My 2013 Winter Mantle & Holiday Decorations

The pantry is in working order again, the fall decorations put away and the decorations out for the Christmas season. I have to thank my daughter Serenity for being so helpful.  She loves the little traditions we do each year and was eager to get everything decorated.  Between her and the younger ones, they did a lot.

The winter village that we’ve had for years and is the kids’ absolute favorite thing.

At night…

The man used to have a fish on the end of his pole but that has disappeared.  This year Audrey had the bright idea to tear off a bit of marshmallow for the end of the stick. So cute.

My mom painted both of these for me.

The little Brio train that we’ve had for over 20 years.

And my winter mantle…

There’s my old fence turned into a gift. I’m finally liking my mock-gate. Awhile back I sprayed one side of it white and I just think it works so much better with my home.  It was too much tan and brown before.

 I found these battery operated lights at Joanne’s the other day for 70% off which brought the price down to $7.50. I have no idea why they were so discounted. I already had some small clothes pins which I used to put up some of this years Christmas pictures.

 I got the idea for writing on burlap from KariAnne at Thistlewood Farm  (I love her blog) and attached the burlap to an old industrial wooden spool I bought awhile back.

The lantern was given to me from my daughter-in-law for my birthday. I put some greenery inside and added some stringed pearls and then finished it all off by tying burlap ribbon to the top of the lantern. I love it.

Audrey set this up and even added the light. She loves this nativity set because you can wind it up and it will play “Silent Night”.

I love the little white lights which add so much warmth to the room.

This morning Audrey decided that she wanted to get up with her brother when he left for work. So she was up by about 5:15. While I was laying in bed I heard “Silent Night” being played and knew it was her, so I got up and went out to the living room where all the lights were on and the fireplace going. So cozy. I then sat on the couch and my little girl crawled into my lap, laid her head on my shoulder and went to sleep. A precious moment in time for me.

Each of us has a bank account of time into which a deposit is made and withdrawals are taken. No matter how depleted that account was at the end of yesterday, today it is chock-full of moments to cherish, memories to make, and minute after minute to spend wisely or not.

Joining up with

Ten June

Thrifty Decor Chick