'This is just enough for me,' my mom declared, looking around with satisfaction.
Two fragrant pine wreaths with pink velvet bows, a couple of festive round tablecloths, a lovely miniature poinsettia, a two foot gold metal tree with gleaming ornaments ... and my favorite 86-year-old was done decorating her home for the holidays.
*
Mom's expression of simple gratitude has stayed with me as I've been puttering in our own home in recent days. The tree awaits the grandchildren's exuberant arrival and creative decorating expertise. Here and there I've arranged little vignettes with cherished objects and sweet images that make me smile.
A year and a half after moving here, I still can't find my collection of antique celluloid Santa snowglobes and a bunch of other stuff that I thought came with us. But that's ok.
Mom said it well.
There's nothing over the top or elaborate happening in this neck of the woods as we prepare to celebrate Jesus' birthday. This is just enough for me ... for us, for our family.
All is calm, all is bright.
May you overflow with comfort and joy
as you prepare to celebrate our Savior's birth.
2015
2014
2012
*
celebrating at
*
I'd love if you'd
share &
Your house is looking gorgeous! I like your mother's sentiments too
ReplyDeleteI like Mom's sentiments, too!
DeleteAlways.
Thanks for helping me kick off this little Christmas gathering from afar, Jandi ...
Linda,
ReplyDeleteThank you for these beautiful snapshots into your home and your heart. I can them all being arranged with love. I think as we get older we are more satisfied with "this being just enough for me." I no longer feel like I need to go over the top with Christmas...that often simpler is better and allows more room for the real meaning of the season to be ushered in. Thanks for sharing...
Advent blessings,
Bev xx
I agree, Bev. The older we get, the more satisfied we tend to become ... and in the process shed that inner need to get crazy with over-the-top decorating and all the stress that comes to those of us who would tend to head in that direction.
DeleteBeen there, done that!
Thanks so much for this look into your life, Linda!
ReplyDeletehttp://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2016/12/your-dying-spouse-243-counting-it-all.html
Always, always grateful when you feel up to leaving a comment, Andrew.
DeleteI hope today has a few bright spots for you in there ...
Oh, fun. Just wonderful fun!
ReplyDeleteHappy, happy!
Delete;-}
Such simple and tasteful decorations, Linda! I also like to keep things to the minimum when it comes to preparing our home for Christmas. Your mother has it exactly right!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
They always said Mama knows best ...
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Beautiful! So much fun to get a peek at your home and the lovely touches that welcome the season and those you love and hold dear to your dear! Blessings on you, my sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping in for a peek, Pam. I love that I get to share these little joys with this wonderful online community as well as those who can make it to the Cape!
DeleteAdvent joys to you and your extended crew ...
I love your simple Christmas decorations. What fun! Your stocking looks just like the one I had as a child. Here's to keeping it simple.
ReplyDeleteYes, let's hear it for fond use of our 1950's felt stockings! Amazing they still manage to hold a few goodies ...
DeleteYes, so calm and pretty. I love the country feel of your photos and especially the brick fireplace! I haven't put my Christmas tree up yet, waiting til next weekend when the grandchildren are here too...
ReplyDeleteEnjoy every minute with your gang, Lynn. It doesn't get much better than this, does it ...
DeleteTruly lovely, My Friend!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Thanks, Lulu ...
DeleteHi Linda! I am also doing a simpler year here, and you know, it's pretty nice. I do hope you find your treasured decorations at some point though. Outside things help point us inside, and I'm sure those things are missed because of that.
ReplyDeleteGod bless your dear mother, and how she still leads by her simplicity and faith. Once a mom...
Advent blessings,
Ceil
Yes, yes, Ceil! Let's hear it for simpler years, focusing on what's absolutely essential, and holding everything else in open hands ...
DeleteI hope advent is bringing you comfort and joy, friend ... I know it's been a tough one ...
I really LOVE that chandelier. Oh, and the decorations on the mantlepiece. And the nativity scene. What a clever idea putting all the decorations in a bowl instead of the tree. We'll try that I think. But that chandelier ... splendid.
ReplyDeleteHappy Advent. God bless.
27' of cranberry-colored wooden beads. Real random, real easy.
DeleteWorks for me.
I didn't know you were into decorating, Victor!
How impressive!
;-}
Your decorations are beautiful. And your heart? Even more so! I appreciate this, Linda: "This is just enough for me ... for us, for our family.
ReplyDeleteAll is calm, all is bright." Amen. Merry Christmas, sweet friend.
You're sweet ... you made me smile!
