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December Decor...And A Little Bit More

December 10, 2015

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There's a reason for the all the Christmas decorating in December.

And when I'm done hanging garland I sit and think about it.

How about you??

Cottage Style Christmas Living room

Phew, I'm all done decorating my home for Christmas and while I thought about taking you on a full tour of the place, I have decided against it.

You see, it'd be pretty redundant.

My December decor is basically the same this year, as it was last and if I've added anything new, well, I've already shown it to you.

Sticking with the old plan may not leave me with anything fresh to feature, but as my mom used to say, if it ain't broke...well, you get the idea.

Turns out, simple and rustic suits me very well.

I donated several large boxes which left me with much less to display.

Adding Christmas was a quick task and now I have more time to enjoy my festive view.

And I do.

At night, I sit alone in the kitchen or living room, lights dimmed, candles...um....on...and I just look around.

Living Room Chair Dressed in Shams

Of course, it's not the best lighting for pictures, but in real life, it's peaceful, meditative and calm.

In these moments, when the house is clean and quiet, my mind is clean and quiet and I can reflect on what really matters.

Christmas Family Room

And it's not the shopping or the wrapping or the decorating or the errands.

I'm focused on the joys of the day. The sound of my girls singing in the other room.

The memories that are attached to each Santa or snowman and the people I miss or can't wait to see in the coming weeks.

They may not be necessary, but the garland and the trees set the stage for me to welcome Christmas into my home.

And my heart.

If I'm always moving, rushing past them, not really paying attention to the lights and sparkle, then what's the point?

There's a reason for the season and that reason is why I decorate.

When I was little there were no DVRs, Netflix or On Demand programming.

Rudolph and Frosty came on once and if you missed them, that was that. I remember waiting for those specials with bated breath.

My brother and I would circle the listings in the TV Guide with red marker and remind our parents, relentlessly, that we all had to watch. And we did.

We gathered in the family room, tree and fire lit, huddled together amongst the Early American decor to cheer for the underdog and hide from the Bumble.

I always dove into my dad, my head covered with a pillow...at least until he lost his teeth. The Bumble...not my dad.

Great memories and fun shows.

I watched every Christmas special the networks offered up, but honestly, A Charlie Brown Christmas and How The Grinch Stole Christmas were not high on my list.

Charlie Brown whined a lot and the Grinch was scary.

As I entered my teens and twenties, I never missed Rudolph, but The Peanuts Gang and Whoville were intentionally skipped from about 14 to 30.

Then I had kids.

Elf On Shelf With A Coat On

Having kids makes a kid out of you again at Christmas, doesn't it?

Suddenly, you recall your own childhood holidays with affection, and accurate or not, you had the best traditions, got the best presents and watched the best tv shows.

Naturally, you want to provide that for your own children and the idea of reliving it all through their eyes makes you giddy.

At least that's how I felt.

That meant that Charlie Brown and The Grinch made their way back into our holiday viewing line up. They were part of my childhood and holiday classics.

So I watched, begrudgingly.

However through grown up eyes, they were different and I began to love those two cartoons best.

Oh, don't get me wrong, I still adore Rudolph and his grouchy Santa. I mean, who could resist those catchy little tunes? I know every single line, and recite them in voices for the whole hour.

Everyone loves that. 😉

A colorful, sixty minute sing-a-long led by me.

And yet.

I'm completely silent when an exasperated Charlie Brown asks if anyone knows what Christmas is all about.

When Linus says, Lights, please and then recites his monologue on stage, I lose it. I get chills and by the time he's done, I'm actually choked up. Teary-eyed.

Happens every time. Even now, just writing about it, hearing his words in my head, by the light of my tree, I need a tissue.

I'm less emotional when the Grinch's heart grows, but still silent as he wonders how Christmas came without boxes and bags, ribbons or tags...that perhaps, Christmas means a little bit more.

More than my gift bag signs or my pillow sham furniture covers.

More than my candy cane hurricane or the triple wreath on my front door and by the light of my electric candles, when the house is quiet and clean, I remember that.

Thanks Linus.


Hey ~ before you go, I would love to thank my wonderful friends for some holiday treasures. AnnMarie at Musings Of A Vintage Junkie made a beautiful (and red-ribboned) handmade mason jar scene...


Mason Jar snow Globe

and Kris from Junk Chic Cottage sent tasty treats and note cards (also kissed with red!).

