Come on over...

It's the holiday season and with it comes the smell of cookies in the oven, the laughter of friends reminiscing as they dip everything that stands still in chocolate, while Christmas music plays in the background. There's nothing I like doing more during the holidays than entertaining! I love to sit and visit with old friends or just kick back on the sofa and look at the Christmas tree and enjoy all the beautiful lights that adorn every inch of our home. I love wrapping gifts and anticipating the excitement on the face of the person receiving it. I love that my husband gets in the kitchen and makes his famous sausage balls for all of us to enjoy. This year he even made cheese straws that were amazing! I love that every night I can turn on the tv and watch Polar Express for the 10th time or watch Rudolph in claymation or sing along with Mr. Heat Mizer and Mr. Freeze Mizer on "The Year Without a Santa Claus" (one of my all time favorites!), And it wouldn't be Christmas time without our family tradition of watching Christmas Vacation, which we have affectionately named Gary..."Gary Griswold" (Dianne!). I also love that I now have a reason to wear my Snowman pajamas every night and my flannel pajamas with the snowflakes...even though it's 60 degrees outside!

So come on in and check out the decorations...kick your shoes off and stay a while. I'll pour you a cup of hot chocolate and even throw in a few extra marshmallows!

This one is standing on the back deck looking in...
This is on the back deck...looking down the length of the deck...


This is from the deer's perspective looking in...just made me laugh...


This is my favorite tree, the 12' one in the great room...


This is the fireplace in the great room with the village on the mantle...









This is the Nativity on the sofa table...



This is looking over the "cat walk" area into the great room
Looking out to the deck from the great room...

Looking out to the deck from the "cat walk"



This is the Disney tree in the kitchen. I love this one because it has all of the ornaments from when Zack was a child...


Dining Room...


I love changing everything in my China cabinet to reflect Christmas too! Check out these adorable Fitz & Floyd Christmas kitties called "Kitty Claus". My mom just got these for me at Macy's this year!
This is our patriotic tree in the office...

This is what Gary calls the "nostalgic tree" in our bedroom. He decorates it and says it reminds him of when he was growing up!

My mom just gave me this ceramic tree that someone made her many years ago. She used to put it out every year when we were growing up. I have it on the dresser in our bedroom. I love this perspective taking the picture into the mirror and seeing the reflection of the Christmas tree too. Also, check out Sylvester having to make his presence known!

I couldn't take a picture of Zack's tree because he was asleep. But, you're not missing much...it has Family Guy and The Simpsons ornaments with a Grinch at the top of the tree!
Hope you enjoyed your visit! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

4 sweet friends had to say...:

chrome dome said...

Whew!!! Makes me tired just looking at all that stuff! I love you, Sweetie! Merry Christmas!

Dianne said...

Great post Tracey and you are right, it is with DEFINITE affection that Gary has earned his nickname. How fun! And it still makes me giggle to say it! The pictures are great, I'm just glad you didn't think to take the one from the cat walk looking into the great room when I was sleeping face down on the floor! :-)

Love the pictures though. Thanks for a great post.

puddins said...

What a wonderfully nostalgic "trip" I took as I looked at all the lights and trees you've put up in your home for the Christmas season! I think they're not only beautiful but also provide a lot of reminiscence for me as I remember all the decorating, baking, shopping and wrapping I did when our girls were small. Things change so radically once your children grow up and are away from you.

Thanks for the warmth I felt as I toured your home via the lights! Merry Christmas to you, Tracey, and to all your loved ones!

Justabeachkat said...

Tracey

Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving your "de-lurking" comment :-)

I've just returned from my trip, so I've got some catching up to do, but I've bookmarked your blog and will come back soon. I love what I see so far.

Isn't blogging fun?! It's a great way to meet others with the same interest.

Stay in touch.

KD

 
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