Christmas Home Tour 2013 (And Why I Over-do)
I’m ridiculous. I know. Every year, I say I’m keeping it simple, but after weeding through 100 or so pics of my decked-out halls for this post, I guess I’m over the top again.
But, I’ve just had a revelation: that’s kind-of who I am. It’s what I do. It’s who God made me to be.
Some live out their Christmasthrough music or writing, or quiet contemplation.
I write out my Christmas cheer on chalkboards all over the house and paper-craft my heart out all through the season.
It’s how I do Christmas. I make things. I do what I love to celebrate whom I love.
And I find creative ways to re-use what I already have or things I’ve made before.
Remember my silhouette hoop art from the spring? It turns out I love them hanging on the stockings, too.
I like adding Christmas in unexpected places. If something looks a little bare, I hang a wreath on it.
And I arrange and re-arrange…
All the while reminding myself to keep Christ at the center.
None of my decor is super-expensive or elaborate.
It’s just me, creating Christmas cheer with a little hot glue and a little glitter. Ok, sometimes a lot of glitter. (See more of the kitchen and get this free chalkboard printable here.)
Who knew that a little wrapping paper covering some canvases (and a little more glitter) could bring you JOY?
And there’s no need to chop up your favorite birch tree for a cute arrangement. Hobby Lobby sells this paper and you can wrap it around a vase for a quick and easy birch wood container.
And black poster board hot-glued onto a piece of wood will make an awesome chalkboard.
I crafted up a little more joy in the dining room with several things I had around the house…
…Or found on my aunt’s driveway…
Who throws away a vintage soda crate!?
And in case you missed the story behind my hole-ly tree, you can find it in this post and see more pics of this room.
But the point is, while all my crafting and creating and hosting and decorating stresses some people out, it just makes memerry.
And if I go a little overboard and forget how to leave well enough alone, and end up putting a wreath in the bathroom, it’s for a good reason…
We’re celebrating Jesus’ birthday. And I always want that to be a big deal in this family.
And whether you decorate big, or decorate small, I hope He’s a big deal at your house too.
Thanks for stopping by for a visit! If you’re new here, I hope you’ll become a follower so we can stay in touch! Because, yes, I’ve still got more Christmas goodness to share and I’d love to have you here!
I’m sharing over at Kelly’s Korner, Thrifty Decor Chick, and at the Nester’s! Check out all the Christmas tours!
Bethany
December 13, 2013 @ 1:58 pm
I can't stop saying, "Wow!" I loved reading this post! Beautifully decorated and beautifully written. =)
Julie
December 13, 2013 @ 7:58 pm
Thanks so much, Bethany! Merry Christmas to you & yours!
Stacey
December 13, 2013 @ 2:52 pm
I love this post. đŸ™‚
Julie
December 13, 2013 @ 7:58 pm
Thanks, Stacey! Glad you're here!
Leslie
December 13, 2013 @ 3:29 pm
Long time follower of your blog. I just love your home–always. I really like that dome with the nativity. Such a great idea. I like all of your festive pillows (deer and advent). Your home is gorgeous!
Julie
December 13, 2013 @ 7:59 pm
Thank you, Leslie! And thanks for taking the time to comment!
The Morgans
December 13, 2013 @ 6:46 pm
Absolutely breathtaking! We're going to be building our new custom home this year, and you've given me some great ideas! You've got a new follower in me!
Julie
December 13, 2013 @ 8:00 pm
Thank you! Enjoy the process of building your home! I LOVED building this one. So exciting!
christiejayne
December 13, 2013 @ 6:54 pm
Wow! I love it all! Especially your silhouettes on the stockings! Thank you for all the great ideas!
Julie
December 13, 2013 @ 8:01 pm
So glad you liked them! Thanks for stopping by!
His Doorkeeper
December 13, 2013 @ 8:52 pm
Well, Julie, I just love every little decoration you have done! I think you are SO creative! Everything looks lovely! Love your dining room chairs and have been looking for some but can't make up my mind. Did you order yours online or get from a store? I didn't necessarily want the cane seats which most come with. Thanks for sharing!! Happy Christmas to you and your family!
Julie
December 13, 2013 @ 9:46 pm
Thank you so much! Those dining chairs are from Restoration Hardware, but World Market has some similar ones that aren't cane bottom here: http://www.worldmarket.com/product/french-bistro-side-chair-set-of-2.do?&from=fn
Merry Christmas to you as well!
wilkersonhome
December 13, 2013 @ 9:15 pm
Simply Beautiful! You are inspiring to so many of us because you embrace and enjoy who God created you to be. Thank you. ~Jeri Lynn
Julie
December 13, 2013 @ 9:47 pm
Thank you, Jeri-Lynn! And Merry Christmas to the Wilkersons đŸ™‚
Tori
December 13, 2013 @ 10:13 pm
I knew the soda crate would be put to good use! đŸ™‚ I love it all!!
Julie
December 14, 2013 @ 3:10 am
Haha! Thanks, Tori!
Clotee S
December 13, 2013 @ 11:34 pm
Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year!
Bring you Good wishes of happiness.
Sorry for greeting you earlier,, just don't want miss saying this.