Christmas Candy Gift

I am truly grateful and genuinely touched by the kindness that abounds in this intangible land of blogs. Thank you ladies you made my day! xo

AND...if you can believe it, I won another giveaway. I know! Craziness!! This one is from Carolyn at Homework. It's a spectacular coffee table book that I can't wait to dig into.

Veranda Flowers Coffee Table Book

Isn't it pretty?? Do I even need to mention the red??

Probably not.

Merry Christmas.
Kim Signature


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  1. Great post! I too enjoy sitting in the evenings, reflecting on Christmas present (not gift :-) ) and Christmas past....on my own childhood memories and the memories that were made with my two boys, now adults with homes of their own, making their own memories. The Linus speech in A Charlie Brown Christmas has always moved me to tears...because every single word of it is true. When God sent HIS gift, I don't think it was meant to be what we have turned it into and I'm always thankful and happy to remove myself from the "hustle and bustle" and focus my attention on the true meaning of this season! Merry Christmas to you my sweet friend. Hugs!!

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    1. Hugs right back to you, Benita...and enjoy this season with your sweet granddaughter. I can only imagine the kind of memories you're making with her! xo

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  2. it all looks so pretty and yes welcoming and cozy too..

    love all the red touches and enjoyed your words. Christmas does begin in the heart and all of our decor is just our Heart showing....
    Holiday Blessings
    Sonny

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    1. "..our decor is just our Heart showing..." I love that Sonny. :) Perfect!!

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  3. Kim, your decorating is beautiful as always. I love Christmas traditions! Being the mom of 3 uninterested boys I hope they remember the traditions we have celebrated each year. I try to get them to watch the Christmas specials with me but no way, I'll just have to wait for those grandchildren someday! Merry Christmas Kim to you and your family! xoxo Jen

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    1. Thank you, Jen. Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family. I know that boys have had wonderful Christmases and will share those memories with their own kids....who you can spoil to no end!! xxoxo

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  4. I can't wait for Jerry and Kai to go to bed, the same as I did when the kids were little, the house was clean, bright, shining and smelled so good and Christmas is all mine for a little while. I will go around fluffing the pillows and preparing to blow out the candles, one last sit-down to stare at the tree for awhile.. I think the anticipation of this time is what I wait for all year long. Your home is so lovely, Kim, and a place of joy and love I can tell..Merry Christmastide..Judy

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    1. These are the weeks of the year I love best, Judy…before Christmas, when I can enjoy a few of those evening ahhh moments! I’m glad to hear that you have them, too!! :)

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  5. Awww . . . the lights . . . the quiet . . .
    remembering . . . right now I am hoping this part of Christmas lingers for a few extra weeks . . .
    Our tree is lit . . . music plays softly . . . and like you . . . I am enjoying these December Days . . .
    Congrat's on your Giveaway win . . . Sweet gifts from friends too.
    Merry Christmas Kim . . . it has been a gift to meet you this year . . . and follow all your "exquisitely" . . .
    What a treat you are . . .

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    1. Thank you, Lynne and it has truly been my pleasure to meet you this year, as well. Lots of fun chats!! :) Merry Christmas my friend.

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  6. Kim, you touched my heart and soul with this post - you are a beautiful writer and more than that, a beautiful person.

    I love all those shows and like you, the meaning behind touches my heart and soul.

    Thank you for this. Merry Christmas, my friend. xo

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    1. Thank you so much, Debbie. I think I'm actually blushing. :) I'm glad you enjoyed my words today. It means a lot. :)

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  7. I love this post! You captured the nostalgic feelings surrounding Christmas and said it all perfectly. There are so many facets to Christmas and I think we all stress ourselves out trying to capture them all. We just need to sit down by the lights and remember the real reason for the season. And then watch Rudolph! Merry Christmas to you and your family. Thanks so much for mentioning my little jar!

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    1. Merry Christmas, AnnMarie and thanks again for the adorable jar! Truth be told, I have to keep going into my daughter's room to fetch it. She is awfully attached to that little bunny! :) You're a big hit around here!

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  8. Oh Kim, I love this post! I feel like I could have written it myself. I love to sit peacefully among my holiday decor, just like you. I always found the Grinch scary as I child, but now, I get a lump in my throat & tears in my eyes through the whole "it came without boxes" part. I'm always telling my kids how lucky they are to be able to watch movies at any time & how we had to wait once a year to watch Christmas specials. It is wonderful to sit back & enjoy the season.

