Christmas Lite at Casa Kittling

I promised you some photos of the Christmas decorations I put up this year, and here they are. There aren't as many as in previous years, which you can see in posts like Christmas After Dark at Casa Kittling, but at least I did have many years where I could-- and did-- indulge my passion for holiday decorations.

Of course, there are a few decorations in the craft room. Things I've made, a Santa pitcher that's held many gallons of egg nog (and is part of a beloved set), and a flashing snowman that's a gift from a beloved friend.

A lot of the decorating this Christmas involved using old things in new ways-- like the needlepoint valances I made for two windows now being used as a runner atop the bookcases.

Since most foot traffic comes into the house through the carport, the welcome sign is here. Since I didn't put up any trees, I decided to make that tiered wire basket look festive. Those tote bags atop the bookcases hold afghans waiting to be given to people.

Looking into what used to be the dining room and on into the living room. Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without the big set of carolers Mom made back in the 1960s. They traveled a lot of miles to be here.

I don't like Christmas pillows or quilts. Nah. Not me.

The biggest quilts are store-bought. The small one was made by a friend. I made the Santa mug "bouquet" on the table as well as the punch needle embroidery napkin it's sitting on. A nice place to sit, read, drink tea, and keep an eye on the neighbors.

Part of my snowman collection. Several of them are still in the drawer.

Yes, I have shelves that don't have books on them.

I made the needlepoint mat, and I got everything to make the Christmas bouquet on the cheap. Total cost of everything-- mug included-- $5. (Love those 90% off sales after Christmas!)

Denis and I have to have a festive office, too.

The living room from the front door. There's my second "tree" between the lamps.

I began collecting those birds a couple of years ago, but it wasn't until this year that I got the idea to tell a story with them. The red fringe was purchased at a going-out-of-business fabric store about twenty years ago.

You might remember this table from Dia de los Muertos. Now it's gussied up for Christmas.

The way I placed many of the ornaments tell stories, too. The Santa and the two stockings are what remain of my "First Christmas" ornaments. The rest did not survive the Hong Kong Flu Fiasco of 1970.

Push the button on the sombreroed snowman and he sings my favorite Christmas song. And I love the two tatted ornaments given to me by a friend.

The big Santa cookie jar in the center is part of the set I mentioned earlier. Pure serendipity that I found it. I had the teapot, pitcher, sugar bowl, and creamer, and thought that was all there was. Denis and I stopped at a place outside of Lexington, Kentucky, years ago, and-- lo and behold!-- there was the cookie jar! (Good thing no one tried to get between me and it!)

Three holiday teapots for my niece Karen who's always ready for a brew.

I've always loved Hallmark's "Spencer Sparrow."

Of course this tablescape wouldn't be complete without some knitting. I love the tiny sweaters a friend knitted for me. One of these days I might be as talented as she.

Unintentional, but I like how it looks as though the elves are trying to hijack the Harrods van.

Another caroler set my mother made.

I could show you more, but I've probably outstayed my welcome as it is. As strange and distasteful as the 2020 holiday season may be to many of you, I wish you all-- however you celebrate (or even if you don't)-- Comfort... and Joy in the upcoming New Year.