She Shines at Christmas

Hello

Christmas is fast approaching and we are all busy with shopping, baking and decorating. Not to mention all the kiddie programs and church activities. It is a nice busy time and I hope you are all enjoying each task and fighting off the stress that can accompany too many things on our plate. I know the lines can be annoying and people can be crazy this time of year (might want to put away the mace while shopping) but I really enjoy the hub-bub. I try to look at people and smile and wish strangers a Merry Christmas. A little extra kindness this time of year spreads the joy and spirit of Christmas, it doesn't take much and it does wonders for your own stress level.

I have finally gotten most of my decorating done in the house. I starred at the bins for two weeks while doing the shows, just not having the time to dig into them. So it is only this last week that I have been puttering and adding touches to the house. I love how the house looks at Christmas... she just shines in all her glory this time of year. There is just something magical about candle light and greens. This old house looks so good under candle light, kind of like all of us do. One can't see the imperfections only the glow and essence of her spirit. 

So come on in...

 I would love to have you spend a little time with us this Christmas 2011.

This old house was built in the 1860's and is Italianate in design.  She (I refer to the house as a her because she is rather feminine) has been stripped of most of her original beauty, but it has been on the historical house walk here a couple of years ago. I was talking to Susan of Old Grey Mare today and she suggested I do a post on the history of this old house.  I think that sounds fun, so I plan on doing a couple of posts in January.

The "bones" are still here... and we enjoy her essence.

The dining room is one of my favorite rooms - although I don't spend much time in here.

Most of my Christmas decor is either vintage or handmade. I love adding greens to just about everything - greens will make anything look good! I use a lot of boxwood... it dries beautifully.

I have to tell you, I took a lot of pictures... my son gave me a new camera for my birthday (and Christmas) and it should be for the next 5 years, he spent way too much! So I am having fun with it, however it is on automatic at this point.

Ok... let's get out of the dining room, I think we have spent enough time here and head to the kitchen.

I love sheep...

Nothing says Christmas like white stoneware and pine!

Pay no attention to the plastic behind the curtain... one of the blessings of an old house.

Leaving the kitchen, we will go to the computer room... it is small and not so many pictures :)

This is getting to be ridiculously long with all these pictures - so I am going to extend the house tour to my next post. 

I hope you will come back to finish the tour and for some hot mauled wine...

Wishing you a fantastic week and if you have not joined my 

Birthday Blogger Giveaway... please do so here

I would love to have you join me.

I am linking up with my friend Debra at Common Ground today for her Vintage Inspiration Friday and also...

LaurieAnna's  Farmhouse Friday

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Home Sweet Home at Friday at the Charm of Home

Potpourri Friday at 2805

Inspiration Friday at The Picket Fence

Thanks so much for visiting.

Blessings until next time,

Rebecca