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    1. Thanks Gina! Glad to hear that I’m not the only one weeping through Christmas specials!! I wish you many more peaceful Christmas moments in your beautiful home! :)

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  9. What a beautiful peaceful Christmas haven you have created.
    And I fully agree-
    everything I pulled out to use this year has been loved and used before.

    Have a wonderful Christmas!

    Laura

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    1. Thank you, Laura. I hope that you have a wonderful Christmas as well! :)

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  10. Hi Kim,
    Love this post. I remember doing the same thing with the TV guide. We would circle the days of the shows to come on TV and then all sit and watch them together as a family. It was such a wonderful time. Great memories.
    I love to sit at night with the tree lights and just enjoy the glow and the quiet and the memories. Special. Have a great rest of the week. Just wish this time of year did not go so quickly. Glad you love your note cards. The jar from AnnMarie is so sweet too. Blogging friends are the best.
    Kris

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    1. Love my cards, Kris!! Thank you again and yes, slowing the season down a bit would be fabulous, wouldn't it? Maybe that's what I'm trying to do when I sit...Merry Christmas my friend.

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  11. Like you, I remember the holiday specials growing up, and how I had my favs. But you're right. As adults we have another opportunity to look at them with different eyes. Eyes that have more experience. More gratitude. More knowledge. And suddenly Linus's words are that much more poignant and meaningful. Getting older is a gift, and a much better one than any that Santa could possibly bring.

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  12. Beautiful gifts!

    I love your peaceful Christmas. Tonight Steve has a fire going, but he's watching a movie I don't want to watch. So I'm in the next room reading blogs and quietly getting ideas. I love quiet nights.

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    1. Thank you....and sounds like a perfect evening, Carol!

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  13. This is such a heart felt post, Kim, and I thank you! My biggest kick out of Christmas is watching the lights on the tree twinkle at night and all of those great movies. And Christmas songs on the TV or my phone. Those little things that were part of my childhood. The classics were something my sisters and I looked forward to like you and your siblings...and I really love the newer movies like Elf and The Grinch and so many more.

    Your home looks beautiful. So many of us say we will downsize and don't. I like that you held true to your goal. I'm trying, too, but I haven't touched the surface of my stuff yet! lol!

    Merry Christmas, Kim!

    Jane x

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    1. Merry Christmas Jane! Downsizing has not been easy, it’s been years in the making. It feels good though and even though I let some of my treasures go, I still have the memories…and they only clutter up my mind!! ;)

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  14. Your post touched my heart and made my smile!!! I love the lights and decorations and the peacefulness they bring to the house during the evening. You described that nostalgic effect perfectly and I feel the same. A little bittersweet as the kids get older and there's more people to miss at the holidays. However, a great reminder that the wonderful memories of the past and the new ones yet to be made are truly what Christmas is about!! Merry Christmas to you!!! xoxo

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    1. I am so glad that my words touched you, Nancy!! You just described how I feel perfectly...that is what I think about in the dimmed rooms. Memories...old and new...Merry Christmas to you and the fam. xxoo

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  15. Your home looks so peaceful! Focusing on what truly is important is a wonderful goal! Have a wonderful week! Lynn

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    1. Thank you, Lynn! I hope you have a festive week, as well! :)

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  16. Kim you brought back so many memories. Yes, I too waited with bated breath for Charlie to come on and I also remember not fully understanding him back then. But I do now. I recently watched the great pumpkin patch with my kids and am planning to see the Christmas special as well. This time with a grown ups eyes. Btw, Winnie is another favorite. ;) Merry Christmas.

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    1. Merry Christmas, Mary! I have to look for Winnie...haven't seen that one!

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  17. This is such a beautiful post, Kim! I enjoyed reading every last word. We didn't have a tv when I was young (I know you sometimes forget that I'm old...lol), and by the time we did have one, my parents weren't interested in watching a cartoon movie. As sad as that sounds, it helped shape me into a parent who was the antithesis of my parents. I watched everyone of those old movies (sometimes for the first time) with our children and often through teary eyes. I'm just sorry that Elf On-the-Shelf didn't exist back then.....I would have had so much fun with that!

    Aren't those battery w/timer candles just the best invention since "sliced bread?" I love candle light and have been fascinated with the beauty of candles since I was a young married. Even though I love the flicker and the aroma of real candles, it's so much fun to have the faux candles in places you could not safely have the real ones. I'm sitting in our family room right now (with my laptop) with the fireplace turned on, the mantel aglow with lights, a very sweet 4' tree twinkling in the corner, and my fur-baby sleeping in front of the fire. Can't get more Norman Rockwell than that, and I love it!

