Christmas Traditions

Christmas, for many, is about traditions. Traditions that are passed down from parent to child for generations. They can be activities that are ceremoniously carried out each year, or decorations that are strategically placed out of curious hands. 

Here are a few of our family traditions...

My grandmother's Creche, complete with wooden pieces. The lever you see is a music box and plays "Away in a Manger" as the angels turn. (I just realized that the manger scene is backward and baby Jesus should be under the angels. Oops. I blame my children.)

While Oma's creche stays out of reach, this little creche set is all theirs. It was mine when I was their age.

Rodney Reindeer is incredibly special, as he belonged to my father. It was a special joke between he and I that it was mine and he stole it from me. When he died, I got it back. Rodney has a special place high atop the TV armoire, and my kids know he is special because he belonged to Grandpa.

My house isn't very big, so we traditionally just have one big tree. I set it up the day after Thanksgiving and let the kids decorate it. I haven't put the glass ornaments on in several years. I figure when they are old enough to leave the tree alone, we will add those and all decorate together. For now, they just love to put their ornaments on the tree, and if they can get six on one branch, they have succeeded!

I have many ornaments that are special, and the it is my tradition to add to the tree each year. These crocheted ice skates are one of them. My grandmother made them many, many years ago. 

This year we have a new tradition ~ Meet Buddy the Elf! He isn't quite as mischievous as some of the other elves I've seen, but he really likes to dangle from high places, like curtain rods and ceiling lights. 

My favorite tradition of all is Christmas at Disneyland. The lights, the tree, the treats, the parade...everything just puts me in the holiday mood. And they have the best Santa, and we have pictures with the same one from the time Cooper was born.

Christmas 2011

What are some of your Christmas traditions?

I'm also guest posting over at Clean & Scentsible today for Jenn's Trim the Tree series. Here's a little hint of the handmade ornament I'm sharing:

Any guesses?

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Rustic Glam Christmas in the Dining Room {Holiday 2012}

How many posts have you read that began with the words, "I can't believe it's almost Christmas?" Well here's one more, because I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S ALMOST CHRISTMAS!!!"

I didn't intend to go minimalist this Christmas, but that seems to be the direction I'm heading, and I big puffy heart love it!

Just a few touches of green and white and silver. It's a little bit glam and a little bit vintage, with just a tad of rustic thrown in for good measure.

This is the first Christmas I've decorated since painted my hutch and fireplace white, and ohmygosh I can't believe the difference it makes! If you're considering painting something big, DO IT!

On top of the hutch are a few silver trays. The one in the middle belonged to my grandmother and came from Germany. The faux greenery are courtesy of Ikea last spring, and the bottle brush trees came from Marshalls last year.

I took some of my handmade ornaments and tied them to the top of the hutch with some simple twine. 

On the open shelf I simply tossed a couple of silver acorns in with my basket of vintage mason jars, and added some faux evergreen clippings and a pretty ribbon to the vintage bottles.

What is it about a pretty bow that just sings "Christmas?"

Opposite the hutch is the open doorway to the kitchen, which I have conveniently obstructed from view using a thrifted curtain.

I made the world's easiest wreath from faux garland and strips of burlap an hung them on either side of the doorway. 

Minimalist.

My Rustic Glam centerpiece takes center stage at meal time.

I love the little bits of sparkle and shimmer. 

I am loving not having a bunch of Christmas stuff everywhere, but rather a minimal amount, just enough to put us in the mood. 

How do you decorate? Are you a minimalist or do you go all out?


Linking up with:
At the Picket Fence
Funky Junk Interiors
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

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Rustic Glam Christmas Centerpiece

I never thought that I would be using the word "Glam" to describe anything in my home, and I still think it's a bit of a stretch in this case, but I actually kinda love it.

I bought several boxes of white and silver sparkly ornaments this year at Michaels (gotta love that 30% off coupon for Black Friday!). I had every intention of strategically placing them on my tree, but then my kids started decorating it and I couldn't bring myself to change what they'd done.

I did, however, need a pretty centerpiece for my dining room table so I whipped this up using an old Coca Cola crate, some faux branches from Ikea and my pretty new ornaments. 

