It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas......finally!!

I was not feeling the Christmas vibe much at all a week or so ago and so as a result had NO desire to get the tree up or the house decorated. Well, The Principal would not allow the hum bug to set in and last Sunday we trimmed the tree, house and anything else that would stay still long enough. I am so glad we did - it helped run the hum bug off wonderfully ;-)

This morning while blog hopping I saw that BooMama is hosting 2008 Christmas Tour of Homes again this year and I was inspired to participate - I never do these Mr. Linky things because to be perfectly honest, I'm not entirely sure how they work - and truthfully, I still don't know, but I'm jumping in and going to give it a shot......so here without any further delay is our home as it sits ready to welcome those who bless us with their company as we prepare and delight in celebrating the birth of our Awesome Lord & Savior.......welcome.......the stockings are hung.....

I love our fireplace - I have never lived in a home with a wood burning fireplace and have always wanted to cuddle up by the fire with my sweetheart - now I can and it is more wonderful than I even imagined it would be. We completely re-did the mantle and tile on ours right before we were married - many happy memories are tied to this hearth ;-)

When we were looking at houses - I fell for a house that had these cute lighted niches but was otherwise not at all what we wanted - The Principal assured me that he could build me a lighted niche in any house we bought - and he true to his word he did - this is what happens in the niche at Christmas.

Now - this guy - well he does not make an appearance every year - last year he was on sabbatical - Wonder Boy was kind of creeped out by him - but this year I got the all clear - I think he is wonderful and I am glad to see him. Then there is this little man "Elfie" as he has come to be known over the years. He has held a place of honor on the top of my Christmas trees since I was maybe 3 years old - many, many years ago for those who are keeping track ;-) This timepiece is one of my favorite ornaments - no special reason it just makes me smile and feels like Christmas to me somehow.

Santa was given to me by a friend who I truly treasure so this is one of my Christmas treasures now and it has found a regular spot here each year.

This beautiful Christmas cactus was a gift several years ago from my dear sweet neighbor across the street - she called one late chilly fall afternoon and told me that "Grandpa" needed a home that she did not have room for him inside this year - I was proud to give him a place to live - his beauty is a gift that continues to give.

And last but not least....do you have one of these in your tree? We had to re-locate our tree to the room with french doors this year - he's a trip ;-)

That concludes our tour....thanks for stopping by to take a look - please leave a comment and let me know you came by ;-)

May God richly bless each of your families with joy and peace during this wonderful, magical season.

Learning as I go,

Leisha