    Warm hugs,
    Carol

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    1. It sounds like you had some lovely times when your kids were little, discovering classics right along with them. How fun!! I miss those little days…and yes, battery candles are the best! They all just go on automatically and set the house aglow! I love that. Enjoy your sweet surroundings this Christmas, Carol.

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  18. Kim, I love this post so much. I needed to be reminded of what Christmas is really about. With all of the Christmas tours going on in blogland, I get caught up in thinking my decorations are not good enough and maybe I should do more. I have to be able to say when enough is enough for me and not be exhausted and grouchy all the time!

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    1. Thank you, JoAnne. I'm glad that you enjoyed my words today!! :) Merry Christmas!

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  19. Hi Kim, I love your Christmas decor, so pretty!! I love all that your received from your blog friends!! They are the best!!
    Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
    Julie xo

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    1. Thank you, Julie. I wish you a super festive weekend!!

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  20. Hi Kim, what a heartwarming post sharing your home and the true meaning it holds for you. I share your sentiments completely. Peaceful, calm and quiet moments are special and through the glow of candle light even more so.
    Your home is beautiful and reflects the special lady you are. Lovely gifts you received too.
    Merry Christmas, xo

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    1. Thank you so much Celestina Marie, I'm really touched by your comment. Merry Christmas to you, too!!

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  21. You have the most welcoming kitchen! I love the under cabinet lighting and I swear I can smell that apple crisp. :) What a sweet window seat in the family room too! Oh yes...I totally remember the days before DVRs, Netflix, etc. It seemed like every time I went to set up the VCR to record something, it was flashing 12:00. Lol! Remember the whole Betamax vs. VHS debacle? Hee hee! My kids have a hard time understanding how we didn't always have the internet, caller ID, DVRs, etc. They're like "How did you live???" Spoiled little things. :) Anyway, I love the old Christmas shows too. Frosty, Charlie Brown, The Grinch...I'll take them all. Good times!

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    1. Thank you, Lisa. It’s so funny trying to explain our upbringing to the kids, isn’t it? My mom was born in the 30’s and while she grew up listening to radio rather than watching tv, things were not terribly different when I was teen. Today…whoa! Light years apart. I like the old ways better frankly…I know that makes me sound old, but that’s ok. Vintage is good! ;-)

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  22. Same or not, it still all looks beautiful to me dear Kim! Congrats on the win!

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  23. I love A Charlie Brown Christmas! But I am the wife, mother, sister, niece, sister-in-law of a Charlie....it's a very popular name in our family & causes quite a bit of confusion. There are some hilarious stories about my husband & son having the same name, living in the same house, working at the same place, ect. I guess you can see I feel strongly about the name Charles. ;)

    U keep tweaking my Christmas decorations. With our new spaces I'm still trying to decide what looks best. I have some things in mind to buy as well if I find what I'm looking for.

    I love the little canning jar scene. I have a cloche I use to make a different scene for each season or holiday. Right now it's a little brown church with a red door & two bottle-brush trees all covered in snow....sitting on a very antique stoneware plate passed down in family for at least 150 yrs now. I have it sitting in my entryway to welcome my guests.

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    1. Well, it’s easy to see why you love A Charlie Brown Christmas! With so many Charlies in your house, it’s easy to see why, Jenny! It really has become my favorite and my kids still tease me. Some day they’ll see…your family treasure sounds lovely. I have a few pieces like that I love. Merry Christmas!! :)

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  24. Kim, All of your decorations are so festive! What a sweet post and I know just what you mean. I experienced the same thing first with my children and now with little grandson. He absolutely adores the Grinch. I recorded it for him and could not begin to tell you how many times we watched it even after Christmas. It even inspired a Grinch party in his honor. We all love Peanuts and "Stoopy." Since my girls and Grand now live out of state, I will confess I dragged my 21 year old son to see the new movie which was so endearing and true to the original characters. Of course, I teared up at the end! p.s. Favorite Son was a good sport and enjoyed it too <3

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    1. Thank you so much...and your son sounds like a gem!! :)

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  25. Kim,
    Your home looks so warm and cozy in all its Christmas loveliness! That is too funny about the tv guide! How did we survive without dvr's? yes Linus reciting the passage in Luke is always a tearjerker. And what about the Charlie Brown music. Isn't it the absolute best?

