As the name of my blog indicates, I spend a lot of time thinking about home. Of course, my Heavenly Home is the one that is eternal, so that’s where I need to lay up my treasures, and that’s the one I’m striving for. But in the meantime, I have been given this tiny piece of the here-and-now—this home on the edge of town, this family, this neighborhood—in which to serve Him. And, though this is in the earthly realm, I want the things that happen here to be investments in the Heavenly realm.



Thursday, December 17, 2015

FARMHOUSE CHRISTMAS TOUR 2015 ~ Part 1 {Christmas in Our Living Room}



When we mentioned that we might not put our Christmas tree up this year, the younger members of our household did not approve. These "younger members" are not exactly little children (they are 14 and 22!) and they were certainly not indifferent to the challenges of returning to "normal" life. But these girls love family traditions and they immediately decided to make it possible.

When Ryan was home for Thanksgiving, he and Kati retrieved the large box with the living room tree from the attic, and on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, right on schedule, Kati and Bekah brought down the trimmings. Just the basics, but it was enough. The tree was decorated that evening, the strains of Bing Crosby singing in the background, and over the next few days we all managed to deck the halls to the girls' satisfaction. 

Memory-making is important!



I have conducted a little house tour here at Thinking About Home every December since I began blogging. (Christmas tours 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.) 

I am inviting you in again, only this year we will take one room at a time. It seems simpler that way, and, believe me, we are trying to keep things simple around here right now! 

Welcome to our Christmas living room...thanks to the girls!


You may notice the highboy as you peek at the living room.
Yes, it's still here...and yes, it is unpainted. :)



The tree is decorated with family ornaments collected through the years.



I bought this little twiggy tree after Christmas last year and then totally forgot about it until Kati brought it down from the attic. It's new twice! (That's one advantage of being forgetful.)


Pinky often makes an appearance in the Christmas photo shoot.


We purchased this primitive table for a song at an antique show last summer!
(I moved the old table up to my bedroom where it now serves as a desk.)



Kati designs a calendar with her nature photos every year. I really love this December shot!




A few greens, a little potpourri...








...and that wreath on the door never did get its bow.



Decorations are simple and few, but "it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful." (I'm glad!)



FARMHOUSE CHRISTMAS TOUR ~ Part 1 {Christmas in Our Living Room} (You are here!)
FARMHOUSE CHRISTMAS TOUR ~ Part 2 {Christmas in Our Kitchen}
FARMHOUSE CHRISTMAS TOUR ~ Part 3 {Christmas in Our Dining Room}






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17 comments:

  1. Brenda Leyland @ Its A Beautiful LifeDecember 17, 2015 at 8:36 AM

    Oh it's all lovely, Cheryl. I'm glad your family jumped into to make it happen for you this year. It does't take much to make it festive -- your home looks so comfy and cheery. So consoling too to keep precious family traditions.

    Wishing you a beautiful day...
    Brenda
    xox

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  2. Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooksDecember 17, 2015 at 8:39 AM

    I have long loved the way you decorate your home but these photos make me want to come over and chat awhile. Beautiful. I also found an item I had bought on Christmas clearance last year at my favorite prim store that I'd forgotten about!

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  3. DebbieDecember 17, 2015 at 8:47 AM

    I LOVE tours of Christmas decor and this was no exception! Soo beautiful and cozy and warm! How wonderful that your girls took care of that for you this year. I was a little behind and just watched the Christmas choir performance too. I love those also! She plays BEAUTIFULLY! Enjoy the rest of your week...I'll be back for the rest of your tours!

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  4. Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage BlogDecember 17, 2015 at 8:48 AM

    I LOVE your home! Your Christmas touches are perfect for your colonial farmhouse!

    Can't wait to visit.

    Love you all.

    Deanna

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  5. ElizabethDecember 17, 2015 at 9:21 AM

    I love your room, so inviting and cozy!

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  6. DebbieDecember 17, 2015 at 10:05 AM

    How I would enjoy having a cup of hot chocolate in your warm, cozy home with the music playing in the background absolutely. Thanks for sharing. I'm convinced I was very spoiled when the girls were here to help (or do most of) the decorating. :D
    Merry Christmas!

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  7. The Remodeled LifeDecember 17, 2015 at 11:05 AM

    So cozy and inviting! The year my sister and I were out of the house my mom said she wasn't going to put up a tree (we flipped out!) So she put up a little tree with some of our favorite ornaments. I love a tree with handmade and special ornaments with memories. Thanks for sharing! (stopping over from the nester)

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  8. FlowerLady LorraineDecember 17, 2015 at 12:31 PM

    What a lovely and inviting room! Love your tree and other decorations. Simple is sometimes better.

    Thanks for sharing and I look forward to seeing more of your Christmas house tour.

    FlowerLady

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  9. Debby RayDecember 17, 2015 at 1:16 PM

    I have fallen in love with your cozy living room, Cheryl. It is just so warm and inviting and your decorations are sweet and simple...almost like stepping back in time. Can't wait to see the next room featured!

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  10. The Joy of Home with Martha EllenDecember 17, 2015 at 2:32 PM

    Cheryl, I could just move right in and be happy in your lovely cozy living room. Of course you had to put up your tree and I'm so glad you had your helpers to assist. Your home always feels warm and inviting and your Christmas touches make it more so. Did you know that years ago (early 20th century) they didn't adorn the wreath with ribbons? I'm looking forward to your next tour. ♥

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  11. podsoDecember 17, 2015 at 2:43 PM

    I'm so glad you are fitting in a home tour this Christmas. Of course it would be nicer to visit in person but your pictures give a good hint of the loveliness and serenity of your home. There's so much that looks familiar as we have some similar pieces. And a copy of Edges of His Ways popped out to me on your bookshelf--I'm always reading that, over and over, hoping it will sink in. As I look at your room I'm singing "all is well"--that beautiful carol-- in my head.

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  12. VeeDecember 17, 2015 at 4:13 PM

    It looks both beautiful and perfect to me. The girls were big helps! I helped my mother put up her decorations for years and years. (Putting hers up was way more fun than putting up my own.) Loved seeing the highboy, though I know it's not quite your style. It sure is a beauty. I like your new table and the large basket with blankets beneath. I love that look.

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  13. ellen b.December 17, 2015 at 6:35 PM

    A very lovely room and the surprise tree is perfect in that space. Glad a decorated tree happened!

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  14. GrammaGritsDecember 17, 2015 at 11:19 PM

    What lovely decorations! So many seem to overdo this year, but yours is beautiful!

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  15. terri lokeyDecember 18, 2015 at 5:27 AM

    I so love your family and your home!

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  16. Instagram.com/melissasnotesDecember 18, 2015 at 8:55 AM

    Warm and inviting look, thanks for sharing. Love the photo calendar idea.

    ReplyDelete
  17. RebeccaDecember 20, 2015 at 5:17 AM

    I'm kind of speechless...it's just jaw-droppingingly special. I think the unadorned wreath says it all. ♥

    ReplyDelete

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