I layered first a beautiful white table runner with a lace border, then stuffed some burlap on either side to make it look more full.

I added the faux branches, ornaments and pine cones and played around with the arrangement until I was happy with it.

Rustic with a little bit of glam. Just like me. 

Not.

It is however, just like my dining room in it's simple decked out for Christmas glory. 

But you'll have to wait for the next post to see that. 

How's your Christmas decorating going?

Be sure to check out the fabulous giveaways I have going on:

$25 credit to the Ella Claire Shoppe {Jewelry and Holiday Home Decor}

Linen Swiss Cross Pillow from Sweet Tea & Linen

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{{{CLOSED}}} Swiss Cross Pillow from Sweet Tea & Linen Giveaway

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANKS FOR ENTERING!

Last week I shared several of my favorite Etsy shops and small online business. What you didn't know, is that I have been planning a giveaways for two of the shops I showcased!

The second giveaway is from Sweet Tea & Linen. 

I know you have seen Carolyn's beautiful pillows and other linens in my home before.

Union Jack Pillow

Ruffled Linen Table Runner


 One of my fabulous readers will win a gorgeous linen Swiss Cross Pillow!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
What's included: One 18" x 18" Swiss Cross pillow cover and pillow form. The winner can choose from natural, white or oatmeal linen. Shipping is also included.

To enter: visit Sweet Tea & Linen, and come back and let me know your favorite item.

(by the way, Carolyn takes custom orders, too!)

Optional Entries:

1) Leave a comment letting me know that you follow Sweet Tea & Linen on Facebook.

2) Leave a comment letting me know that you follow Simply Klassic Home on Facebook.

RULES: 

No duplicate entries, please.

 This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

 The giveaway will be open until December 1 at midnight PST.

The winner will be chosen by random.org and will be notified by email. If I do not hear from the winner within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.

Good luck!!!

Be sure to check out my other giveaway from Ella Claire Shoppe here.

UPDATED:

THE WINNER IS #27:
CONGRATULATIONS BECCA!!!

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{{{CLOSED}}} Ella Claire Shoppe Giveaway {Jewelry & Holiday Decor}

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANKS FOR ENTERING!

Last week I shared several of my favorite Etsy shops and small online business. What you didn't know, is that I have been planning a giveaways for two of the shops I showcased!

Vintage sheet music Joyeux Noel Banner from Ella Claire, the Shoppe


The first giveaway is from Ella Claire Shoppe. My friend Kristen, who blogs at Ella Claire, has teamed up with her sister to bring you fabulous jewelry and holiday home decor.

There are so many creative offerings to choose from.

Perfect Blue Beaded Chandelier Necklace

Cranberry Bubble Necklace

Kelly Green Bubble Bracelet

 Cinnamon Mocha Dipped Candles

Such beautiful things, and perfect for Christmas gifts!

 One of you fabulous readers will win a $25 credit to the shoppe!!!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

To enter: visit Ella Claire, the Shoppe, and come back and let me know what you would choose with your credit, and if it would be a gift or something for yourself.

Optional Entries:

1) Leave a comment letting me know that you follow Ella Claire on Facebook.

2) Leave a comment letting me know that you follow Simply Klassic Home on Facebook.

RULES: 

No duplicate entries, please.

 This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

 The giveaway will be open until December 1 at midnight PST.

The winner will be chosen by random.org and will be notified by email. If I do not hear from the winner within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. The winner will receive a digital coupon code to be used at the shoppe, and will receive free shipping.

 If you just can't wait and want to get shopping NOW, Ella Claire is giving Simply Klassic readers 10% off of their order by using coupon code "simplyklassic" through December 10. In addition, shipping is FREE on all orders over $10 until December 10.

 Good luck, and be sure to check my other fabulous giveaway from Sweet Tea & Linen!


UPDATED:

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNER:
DEBRA FROM COMMON GROUND!!!

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Industrial Film Reel Wreath

The Christmas decorating has officially begun!!

I've got just a little snippet of my mantel to share with you today before I share the whole reveal later this week.

