Hey, internets – welcome to the 2008 Christmas Tour of Homes!
I’ll go ahead and confess to y’all that I panicked a little bit last week when I realized that this tour-o-homes business was on the horizon and, HELLO, MY HOUSE LOOKS JUST LIKE IT ALWAYS DOES AT CHRISTMAS, OH SWEET MERCY THE PRESSURE.
But then I remembered that there are a few little traditions that I’ve never shared with you, and as you can imagine my relief was palpable.
First, though, let’s look at all the stuff that looks just like last year!
THIS MUST BE SO EXCITING!
And with lights!
Oh, we are very fancy. And once again I can take absolutely no credit at all for my tree, because Mama decorated every single bit of it. Thankfully she didn’t take any tree-related tumbles this year, though the decorating was briefly interrupted by a pesky stomach virus. Obviously she rebounded and finished the task at hand remarkably well.
As always I decorated the bar in our living room. For those of you who aren’t familiar with why there’s a bar in our living room, here’s the gist: our house was built in 1974, and apparently early-70s homeowners felt it was imperative that beverage service be located within ten feet of the television. For whatever reason I get a kick out of the fact that the wet bar now boasts garland, lights, Christmas stockings, and a one-armed monkey stocking hanger.
See? That’s our one-armed monkey stocking hanger. The monkey used to have two arms, but then he tied up with a certain two year-old a few years ago, and the two year-old won. The monkey still does an absolutely beautiful job holding a stocking, though, and I smile every single time I walk past him.
(He’s also completely broken in two at the waist, so it stands to reason that he could use some encouragement.)
Our Christmas card tree – which is a 6 1/2 foot tree that we got for free and now use to display Christmas cards in the playroom – is one of my favorite traditions. It brings me untold delight, especially around December 24th when it’s chock-full-o-cards.
And, as always, I LURVE me a festive table.
For the last several years I’ve put my parents’ aluminum Christmas tree (from way back in ye olden 60s) in our little boy’s room. He loves it because it’s shiny (it’s also very lean-y) and because we put Mickey Mouse lights on it. All the ornaments on this tree are from my childhood – my brother’s elves, my sister’s carolers, my handmade stuff from Sunday School and kindergarten – and it’s so much fun to see how much the little man enjoys it.
And another fun thing in his room? This giant stocking hanging from a curtain rod.
In the past I’ve always done garland and lights outside our front door, but this year I wanted to do something a little more simple because, well, I just wanted to do something a little more simple, AS IS MY PREROGATIVE AS A FEMALE, OH THANK YOU. So I found this cool iron container at TJ Maxx for $9.99, and I filled it with some pieces of a shrub that’s in our backyard.
And just to clarify for all you gardener people, I believe that the Latin name of the greenery I used is shrubae in our backyardae.
Be sure to look for it in your favorite horticulture journals.
The container tends to clang against the front door when people walk in or leave, so it also works as a bell. Who knew my $9.99 would provide me with a container for greenery and an entry notification system? I’m completely undeserving of such good fortune.
Finally, when we were visiting my brother and sister-in-law last weekend, I was totally captivated by the Nativity scene they have in their foyer – and I took a picture of it just for y’all. Because I love how every single creature in the stable is looking at the manger and anticipating the arrival of Jesus.
May the same be true of us, sweet friends.
Thanks so much for joining in the fun today – I hope you have a great time touring and commenting and visiting and whathaveyou. Remember, as I’ve said before, this is a marathon, not a sprint, so PACE YOURSELVES, PEOPLE. Drink lots of water, eat lots of protein, and please, as always, no wagering.
Oh, I kid. But y’all make this so much fun, and I am grateful.
Four quick things before I go:
- It would be great if you’d leave a comment when you visit the blogs that are participating in the Tour. Even a short comment can encourage someone so much!
- Here’s a refresher on Christmas Tour guidelines.
- Everyone who leaves a comment is eligible to win a very special door prize from Engraved Euniques. I’ll draw for the prize this Friday, December 19.
- Please make sure to leave a link for YOUR POST’S SPECIFIC URL, NOT THE GENERAL URL OF YOUR BLOG.
Merry Christmas, y’all!
December 15th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Oh, what fun! I can’t wait to view the other homes on the tour. I love the mention of your parents’ old tree. We also have one in our possession, but our two-year-old doesn’t quite have the hang of leaving it alone. :) Looking forward to it! Thanks for starting such a cool thing!!!
December 15th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
You sweet little BooMama you for hosting all of us crazy people. I love these little linkies and can’t wait to see them all. Your house looks beautiful.
December 15th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
So fun, merry christmas everyone!
December 15th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
I love the card tree idea! No I might have to look for another tree!
December 15th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Thanks for hosting this beautiful party!
December 15th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
What a FANTASTIC turnout! I’ve already seen some terrific decor and some delicious Christmas treats. Thank you so much for hosting! May your Christmas be a merry and blessed one!
December 15th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Merry Christmas everyone!
December 15th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
BooMama-
I have waited so long to do the Christmas Tour!! I learned of it a few weeks ago and have been so excited. I just posted my link.
I love you for doing this!!
-Jessica
December 15th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Whew, even with total procrastination, I managed to get my post up TODAY. Now to take a look at all the other pretty decor….
