I Love Christmas Decorating!

This entry is part of The Nester’s Christmas Tour of Homes 2012.

I love Christmas. I absolutely love Christmas. One of my favorite memories is when Papa would read us “The Night Before Christmas” (which I wrote about a couple of years ago), and when we’d leave milk and cookies for “Santa.” Another one of my favorite memories are of my mom’s Christmas decorations. My siblings and I loved helping mom with her Christmas tree, which to our eyes was the most beautiful tree we’d ever seen — not at all like those Tivoli-lighted, poinsettia-fied trees. (Mom’s tree always looked like a candy tree!) (Here’s a post where I mentioned my mom’s Christmas tree.)

When I got married, I was excited at the prospect of having my own tree to decorate. I remember considering a new-fangled tree, like those white or other-colored trees that were being sold in high-street furniture stores. But my heart would always hearken back to the candy-colored, sugar-plum inspired Christmas tree of my youth. And so, that’s what I’ve been using as my design peg for the past four years that I’ve been decorating my home for the Christmas season.

I thought I’d share with you all some snapshots of our home, now that it’s all decked out for the holidays. I’m a traditional type of girl, and I’m a total kid when it comes to Christmas. My Christmas decorating style reflects this. So if you’re looking for a blue/fuschia/black & white Christmas, you won’t find it in Casa de Luna.

I don’t have a mantle, which would be pretty useless in our part of the world. I’ve always wanted one, though, because I love making tablescapes and vignettes. We have a 3-foot cantilevered shelf though, in our dining room, where we usually put indoor plants and other decor throughout the year. This year, I decided to use it for my collection of tabletop trees. I’ve collected one for each year of our marriage. (I told you this post would be cheesy.)

My little Christmas tree collection

It’s also the first year since I got married that I actually baked Christmas goodies for giving to friends and colleagues. (Belle of Cruisin’ Mommyhood and Chesca of Young Mom Love were my first recipients this year, when we went out for a spa-date, after which I gifted them with these tins full of chocolate chip cookies.) I realize that I’ve still got my baking groove, so I bought new cookie sheets to ensure that the mojo lasts through the holidays. (Somehow, that sounds weird. Haha.)

Kiddie Christmas touches: Snowmen, tin soliders and cookies!

Pictured above is the “snowman corner” outside Vito’s room. The capiz tree is a new acquisition from Rustan’s Flower Shop (Php549.00). The snowman felt buckets were originally for my cookie giveaways, but I found the tins more appropriate, so I used these instead for random berry twigs that I was not using elsewhere (Snowman felt bucket, Php150 for two, Gourdo’s). The candle and candy dish were gifts from last Christmas. (Tin soldier cookie tins, Php150 for two, Gourdo’s.)

My workspace is in the festive mood, too.

I like keeping Christmas-y things on my desk, too. These days, I’ve been working with Christmas instrumentals and oldies in the background (Thank you, Accuradio, for providing holiday tunes 365/24/7.)

I’m still looking for the perfect Belen (Nativity scene), for our living room. Last year, I opted for a small ceramic, 3-piece one with the Holy Family, but this year I’m hoping to get a nice, complete set with the shepherds and the Wise Men, too.

This Nativity Set is made from wood and non-toxic paint. Perfect for Vito during his childhood! Source: mywoodentoys.com.au

Did you like the snapshots of my home? This is probably the only time I’m excited about sharing pics of my home, haha! Without Christmas decor, it’s pretty Spartan, and just has the basics. Hmmm. Maybe I should spend more time on year-round decor!

Well, for now, I’ll just enjoy the festive vibe in the house. Especially when days are stressful and when the sporadic “blah” or “bah humbug” moments threaten to quell my sense of wonder. Deep inside, I’m still a kid. I still am thankful that I believe in God, and in His amazing goodness.

How about you? Does Christmas decorating make you happy? Do you have Christmas decorating tips, too? Let’s share!

I’m linking up with The Nesting Place’s Christmas Tour of Homes 2012: