Saturday, December 3, 2011

Splash of Festiveness

An old red window, Xmas greens and a petite Christmas Tree.
For the first time in 26 years, we are not hosting Christmas this year.  We're flitting off to Montreal to spend it with the Boy Child and his new wife and their family.  This will be the first time not having Christmas with my Mum, which saddens me, but I feel like I need a change this year.  She will be with my sister and we shall bring her from the Home for several festive suppers prior. We usually host a Christmas Eve bash with stragglers leaving at 4 am, so the neighborhood should be a little quieter this year. I feel a little guilty I must say. Our first Christmas in a hotel, first year not cooking, hosting, planning.  A Christmas Eve service in the Old city and a new experience.  I really needed a break so I can bring back my energy and enthusiasm back to Christmas next year.

I changed up the decor a wee bit this year.  An old window from the cottage took the place of mantle honor, along with a garland from POSH in Chicago, purchased last year at our family union (1st meeting) held in Chicago.   And just so I have something to decorate with Girl Child and mother, I bought a WEE TREE that sits on the cabinet, waiting for embellishment....although I quite like it with just the set of Santa lights. 

19 comments:

  1. I love the white decor with the splashes of red... Very cozy!

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  2. Your room is looking lovely and festive. I don't like huge trees that domineer the place, and am very happy with yours.

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  3. Hi Chania,

    Oh my goodness, that first photo is breathtaking. It looks like a spread from Country Living. The red in there just pops, especially with the rug and the old window. I can't believe it but I'm actually loving red again and I don't even think just because it's Christmas time.

    Sometimes it is hard to get away from what we are so used to doing but maybe this is just a way like you said to refresh and rejuvenate.

    Lovin the Santa lites:)

    xo

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  4. this is really, really beautiful chania. have fun with your new tradition. we are starting new traditions too. i guess that is what happens when kids grow up. xo janet

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  5. Chania, I love the red window, your decorations, and your wee tree! Change is good, and sometimes you have to focus on yourself for awhile so that you have the energy to be who you need to be for others, like your mom.

    Kat :)

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  7. Just the right Christmas touches for your lovely room. Thank you for inviting us for a peak. Enjoy your trip and time with family. The stragglers will appreciate you even more next year after a holiday season without you. Cherry Kay

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  8. Change is good. And, as you say, it will revive your energy for next Christmas.
    I'm still coveting that blanket!

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  9. Your room looks lovely. I envy you getting away from all the cooking of Christmas dinner. Get a good rest!

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  10. To spend Christmas with your son and daughter-in-law sounds lovely. I love the red window on your mantle shelf.

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  11. I love that red window - the perfect holiday statement. Although you will feel those twinges of guilt, enjoy the newlywed's first Christmas. I have spent a few Christmases away from the homefront and it's a little odd, but wonderfully relaxed. Ann

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  12. Your room looks beautiful! I think it's difficult going against old traditions at Christmas but I'm sure you'll have a great time :)

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  13. The WEE tree is quite adorable and the Santa lights are cute.

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  14. Hi there ... good to be back and see what you are up to :)
    I have to start thinking about decorating now ... but it is sooo difficult when it is summer and hot and there are no real Christmas trees..
    I love your little tree, I might see if I can do something similar here.
    besitos.. C

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  15. I quite like all you've done here! Just my cup of tea!
    Brenda

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  16. Your home looks fabulous...warm...and inviting.

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  17. Perfect. What lovely room to pend time in reading, chatting, blogging.....

    I have been away for Christmas a few years and each and every one has been so fun with memories I still cherish.

    Streets lined with pepperberry trees in Santa Monica. Lemons to pick in the garden.

    Another time San Francisco, a grey silk robe and grey fog on Christmas morning.

    All have enriched.

    I know you'll enjoy every monent.

    xo Jane

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  18. LOVE! Your white slips look particularly nice with your holiday decorations! Love your garland and the red "window" is such a great idea.
    You're having a different Christmas this year - so are we. This will be the first year that we aren't travelling to family for Christmas and bouncing from one household to another. In our 21 years of marriage we have never had our own Christmas in our own home - we've always been the ones who have had to travel. This year, we'll be in Dubai, so no family and no snow! Just the two of us and our flip flops.

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  19. So very pretty and cozy. I love that room and that window is great!

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I love to read each and every comment and are thrilled that you take the time to send one. Thank you so much. Chania