It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like.....

CHRISTMAS! 

Yes, it's definitely that time of year again- a time when there are not enough hours in a day (well...that's always true, but even more so now!)

However, although I am not quite finished, at least I have made progress and it definitely is staring to look a lot like Christmas in my house!

When I logged onto FaceBook yesterday, I saw a post which had included the following picture:

Maybe I am crazy, but it definitely reminded me of my own house, and that is what has inspired me to share a little of my own personal Christmas decorating with you.
Here is how "decking my halls"is coming along (so far)

Okay- confession time: I've actually had a lot of help. My husband and one of my sons did all the lights (SO many not shown in the pics!). And my youngest daughter not only decorated the entire tree, but she did all of the unpacking of everything else as well. Wish some direction, she has pretty much done all of the decorating herself. 

Every year I make sure to pull out at least a few of my favorite Christmas books from my childhood. This little one may be my all time fave. It's a bit worn to be sure, but so well loved. To be honest I wouldn't want a new copy even if I could get one. So many memories of my mother reading this to me when I was younger... you just can't replace things like this!

And now the search is on: for phonograph needles! My husband and I recently bought this antique Victor "talking machine"- and lots of wonderful old records for it- including several Christmas albums. I can hardly wait to crank it up and play them on it!

I came home the other day to a surprise of many packages under the Christmas tree... all wrapped by my husband!!!

Yummm.... one nice thing about having a daughter who works at Disneyland: She brings us their awesome candy canes! We don't have to wait (and wait, and wait) in line for them :-)
Thank you, Katie!

Even with all the fun going on, I am managing to devote several hours a day to my Etsy shop. But that doesn't mean I can't add holiday touches to my work, right? I just purchased this gorgeous etched crystal bowl with sterling silver base at an estate sale. So to photograph it, I figured some Christmas candy would work well inside.

Now I am trying to decide if I even want to sell this, lol!
Just kidding... it's going to be listed soon. And in case you are interested in it, I am offering all of you- and only you, my dear blog followers- a special holiday discount to my Etsy store! From now until the end of this month, you can receive 15% off all purchases in my shop by using this coupon code: MLSBLOGFRIEND
I have listed lots of wonderful new things lately, and if you hurry I will ship them out a.s.a.p so that you can hopefully get them in time for Christmas gift giving! You might also give your own wish list out and the coupon code, too. Or maybe you just want to treat yourself ;-) In any event, I hope you'll check out my shop, and find something you love!

As always, I thank you so much for stopping by today. I wish you much, much happiness and special blessings during this season~
Sarah