Casa Kittling Dressed Up for the Holidays

In past years, I've decorated what I called my Christmas Forest. You can take a look at these earlier day and night posts. However, when trusted body parts are no longer trustworthy, some things have to be cut back. My Christmas decorating is one of the victims. In a rather odd way, I'm enjoying decorating less. In past years when I put up thirteen trees (my lucky number), I got in the habit of putting up the same decorations in the same way every year. That doesn't happen now. Even though I've greatly reduced the amount of decorations I do have, I still have plenty so that I can "rotate the stock" and do things a bit differently from one holiday season to the next. 

Denis and I have been enjoying this year's decorations, me more so because my HQ has moved from the office to the living room. As in years past, my overall theme for Christmas is Reflections. Reflections both in the play of light and in the play of memory. I've gathered up a collection of highlights of this year's decorations. I hope you enjoy them.

As you come in the front door.

Looks like the birds built some snowmen this year.

The living room by day. As you can see, I'm fond of quilts. I really like how the fireplace turned out this year-- especially the set of antique sleigh bells that I wove holly sprigs through.

There are three special knitted afghans on the daybed where I relax every afternoon. The red and white one is the first one my mother ever made. The burgundy one is a gorgeous Irish knit one, the second Mom made, and the white one (another fabulous Irish knit) was the last one she made. She gave it to my grandmother, who saved it for "Best" (which means she never used it). I'm using it!

As you can tell, the tea & coffee station is well used.

The large caroler set Mom made. It's not Christmas without this particular set being out on display.

I love firelight and candlelight.

I also like what I did for the tablescape this year.

It's been too long since the last time I displayed any of my finial collection.

I love my finial collection.

Another thing I love? The way the lights play on the tatted and crocheted snowflakes made for me by my grandmother and two special friends.

The Christmases I've experienced have run the gamut from wild and festive to quiet and contemplative. But whether they've been filled with friends or if I've been alone, I've always found something magical about them. Just looking at the reflections can take my mind miles and years away.

Happy Holidays to You All!