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    1. Thank you, Lisa! It's funny to look back isn't it? What we had, what we didn't...how did we survive? ;)

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  26. What a beautiful post. Two of my three will be celebrating with their 'other side' this year so our Christmas will be in January. Having a later season has turned out to be a good thing. I have a bunch of decorating left to do and a sore shoulder is slowing me down. Someday i will be ready to sit in the evening in the quiet and take it all in but not quite yet. Your house looks beautiful. Enjoyed your take on the Christmas specials.

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    1. Thank you, Lorri. We do a later Christmas with my in-laws and it's nice. It extends the season a bit. I like that. Enjoy the season and the weeks until you celebrate all together! :)

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  27. Charlie Brown is just sweet and reminds me of more innocent days. I love the music too...don't you? When we were kids it was such a big deal when a new animated show came out. I guess kids don't have a clue about that now. Enjoy your shows and the music...a Hallmark movie is pretty nice too. :)

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    1. I haven't seen a Hallmark movie in a really long time. Maybe I need to change that! :)

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  28. You have a gift for writing Kim! I could feel the joy in your heart at the quiet peace and joy of celebrating this season, and the happiness that comes just looking around your home, and being content and thankful for what you have. The gifts you received are so very special, and I agree... the wonderful friendships made in blogland really are what makes blogging worthwhile! Your kitchen is a beautiful welcoming place, and I can almost smell that apple crisp as I write, lol! Maybe I need to whip one up myself :) Your post was a joy to read tonight :)

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    1. Thank you for your sweet words. So many wonderful sentences linked together in that comment. I have a warm glow right now…you have just added to the joy of the season for me. :)

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  29. Ooh! Your kitchen is dreamy!
    I enjoyed this post very much.
    I still haven't decorated much.
    Too many hours working.
    Blessings,
    Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

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    1. Thank you, Laura. You are super sweet. I hope you get a bit of time to enjoy the season! :)

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  30. As always, your house looks so cozy and welcoming and, with your Christmas decor, festive. I always enjoy this time too when everything is up and in place. It always seems to go too fast. Happy weekend my friend!

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    1. It is going so fast, Kristi! AND nothing stays in its place very long around here, so I soak it in when it is clean! ;)

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  31. Hi Kim,
    Such a meaningful post, and something that we all need to be reminded of...I love all of your decorations, and they do not need to be over the top or something entirely new...your decorations are just beautiful, just the way they are!
    Hmm, I never watched the Grinch either...I thought he was scary too! ;) But as I grew older I came to love some of the story line, especially the part you quoted about 'perhaps, Christmas means a little bit more'...so true, it does!
    Such nice gifts you received from your blog friends!
    Have a wonderful weekend!
    Hugs, Kimberley

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    1. Funny how things change as we get older, isn't it, Kimberley? I used to be, "Oh no, The Grinch", now I'm all, "Oh look, The Grinch!!" ;)

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  32. Beautifully written, my friend! I agree with everything you said. I don't like all the rushing around, and my kids are grown, so I don't do that stuff anymore. I stop and enjoy.
    Brenda

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    1. Thank you so much, Brenda. Your kind words mean a lot. :)

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  33. A beautiful post...and should be a time to reflect and be reminded...Having come from a very abusive family I don't have wonderful memories to reflect, just sadness of what they should of been. Sorry don't' mean to be a Debbie Downer. But saddened I missed out that every child should have...good memories. I love sitting with the lights turned down and candles light...such a special time.

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    1. Cathy, I write to express myself and I am touched that you have taken the time to share here, whatever your feelings may be. I am sorry for your sadness and I hope that over the years you have been able to make some wonderful holiday memories of your own…sitting in your gorgeous Charmer, lights down low and I wish you a Merry Christmas.

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  34. Kim,
    Reflecting of days gone by and enjoying the perfect moments of the quiet and the calm are a
    balm to our spirits and center us. Beautifully written.
    xo
    Jemma

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    1. Thank you so much. I am learning...slowly...the advantages of age, I suppose. ;)

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  35. Still one of the best writers in blogland. That's you, my dear. You hit it out of the park with this one. Well done, as always. Hugs and Christmas love to you. ~ Nancy

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    1. Oh Nancy, you always know just what to say! xo Merry Christmas!

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  36. What a beautiful Christmas post...you brought back a lot of memories of Christmas as a kid, when times were so much simpler. I have gotten rid of so much "stuff", too and I don't know if I told you this, but you were part of my inspiration to do so! Congratulations on winning that lovely book in the giveaway.