I purchased this vintage film reel a couple of years back and used it in a hutch top photography vignette. It came down when I painted the hutch last spring, and I haven't known what to do with it since. 

I was putting the finishing touches on my mantel this morning but knew

it needed a little something...a wreath!

But alas I had none. 

While looking through my decor stash I came across the film reel, and thought, it's round so why not be creative?

I love, love, love it!!!

It was so super simple to make, too. 

Want to know how? 

Get a film reel. Tie a ribbon (or burlap, like I did), and hang it up.

Simple is my thing, and this fit the bill.

Did I mention I love it?

I hope you have all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend (and weekend in general for you Canadians!) and I'll see you back here bright and early Monday morning with a couple of fun giveaways just in time for the holidays!

Linking up:

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Home Stories A2Z

At the Picket Fence

Funky Junk Interiors

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Fifteen Etsy Stores to Shop with on Small Business Saturday

As a small business owner myself, I am realizing more and more the importance of supporting small business. This holiday season I am committed to buying at least one gift for every person I shop for from a small business. There are so many amazing, creative people out there!

There will always be a soft spot in my heart for Black Friday, but frankly it's become quite the joke with stores opening on Thanksgiving evening. So I'm planning on mostly shopping online, and will likely head out to support my favorite local small business, Country Roads.

What is Small Business Saturday?

From Wikipedia: Small Business Saturday is an American shopping holiday held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. First celebrated on November 27, 2010, it is a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which feature big box retail and e-commerce stores respectively. By contrast, Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local.

I thought it would be fun to put together a list of Etsy stores and small e-businesses that I love, to help you kick off the holiday shopping season! Links are to the store fronts, so you can browse all of their fabulous selections.

JEWELRY

Ella Claire Shoppe 

Beautiful jewelry and handmade home decor

The Clever Pink Charm 

"A Mom and Tween Team designing jewelry that captures personality and charm."

White Finn Designs 

Beaded and fabric jewelry. I love the purple ombre earrings!

Bombshell Bling Jewelry 

Unique jewelry pieces that are inspired by all things bright, sparkly and vintage like this pink Swarovski crystal bracelet!

FOR THE KIDS

My Sweet Dreams Baby 

Unique (and pretty adorable) gifts for the littles in your life.

Cookie Wife Creations 

Tons of adorable little girl’s hair clips. I just purchased the set in the photo! 

Little Blooms Handmade 

Elastic hair ties and bows make an excellent stocking stuffer for any girl in your life. There are other hair accessories and jewelry as well.

HAND-SEWN

Sweet Tea and Linen

Handmade pillows, table runners and more.

SDK Designs

I can't help it, these super hero capes and masks are so cute!!!

The Sewing Loft 

PDF sewing Patterns and ready-made items, like this cupcake backback that my daughter kinda needs.

Rhyah Papaya 

Since I just upgraded my camera I'm going to need a new custom camera straps (hint, hint) and Rhyah Papaya has some really beautiful ones.

Sassy Crafty Mommie

Crocheted boot socks (brand new store!!)

HAND PAINTED

PB&JStories

Beautiful handpainted custom signs (my buddy Pamela is also offering gift certificates this year!)

Read the Signs 

Handpainted custom signs. Love this "No Soliciting" sign.


STOCKING STUFFERS & CARDS

Sheena Bugs
Personal tissue package holder - how stinking cute is this???

Pet Scribbles 

“Because pets can’t write” Cards and gifts for Pet lovers. 

Le Papier Studio

Silhouette ornaments or gift tags. You can choose from a wide selection of silhouettes or for an additional charge you can use your own child's image.

PHOTOGRAPHY THEMED

Cosmic Firefly

These Camera Cufflinks with Swarovski Crystal Glass Lens are just one item in an array of fabulous steampunk and retro inspired jewelry and accessories.

and for the ladies...

Simply Sweet Studio

I have a few photographer friends who would absolutely swoon over this sweet necklace.

I was not paid in any way for sharing these shops with you. I just thought they were all pretty rockin' and I wanted to spread the love!

Surely you've seen something in this compilation that you have to have. Now let's get shoppin'!

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