Delete;-}
Merry Christmas to you, too, Lisa.
What a beautiful collection, Linda! I especially love the picture of those sweet faces who will soon be eagerly trimming your tree! Christmas blessings!
ReplyDeleteOh I love those sweet faces, too!
DeleteCan't wait for them to come bursting through the doors {literally!}
Merry Christmas, dear gentle friend ...
I am with your mom on that.
ReplyDeleteyour home looks lovely. I like what you did what the chandelier and those reindeer headbands look like such fun. Your grand children are going to love them.
The reindeer headbands were a big hit a few years ago. Let's see how they go over this year!
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{Your sweeties would look so cute in them, too, Hena!}
Wow love your country Christmas with added seashells. Your nativity looks like a re-enactment. Love it!!!
ReplyDeleteWhere do you have it displayed? Can't quite recognize the table surface in the pic. You is one classy lady!
Plenty of those shells around here ... a hot glue gun and some dried up berries and I was good to go!
DeleteThe nativity is in our upstairs loft on an oak bookcase ... love seeing those little lights shine in the evening.
Little lights shining. Yes, I really like that!
Beautiful, and I love your mom's expression of simple! :) Bet you can't wait for those happy pitterpat feet running around! :)
ReplyDeleteAh ... the pitterpat days are gone.
DeleteThese days, it's more like a buffalo stampede! And yes, it's music to my ears.
;-}
I do love how you stressed that we can find joy in simplicity this Christmas season. This is our goal over here to, to honor the Lord above all the decorations and the hubalu (or however that is spelled) to focus on the true meaning. Love how you decorated too. Looks lovely!
ReplyDeleteHubalu.
DeleteDon't you hate what that does to your spirit, the craziness and insanity of it all?
He whispers, 'peace, be still,' even and especially during this advent season.
Thanks for being here, Nicki ...
I like your decorations and I agree, often keeping it simple is best. The antlers on the teddy made me smile!
ReplyDeleteHe is a cutie, isn't he?
Delete;-}
Linda,
ReplyDeleteYou have a gift for decorating. And your mom is wise :-) (daughter like mother :-)
Advent and Christmas blessings to you, my friend <3
Oh yes, she's so very wise, gentle, and kind.
DeleteI hope that someday I can be just like her.
Merry Christmas, Dolly ...
So many lovely photographs, each a moment and a memory. Love to linger here! Your home -both virtual and real life- is a peaceful place!
ReplyDeleteIt makes me so happy when a reader can somehow sense that message of peace, even across a screen.
DeleteThanks for those kind words, friend ...
Thank you for sharing these photos...looking through them gave me a sense of calm. I have a bowl of vintage ornaments from my great-grandmother, just like yours. I'm a Gen-X gal who loves vintage decor because it's a throwback to a simpler time. Merry Christmas to you, from your neighbor at #coffeeforyourheart.
ReplyDeleteI love when we get to rub shoulders next to each other on Holley's on Wednesdays, Sarah! You are a faithful visitor, for sure.
DeleteI'm with you on the vintage decor. It's like unpacking memories, isn't it?
I love this peek inside your holiday home. I see a few things similar to mine. It seems every little thing brings a sweet memory which elevates the 'stuff' to precious. Thanks for sharing the cheer.
ReplyDeleteHow cool that we share and value some of the same possessions from generations ago, Deborah ... even though we are many miles apart.
DeleteGrandma did it right ... I think.
Linda,
ReplyDeleteI'm laughing at your stockings because mine and my sister's look so similar -- that vintage era! :) You know I love the red berries on any type of wreath - they look so pretty - -especially against some snow! Speaking of, will you or do you currently have any lovely snowflakes? It's 83 degrees here today but a cold front is on the way tomorrow -- just 73 for the high! (Sorry, I couldn't resist!) I wish we could share a cup of tea and cranberry scone, my friend! I love doing this blogging life with you! xoxo
Oh yeah, we're vintage alright ...
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I wouldn't mind being down in Florida with you right about now ... it's frigid cold here, but the sun is determined to make her presence known!
A cup of tea and a cranberry scone sound so good right about now ... although I did whip up some raspberry ones last week that weren't half bad.
Merry, merry ...
Beautifully decorated, Linda. Not too much but just enough to brighten your home.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you, sweet friend. xoxo
You've got it, Crystal.
DeleteNot too much. Perfect.
All is calm, all is bright ...
Merry Christmas to you and your man!
Just enough. I love it! If only we could all be content with a little.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and yours! :)
If I could pick only one thing it would be a single light in every window.
