christmas in our new home

Since we had no house to really decorate last Christmas, I really went to town this year!  Not really, ok, maybe a little!  We invested in a new 10.5 ft tree and we are in awe of its beauty.  We chose a thin and tall tree as opposed to our old one.  We bought it the day after Thanksgiving and started decorating.  This is probably already practiced by most families, but I think we're going to start a tradition of decorating for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving.  I loved seeing H's face light up when we (mainly Paul) were putting the tree together.  Maybe next year, he can help decorate the bottom of the tree.

And here's our Christmas tree 2013.  We kept the same ornaments that we already had, give or take a few new ones.  The old ribbon I used two years ago was too short, so I bought two rolls of burlap at Michael's.  I actually like it better, as it gives more a natural look, yet it was sheer enough for the lights to shine through. 

This year's yearly christmas ornament is, you guessed it, Mickey Mouse!  I found this at Target and just wrote the year below so we knew when we got it.

My Mom gave me these wood ornaments that she found at World Market.  For some reason, they remind me of the Philippines and I kinda like them!

Annual ornament selfies!  Who hasn't done them?

And here's the rest of the living room in different angles.  I think this is actually the first time I've shared pics of it here, so, welcome!  I'll hopefully share more details on this room sometime in the future.  And it NEVER looks like this.  H's toys are usually everywhere and we have blankets on the couch for Bailey to lay on.  I decided to snap these real quick during H's naptime.  How do you like them edge guards on the coffee table?  Sexy huh? 

And our fireplace.  We've used it almost 5 times already this month and we are loving it!  I never had a real fireplace growing up so this is a thrill for me. 

Here's a post on these pine cone topiaries that I did two years ago.  I love them, and I'm really thinking about making more next year using different materials.

A fun mistletoe hangs on the archways which leads to the master bedroom and laundry room.  I'm still waiting for my kiss. 

And our little entryway console table thingy-ma-bob.  

Added some holiday cheer in the kitchen too.

I found this nativity set at Target for $15 and I thought it would be cute to have for H.  Currently, it's on our console table in the formal dining room.  Since it didn't come with a barn, I felt like it needed some sort of background.  I made this quick "O Holy Night" art and just stuck it in one of the frames we had lying around.

I hung these patio lights in our breakfast nook, and I think we're going to keep them year round.  They make that little corner of the house so dreamy!

And of course I took pictures at night, when everything glows.  

I hope you enjoyed my little tour of how we decked the halls in our new home.  Since I will most likely be soaking up as much family time these next few days, I'd like to wish you all a Merry & Bright Christmas!