Christmas Archives – Page 2 of 4 – Strength Of The Small

Getting Into Holiday Mood

By JM PerezDecember 13, 20182 min read1.1K views

It’s almost that wonderful time of year. It’s cold outside and some mornings are ice cold.

We have been debating whether or not to put up the Christmas tree this year. It’s fun setting things up and decorating; when it comes time to take everything down and storing, none of my helpers are to be found. Either way, having a Christmas tree gets us into the holiday mood as well as listening to Christmas music.

We didn’t go for a white Christmas this time. We opted for the little green Christmas tree and a few of our favorite ornaments. This year, the huge elves are on the shelves and their fun mischievous (medium size) replica on a ladder next to the Christmas tree.

This year, my favorite ornaments on the tree are the Lauren Conrad Christmas ornaments below. The Mouse Candy Cane, Fox and Bunny Ballerina. They are beautifully well made.

I love the nativity scene glass cloche below featuring Mary, Joseph and Jesus.

I found the beautiful miniature living Christmas trees at Walmart earlier this morning. Went in to buy a t-shirt for my son’s project and couldn’t resist bringing one home.

For the first time in many years, the neighborhood is alive this holiday season. Most of the neighbors have decorated their yards and put up lights and the sight is beautiful at night (which is enough for us). We are keeping things simple and to a minimum.

We are extending our attitude of gratitude by continuously giving to charities.

Warmest wishes of the season from our family to yours.

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Desserts Snacks and Treats Christmas Family Gratitude

Our Gingerbread House

By JM PerezDecember 24, 20131 min read1.1K views

“The way you spend Christmas is far more important than how much.” – Henry David Thoreau

Together with the kids, we’ve decided to do something fun while waiting for midnight and the opening of the gifts. We decorated the Gingerbread House (Pepparkaka Hus) we bought at Ikea a couple of weeks ago. I am sure it would have been so much fun making one from scratch.

We used caramel syrup to glue the pieces together and everyone pitched in with the decorations.

Merry Christmas!

“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.” – Roy L. Smith

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Christmas Strength of The Small Family Gratitude

Happy Holidays!

By JM PerezDecember 23, 20131 min read553 views

This year I decided to keep the Christmas Tree decorating simple which meant no ribbons, bows, flowers, beaded garland and no train set up around the tree. I selected just a few of the ornaments and we randomly hung them, placing the vintage Angel Tree Topper at the top of our White Christmas Tree.

I used two different wrapping papers for the gifts as well as tags, to ensure that we each open what belongs to us. I have learned the hard way that my daughter dislike people opening gifts for her (unless she ask for help). I have my Christmas wrapping all set up and now looking forward to watching the joy of my kids faces when they discover what are in those carefully wrapped boxes.

In addition to the large elegant Wreath on the front door, there’s a weather-resistant Winter Garden Flag outside our front door to give our visitors an initial warm welcome.

May your hearts be filled with the Spirit of Christmas.

Happy Holidays!

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Christmas Vintage Gratitude People

Vintage Christmas Decorations

By JM PerezDecember 2, 20132 min read1.6K views

In June we received a nicely wrapped gift bag from our oldest neighbor across the street, who stopped by to help us cut down the Pine Tree in our backyard. We had so much going on at the time that I grabbed the bag and set it somewhere in the garage. A couple of weeks later I opened it to see its contents and found a gorgeous set of Vintage Snoring Santa and a matching Vintage Santa Door Hanger, both battery operated (uses three “AA”). Also in the gift bag was a Water Globe Box with interchangeable top.

The first is the Santa Claus Wall/Door Hanger and plays ‘Jingle Bells’ when the sensor detects a presence and wishes a Merry Christmas to the Guest at the end of the song. It has a loop on the back for hanging and requires two “AA” batteries to operate.

Vintage Santa Door Hanger. — *Vintage Musical Santa Face Door Hanger.*

The second is Santa sound asleep in his bed. He snores and his belly moved up and down for approximately 20 seconds.

The third is the Kirkland Signature Water Globe Box. I love its interchangeable top which allows me to pick one of the two options. You can choose to either display Santa in the Globe or the Bird by the Chimney Flue.

Mrs. Santa Claus is made of felt with styrofoam head, plastic boots, felt clothing and cloth apron.

A couple of weeks ago I found the gorgeous Vintage Jewelbrite Star Angel Unbreakable Christmas Tree Topper at the Estate Liquidators. It will look lovely at the top of our White Christmas Tree.

Happy Christmas Decorating everyone!

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Christmas Holidays Home Decor DIY: Projects

DIY: Winter Bird Wreath

By JM PerezNovember 4, 20131 min read660 views

Last year I made a simple Owl Wreath for Christmas. For this year, I decided to make a Winter Bird Wreath.

Materials Needed:

Wreath (I used a Foam Wreath)
Yarn
Bird (you can find one at a craft store)
Tiny Pine Cones
Ornamental Red Cherries
Felt Balls
Glue gun
Hot glue sticks
Choice Fabric for Bow
Decorative Frosted Needle Pine Branch

Step by step:

Once you’re done wrapping the yarn tightly around the wreath until it’s thick and all covered, hot glue the end
Glue the Felt Balls on the wreath, closely next to each other (use different sizes)
If you were lucky to find a bird already on a Needle Pine Branch, hot glue it on the felt ball at the top; otherwise get creative
Gather your Ornamental Red Cherries, Tiny Pine Cones, Decorative Frosted Needle Pine Branch and arrange them to your licking
Hot glue the arrangement on the bird’s abdomen and hot glue the finish product on the felt ball at the top
Use your Choice Fabric to tie a bow on the wreath and voilà!

Now, up to working on my Spring wreath.

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By JM Perez