DeleteThat's it.
;-}
I loved having a single light in each window. I couldn't keep up with turning them on and off! :)
DeleteThat's cute!
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Your tour is lovely, Linda. Your nativity is gorgeous, I love the shell wreath, and looks like we're both vintage ornament lovers! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer ... so fun to meet you at the Christmas party this morning!
DeleteI'm loving everything about this, my friend. Simply beautiful! I can imagine sitting for a spell with cookies, hot chocolate and great conversation! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHow cool that we headed in the same direction with our posts ... 'just enough'!!
DeleteI think that's just plain serendipitous!
Linda, these pictures of your "little vignettes" are beautiful. Your style reminds me of what Joanna Gaines does on "Fixer Upper"--so clean and crisp! I think I might borrow a page from your blog book and post something similar next week. :-) All is calm, all is bright ... yes, even (or maybe especially) when all your many plans for the day are on hold as you take care of your little girl who is suffering from a stomach bug. Merry week before Christmas, my friend!
ReplyDeleteOhhh ... Joanna is my decorating muse!
Delete;-}
And I'm sorry sweet girl is sick with the bug. I hope that she keeps it to herself and doesn't feel like it would be more fun to share it with the rest of you.
;-{
Stay well, friend ...
I love the way you stacked and displayed the Christmas kitchen linens.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love that you've taken the time to say 'hi.!'
DeleteWelcome ... and Merry Christmas!
I'm with you on putting out what makes us happy. Lovely just the way it is, and unique to your family and traditions. Merry Christmas, Sandi
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Sandi ... what's lovely to behold for one might not work for the next. The best decorated homes are the ones who truly reflect those who live there.
DeleteThanks for saying 'hi' ...
Coming over from the Nester's. Everything is lovely but I think the prettiest picture is the one you painted in the first couple of paragraphs! Thank you for those words. Wonderful perspective. (and the thought of pink velvet bows sounds kind of magical.) :) Merry Christmas! Kelly
ReplyDeleteI'll pass on your kind words to my Mom. She'll be thrilled indeed, Kelly!
DeleteLovely of you to leave a little note here ...
Your Christmas decorations are just lovely and from the perfect perspective! Thank you for sharing @Vintage Charm! Pinned!
ReplyDeleteThis is always a fun post to share. Thanks for stopping by ... and a Merry Christmas to you!
DeleteLovely post, Linda! I really like your shells and starfish theme. My SIL decorated her tree this year with sea shells because she spends the winter in Florida, but PEI which is where we all live, is known for their beaches. So the tree is very appropriate for beach people. Love the nativity too. Thank you for your prayers for my son. We so appreciate it! Thanks for joining my party the past few weeks and I wish you and your loved ones a beautiful and Blessed Christmas! Christmas blessings and hugs...Sandi
ReplyDeleteDear Sandi, my prayers are with you all as he has his surgery. I know you'll keep your followers posted.
DeleteThank you for the warm welcome you've given me these past weeks. It's been fun to meet new-to-me bloggers who prize faith as well as their homes. It's just what I needed in this season.
I look forward to continuing to connect with you in the year ahead.
Christmas blessings.
I enjoyed this throwback post with the charming Christmas decor, especially the baubbles in a bowl!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and your family!
Merry Christmas to you, too, Margie! It's been fun getting to know you in recent weeks!
DeleteWhat a great declaration, "this is just enough for me". Love that. A very Merry Christmas to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Ellen ... theres nothing like simplicity, gratitude, and satisfaction all rolled into one, is there?!
DeleteMerry Christmas to you ... I look forward to getting to know you better in the new year.
Thanks for giving us a peek at all the pretty vignettes around your cozy home, Linda. I especially loved your nativity set and the scene around it. Your mom’s sweet happiness made me think of my late beloved mom. Merry Christmas blessings are sent to you ❤️🎄❤️
ReplyDeleteThis I loved, Kitty --> 'Your mom’s sweet happiness made me think of my late beloved mom.'
DeleteMay this Christmas bring additional sweet memories to mind and heart. So good to get to know you in recent days ...
A lovely post, Linda. All the vignettes from around your home are beautiful. I especially like the bowl of old ornaments. Your mom sounds delightful and like knows how to make the most of life. Enjoy your Christmas celebrations!
ReplyDeleteYes, she is delightful and content in her new home in a facility. Sadly, covid is keeping us from visiting her these days. But our gratitude and relief that she is getting the care she needs far outweighs the sadness of being apart.
DeleteChristmas blessings, Lorrie!