By the way, I'm clotee. It's my first time visiting your blog. I am blogger too, and now try my best luck to open an e-store. Nice to know you.
Regards,
Clotee
Julie
December 14, 2013 @ 3:10 am
Merry Christmas to you, too!
Julie @ Restlye Relove
December 14, 2013 @ 4:39 am
Your house looks perfect! Every rooms looks beautiful and inviting. Such a lovely home to celebrate Christmas. Best wishes, Julie
Julie
December 14, 2013 @ 2:39 pm
Thank you, Julie! Merry Christmas to you & yours đŸ™‚
kandi
December 14, 2013 @ 1:34 pm
I love that you reminded me Its who He made me . Have a great day. I'm getting out more paper and glitter as soon as i get back from a train ride with santa lol
Julie
December 14, 2013 @ 2:39 pm
LOL! Now that's great đŸ™‚
MeLeah
December 14, 2013 @ 5:32 pm
Love your blog, your style, your heart! I'm on the other end of our gorgeous stay, btw. ;o) I have to ask- where in the world did you find those adorable elf clothes?! They make me giggle every time I see them! :o) Merriest Christmas!!
Julie
December 14, 2013 @ 10:06 pm
Nice to hear from a fellow Tennessean đŸ™‚ Those elf clothes were from Avon years ago! Merry Christmas to you, too!
Marlene B.
December 14, 2013 @ 8:44 pm
Merry Christmas! I was watching a video of a southern church choir singing a few months ago- I think on Youtube and it was Pastor Clarence Sexton. There was a lady doing sign-language that looked like you, have always wondered if that was you?
Julie
December 14, 2013 @ 10:09 pm
Marlene–that's crazy. It actually was me. I cannot believe you recognized me. LOL My secret is out đŸ™‚
Marlene B.
December 15, 2013 @ 3:08 am
Haha. You are one of my favorite blogs, I've followed you a couple years. Love your decorating style.
Julie
December 15, 2013 @ 3:30 am
Thanks! That means a lot to me đŸ™‚
Cindy DIYbeautify
December 15, 2013 @ 12:02 am
I love it Julie, every corner and chalkboard…every wreath and little sign đŸ™‚ I'm a details girl too so I can appreciate the time you have taken to make it all so pretty! You have given me several ideas…so thanks a bunch, Merry Christmas…but most importantly, Happy Birthday Jesus!
Cindy@Diybeautify
Julie
December 15, 2013 @ 2:26 am
Thank you, Cindy! Yes, I am all about details đŸ™‚ Merry Christmas!
Jennifer@ClassicStyleHome
December 15, 2013 @ 1:24 am
Everything looks beautiful! I'm so happy you over do Christmas. đŸ™‚
Julie
December 15, 2013 @ 2:27 am
Thanks, Jennifer! Always nice to hear from you đŸ™‚
Casa Vilora Interiors
December 15, 2013 @ 3:08 am
I think everything is great and definitely not overdone! Beautiful home and I especially love the fact that you've kept Christ at the center of it all
Julie
December 15, 2013 @ 3:28 am
Thank you so much đŸ™‚
Ashly
December 15, 2013 @ 1:04 pm
Thanks for stopping by Ashly's IN's and OUT's- so sweet đŸ™‚ I love your red and green traditional. Makes me want to change mine…. And your silhouette stockings- Oh my Goodness CUTENESS!!! Merry Christmas!!
Julie
December 15, 2013 @ 10:09 pm
Merry Christmas to you, too đŸ™‚
Debbie J.
December 15, 2013 @ 10:07 pm
I love everything you have done. It all looks beautiful and you remember most importantly it is the birth of Jesus. You have a beautiful home and soul.
I really like the paint color in your dining room – if you get a chance, I would like to know the color – it is such a soft, relaxing color. Many thanks for sharing.
Julie
December 15, 2013 @ 10:09 pm
Thank you, Debbie! That color is Silver Strand by Sherwin Williams đŸ™‚
Rach
December 16, 2013 @ 12:25 am
Beautiful!
Julie
December 16, 2013 @ 11:45 pm
Thanks so much đŸ™‚
Rose
December 16, 2013 @ 9:40 pm
WOW!!!! So beautiful and inspiring! Lovely! You have a beautiful home and spirit!
Julie
December 16, 2013 @ 11:45 pm
Thanks, Rose!
Rachel H
December 16, 2013 @ 10:40 pm
Everything looks so beautiful! I'm the same way. Some folks dread dragging out all of the seasonal decor…I can't wait and can't stop the decorating. đŸ™‚ Thank you for sharing your home!
Julie
December 16, 2013 @ 11:45 pm
I'm happy to share it. Thank YOU for stopping by đŸ™‚
Kelly
December 17, 2013 @ 2:33 am
Beautiful decorations, and beautiful remembrance of Who we are celebrating. Loved this and am so glad I discovered your blog:-)
Julie
December 18, 2013 @ 2:27 pm
Thanks, Kelly! So glad you're here!
Laurie
December 17, 2013 @ 3:38 am
So beautiful! I LOVE it all!!!!
Julie
December 18, 2013 @ 2:27 pm
Thank you, Laurie!