to dig up a few special pieces...

...like our nativity set. I found the manger part about 2 weeks ago, and set it up on top of the bookshelf... just waiting for Joseph and Mary to arrive. Well, they finally made it yesterday... along with baby Jesus of course.

The shepherds and wisemen made the trip as well.

This is probably my all-time favorite Christmas decoration ever. It is a beautiful piece that belonged to my grandparents and plays "Here Comes Santa Claus." I used to carefully turn the tree and wait for the music to start... then I would just sit and stare... I got lost in the little scene playing out before me. Apparently, I turned that little tree so much that one day I snapped the star right off. Oops. That's me in that little picture... pre-star-snappage. After my grandma passed away a few years ago, my mom gave me the beautiful piece, along with the photo. I love it.

I'm quite fond of this little Santa too. For mine and Lance's first Christmas together, my Aunt Sally mailed me a huge box of Christmas decorations. Seeing as Lance and I didn't really have any decorations of our own yet, this box was like hitting the lottery! This Santa was one of my favorites. I stacked him on a few of my Christmas reads, so he can have a better view of things. Remember when I snagged that awesome ragged copy of A Christmas Carol from the Corner Bookstore? (PS, how regal does Little Cat look in this picture?)

I also made this awesome vintage book wreath after my visit to the Corner Bookstore. My initial plan was to make 3 of these bad boys... but my ambition quickly faded after some hot glue gun injuries. Either way, I'm in love with this one.

I bought 2 of these little twig stars a couple of years ago for just a few dollars at Michaels. I love the simplicity of them. I wish I would have bought a cart full... or maybe at least another strand of garland, mine looks a little sad, huh?

Christmas cards. Definitely a favorite part of this holiday season. You all know about my love affair with real mail... so you can imagine my enthusiasm when checking our little PO box during December. As for the awesome wire display stand... I found that at Pier One a few years ago for $10. I love it!

Then of course there's our little 3 foot tree... it may not look like much, but those sparkling white lights and simple red balls pack in a lot of Christmas cheer. Never underestimate the power of Christmas lights:) The only thing missing was that fresh pine smell...

Did someone say fresh pine?? Once Lance and I decided to forego the the real Christmas tree this year, I begged my friend to pick up a wreath for us when her family picked up their Christmas tree... and she did not disappoint. I can still smell the fragrant wreath when I open and close the front door.

This was probably my favorite project this year... some simple glass ornaments hanging from my little candle chandelier in my office. I think that might be why it is my favorite... it hangs right over my desk, so I can see a little glimmer of the season while I work.

Here's a closer look... I added a few branches of fresh greenery that a friend gave to me... which I think makes the whole thing a lot more Christmasy (totally a word).

A perfect little reminder. (Do you like these ornaments? They are super easy to make and are perfect gifts... maybe another post, for another day...)

Kelly's Korner :: Show Us Your Life Christmas Tour