Our Home at Christmas

Last year I spent more time taking photos of our home at Christmas.  This year I took a few photos and threw together this post.  I was planning on putting forth a lot of effort to make things look just right, but whenever I make that attempt it usually never works out like I've planned.  It was cloudy and rainy today, which made it hard to photograph inside without using the flash.  The photos aren't great, but despite their poor quality I'm still happy to show you our home.  By all means, it's not pin-worthy, but it's still our home and it's comfy and cozy to us.

Our Christmas tree 2011

No theme, other than being full of sentimental ornaments from our childhood, first years of marriage and ornaments the boys have exchanged for the last couple of years.

The boys in their matching Christmas pajamas in front of the tree. 

Beside the tree I have picture frames from Will and Ben's first Christmas and a photo of the boys in 2009.  That was such a special Christmas because our little family was complete.  Most of our Christmas traditions started that year after Ben was born.  I also have the Isaiah 9:6 art print from here.  It's probably my favorite addition to my Christmas decorations this year.

Will's first Christmas 2006.  Sweet Santa Baby.

In our living room, on top of the built-in I added some large ornaments.  This was my first year to decorate that area.  I'd like to add more nutcrackers to the collection but there's no rush.  I'll collect them over time.  That's what makes collections special.  Our stocking are hung on knobs or the edges of the doors on the built-in since we don't have a fireplace.

Here's another view.  The room looks a little empty because I'd removed everything to steam clean the carpet.

Also in the living room, I added a small tree to my great-grandmother's sewing machine.

I wasn't sure where to put this "merry christmas" banner so I hung it on the curtains behind the sewing machine.

Our little tree in the kitchen has cinnamon salt dough ornaments that the boys made this year.  I shared some photos of the boys making the ornaments here.

Christmas is such a special time of year.  As the boys get older, they get more and more excited about Christmas and all the traditions we've created as a family.

"Sleigh Ride"

These wonderful things are the things

We remember all through our lives

More than anything, I hope our home is the center of those wonderful things and that their memories of our special time together last forever.

Joining the Christmas tour of homes

here, here , here and here.