christmastime is here

When we were packing our pod to move out here we had limited space. Steve tried to talk me into leaving our Christmas decorations at home, especially since we probably wouldn't be spending Christmas out here anyway. But I was unwilling to part with our boxes of Christmas stuff because Christmas decorating is my favorite. The day after Thanksgiving is when we pull out our decorations and it is so much fun to be surprised every year as we open box after box. There are so many memories of past Christmases associated with every item. I can't really do a theme or make my house look like those in magazines because we have so many different and unique decorations that don't really go together. Oh well. I like it that way.  So here is our hodge-podge, eclectic Christmas. Too bad we leave for Salt Lake in a few days. I may have to leave it all up through January to compensate.

Nativities from my study abroad in Jerusalem; the back of our christmas card for this year framed

I got the nativity last year for Christmas, boxwood wreath from Trader Joes, Santa picture and 'Merry Christmas' garland from my sweet mother-in-law, glitter snowflakes from Eastern Market, everything else is old

Our Christmas tree! I've been collecting the ornaments since I was little. They are from all over the place- Jerusalem, Jordan, Hawaii, London, Paris, Target, etc. So many fun memories associated with so many of them. This year I found some little elf ornaments at Ikea. I brought them home and Steve said they looked like little babies wrapped with hair. I thought they were so cute until he said that,  but now I think they are a little creepy.

Christmas card holder from Sundance in Salt Lake, vintage Christmas tags from my mom, snowglobes made by me.

Try to imagine snow falling outside those windows. Then doesn't it feel cozy?