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    1. Oh Melanie, really?? Trust me, it has not been an easy process for me to go simple. I love stuff and especially decor items, but it feels better to have less. Less stuff to manage, more time for the good times!! :)

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  37. You sure have a Lovely home. I love the way you in America decorate for Christmas. It's totaly different from the way I do it, lol.
    Congrats to that Beautiful book. Would love to have it here on my table too!
    Have a great day.
    Love Elzie

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    1. Oh thank you, Elzie. I love peeking at customs from around the world. We definitely decorate here in the states. Sometimes a little too much and a little too early in the stores...I like it simple. Thanks for the visit! :)

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  38. It looks beautiful. There was something special about the specials only being once a year. xoox Su

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    1. I totally agree, Su. Merry Christmas friend. xxoo

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  39. Your home is always beautifully decorated! I felt the same way about posting Christmas pictures this year, same decor stuck in different spots:) After all, my blog is about decorating on a budget, and that's how I live in real life so I don't go buy but a few new pieces each year, at least until I get it right! I must say however, that I have been loving the very simple, minimalistic in decor, both everyday and Christmas. I love the real Christmas trees stuck in a basket with but a few vintage bulbs! Merry Christmas Kim, and Happy New Year to you and yours!!

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    1. Thank you, Rhonda. I agree with you, I really do live the way I blog, so to start over or change up my beloveds each year, just wouldn’t be accurate. Besides, I like my stuff!! :) Merry, merry and happy, happy to you and yours as well!

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  40. Such a lovely post Kim, I really enjoyed reading it thank you.

    ...and yes, I think I could smell that apple crisp!

    All the best Jan

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  41. Sweet post my friend, and I totally agree, you brought back memories for me too. Special memories....thank you.
    xx oo
    Carla

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    1. Oh no, thank you, Carla. This girl loves feedback! :)

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  42. Wonderful post, Kim! I love the way you write! How beautifully you captured the true essence of Christmas! A time to reflect, a time of remembrance, cherishing old memories and making new ones :) your post made me so nostalgic. Love your thinking chair :) Merry Christmas~hugs, Poppy

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    1. Thank you so much Poppy! I do love writing and sharing my thoughts. I am glad that you enjoyed the words and could relate. Makes it all worth it! Merry Christmas! :)

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  43. Thinking about TV back then really reminds one that Less is More. Along with the Christmas shows it was the same with The Wizard of OZ...a once a year thing. THe Ten Commandments...It's a Wonderful Life. One view to hold you until the next year! :)

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    1. Oh I remember the anticipation of those movies, too...made them more special somehow!

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  44. I love your kitchen in the glow of the lights and it's so nice to see someone else with white appliances.

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    1. Thank you, Kim. I like the appliances to just fade away. Thanks for the visit and Merry Christmas! :)

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  45. oh dearest bean.
    i've been catching up with all your posts I've missed...
    after being on a whirlwind trip to Georgia to see the marine's grandsons and daughter in law. it was wonderful. only thing missing... our beloved mike somewhere in the middle east.
    it did my heart good.. this post.
    and i too get chills.
    i can hear his voice now ... "that's what christmas is all about charlie brown."

    yes. that. and kim's perfect little touches of red and cozy. xoxo

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    1. Thank you for visiting Tammy. I am sure you had a lovely time with family. Prayers for Mike's safety...

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  46. Teri, thank you for your super kind words. I really appreciate them. I love home decor and DIY, but writing is my true passion. The idea that my words have touched someone just makes my day! :) Thank you so much, my friend! :)

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  47. Linus reminds us perfectly of what Christmas is all about and may he continue to do it year after year!

    I recognize that wonderful feeling of sitting down at night and just looking around and enjoying the tree lights and the old familiar things and watching a classic on television--or even better, listening to Christmas music and hearing for the first time each Christmas season O Holy Night being sung. These are the presents that mean so much.

    I love your kitchen at Christmas, actually I love it any month of the year! Merry Christmas, Kim,
    Dewena

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    1. I love that Linus so much! I just may watch him in the middle of summer. ;)

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  48. This was one of my very favorite Christmas posts of the year and if I had your writing talent I could have written it myself. Well, except the Snoopy gang. That was always my favorite, but I didn't appreciate the Linus speech until I was older either. Now it's one of the best parts :)

    Merry Christmas, my sweet friend. Enjoy these peaceful quiet days by the light of your beautiful Christmas tree :)

    love and hugs to you,
    rue

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    1. Thank you, Rue. Love and hugs back to you.

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