December 15th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
You ladies are incredible! Talk about making a girl feel totally decoratingly inadequate! Good grief! :) But I love all the same! Thanks for hosting, BooMama!
May you have a blessed Christmas!
December 15th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Thank you so much for hosting this event again, I so enjoyed it last year and have been looking forward to it this year:-) Your home is beautifully decorated and I loved hearing the story behind the one armed monkey! lol Merry Christmas! xox
December 15th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Super fun idea! i can’t wait to look around!
December 15th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
I want to move into Alex’s room… that alumninum tree plus the giant stocking… HEAVEN!!! :-)
December 15th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Beautiful pictures. I loved the table with the blue trees and the silver tree from your parents. I also love the broken monkey stocking hanger. The memories and traditions of Christmas that keep us putting out our broken stuff even though any other time of year we would buy new. I do it too and am glad I am not alone.
December 15th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Thank you for hosting such a fun event. You put a lot of work into this. Thanks
December 15th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
First there was the delicate spitting-of-coffee that happened when I read “shrubae”…
which led to the try-to-laugh-silently-so-people-don’t-think-you’re-deranged as I got to the “Entry Notification System”.
But then I just let the tears FLOW when I read your sweet reminder and blessing to us, your gentle readers, to:
Stop
Look
Anticipate.
Thank you, dear BooMama.
December 15th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
I finally got my home decorated…I’m late this year. I love your Christmas card tree. I love all the ideas I get from all of you talented gals in bloggy world. Merry Christmas! Connie
December 15th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Yeah!! I got mine up! :) This is alot of fun! Merry Christmas
December 15th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
OK! I’ve uploaded some Christmas cheer to my blog. I look forward to visiting everyone! Have a happy week. Warmly, Cathy ^..^
December 15th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Thank you for hosting such a fun event! I love it!!
December 15th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Was only able to post the first link – but hope ya’ll will check out the others. It’s the most decorative time of the year!
~Kate
December 15th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
WHat a great idea! I love seeing how everyone has their own unique way of decorating and celebrating. Thanks for doing this!
December 15th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
This is such a great idea!
I love looking through everyone’s cute Christmas decor =]
December 15th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Beautiful! I loved the one armed monkey!! :) Too cute!
December 15th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I love seeing ALL the homes. Beautiful
December 15th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
OK now I have a million ideas for next year :)
December 15th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
I love your one-armed monkey stocking hanger, Sophie. It’s maybe my favorite thing. Or maybe, my favorite thing is the tree in Alex’s room. No wait! It’s all the decorations on the bar. Yes. I’m sure it’s all the decorations on the bar. :-)
December 15th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Love your decorations, thanks for hosting!
December 15th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Wow, girl, you got some followers! Thanks for hosting this great party. Love your blog!
Lamp Tramp
December 15th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
This is my first year, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the tour. Thanks so much for this great event!
December 15th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Thanks! This was so much fun.
December 15th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
This was so much fun!
December 15th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
WOW…I’m #496 to post! I have a lot of homes to tour!! :)
Thanks so much for hosting this…it’s so much fun!
Merry Christmas!
December 15th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Awwwww!!! This was SO much fun! What a great hostess! Love your house–all warm and cozy…I’m so glad I stubled across your virtual tour of homes! Merry Christmas from the Steece family!
December 15th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
SO MUCH FUN BooMama! Where I come from, we have to PAY money to tour houses & see decorations at Christmastime. This is sweet! And I get to sit on my comfy couch the whole time! Thank you! And Merry Christmas!
December 15th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
WOW, what a FUN opportunity – esp. on this VERY cold day! (in IL) Enjoyed ‘seeing’ your home!! Blessings to you! -Kristy
December 15th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
How fun! Okay, I love the card tree…love it! And I love the nativity scene with everyone looking at Jesus, wow.
December 15th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
I linked to my site just because it’s all Christmas, all the time over there!! Hope that is OK!!
December 15th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Thanks for hosting, fun, fun, fun!!!
December 15th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Love your site. Very inspiring!
December 15th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
WOW, you are going to need a really good carpet cleaner after all these visitors have finished coming to visit you. Everything is looking lovely. Well done to you on hosting this wonderful event, I look forward to improving my own decorations for next year so I have something different to show off. Merry Christmas
December 15th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
It’s been SO much fun seeing everyone’s decorations. Thanks for sharing!!!
December 15th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Holy commenters!
Where did you get the fluffy trees on the dining room table – LOVE THOSE!!!!!!!!
December 15th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
I finally got mine listed! Hey! It’s only 4pm. Not bad. ;)
December 15th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
oh this has been so much fun – I had to force myself to stop looking and go to bed at midnight – up at 7am to feed the goats and here I am on here again to check the new houses.
LOL
December 15th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
I love, love, LOVE your table!!!!!
December 15th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
So fun!! I have loved visiting all these amazing houses filled with all these awesome bloggers!
December 15th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
How fun! But OH MY it will take me days to look at all of these! Hope the family doesn’t miss me.
December 15th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Thanks for much for hosting. Lots of fun!!
December 15th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
This has been so much fun. It is amazing what folks have done.
Thanks for hosting the tour.