Preparing for Christmas

 

Preparing for Christmas

 

I know, I know....it isn't even Thanksgiving yet! But for me, the week before Thanksgiving always begins the Christmas Season! (At least I haven't changed my blog background to Christmas stuff yet!) But I love EVERYTHING about Christmas! Even the hustle and bustle of shopping for those perfect gifts!

I love the REASON we have Christmas most of all. My biggest desire during the Christmas Yuletide would be that we all remember why this holiday came into being and especially remember the wonderful and unfathomable gift that was given us. May we never forget, during this season or throughout the year the true meaning of Christmas!

C. W. E. Dietrich (1712–1774)

 

This year I am truly starting over with gathering Christmas decor. Due to the loss of all of my lovely Christmas ornaments and decorations collected over the last 40 years, I am beginning again. I would like to have some words of wisdom here such as, "It is just STUFF. You can always get more STUFF", which is the line I have used numerous times throughout my life, but the fact is, there are some things that cannot be replaced and those are the things I am missing just now.

 

Still, as tragic as this event was, this means I can let my imagination and creativity out to play! Design and create whatever my heart desires and THAT, (even though it will be expensive to gather again), is indeed a call I have always loved! So I am beginning with a tree.

 

I LOVE Christmas trees! No matter what kind or how they are decorated, I LOVE CHRISTMAS TREES!

 

So vintage!

 

Winter elegance!

 

Traditionally country!

 

Made up of childhood dreams!

 





Ultra feminine and PINK!

 

The list and photographs can go on and on! I have always favored a Victorian edge with my Christmas decorating and I cannot go back on that which my heart longs for, but nor do I wish to create what I had created before. I am a different woman now and tastes mature. I LOVE pink and know I want that as a large part of my décor. So what will it be this year?

 

MOST definitely FLOCKED. I have longed for a white tree ever since I can remember but have never gotten around to having one. The most I have done is throw fake and sparkly snow all over and then having snow in the vacuum cleaner through July, (at least). So this is what I have decided upon.....

 

I really covet like this tree, however if I can afford it is another matter altogether. I may just end up flocking a less expensive tree myself. There are tons of tutorials all over Pinterest and while the Ivory Soap and water or the shaving cream and cornstarch recipes do not thrill me or give the effect I desire, I think I can pull it off using paint and tons of glitter. (If I do go this route, I will post pics of the mess  project).

 

Going scouting and shopping has been fun, albeit on a very limited budget. It is odd how some items just tug at you and others SHOUT at you and you KNOW, even if you had decided on the opposite, these things are supposed to come home and be a part of your life. A while back ago, around Halloween,  I scouted some snowflakes down at our local KMart. They were lovely and would look super with pink and gold, but alas! The only ones they had were on the display trees and not for sale. Bummer. But I went back a few days ago and low and behold, they were finally stocking the shelves with ornaments and there they were!

 

 

They only had 10, so....I bought them ALL. The photo really does not do the ornament justice! These things have more angles then the Vatican roofline and throw sparkles just EVERYWHERE. I love the way they pick up whatever color is in their immediate vicinity and shine it in rainbows throughout the room!

 

I also picked up some purple and gold ornaments, (even though I had decided to go pink), but everything was on sale and if I didn't get them now, they would be gone when I'd had time to decide whether or not I wanted them. 

 

LOVE how the snowflakes pick up the purple hues!

Gold is always so elegant!

 

My KMart haul...

 

I have had a difficult time finding the correct pinks I want, but I have some bids out on ebay. I had the winning bid on this star for the top of the tree! I am WAY happy about that! Cannot wait to see it in person! Time will tell if I win any more bids. EBay is so weird...you think you have something and then WHAM! Someone who has nothing better to do than sit all day and bid on your chosen item comes along and steals it. Personally, I think they are probably millionaire hoarders. Would LOVE to see the inside of their house with all my EBay bids sitting there...

 

 

Other than those purchases, I will be making the rest of the ornaments to hang on my tree this year and will begin the collecting again throughout the coming year now that I am somewhat settled in a new town, home and job. Below are some ideas I found on Pinterest. I think the links are done correctly, if not, just hit Pinterest and type the ornament in. It will be there in a flash along with a gazillion other ideas!

 

I need to start drying roses now, but I have a TON of vintage lace I can use with these!

I think I will do the poinsettia in gold though to match the rest of the tree

I LOVE the music sheet ornaments tutorials I am finding! SO very vintage looking!

Coffee filter roses and German mica glitter! So magical!

I am going to be busy for the next few weeks happily crafting in my spare time! Happy Thanksgiving and most of all, may you have a Blessed and Merry Christmas this year!