Twas 13 Days Before Christmas...

This isn't exactly where (in my head) I imagined these "glorified" pot holders would hang nor the framed NOEL. My itty biddy brain had a vision of the mantel surrounded by lots and lots of pine, but when push came to shove and the girls put it up (there on the mantel), it just plain didn't cut it. Maybe we didn't have the "right"  items to go with it to capture the vision I had, but there is always next year. 

OR there is the possibility that you wonderful blog friends will toss me a few ideas...hint...hint

Couldn't do Christmas without having some Old St. Nick (aka: Santa Claus) watching to make sure if we are naughty or nice.
A plate that hubby got for me the first Christmas we were here, and yes, those 2 trees are stocking holders and we'll just leave it at that.
Centerpiece for the dining table with berries like we put on the tree.
This is actually a tiny tree on the counter between kitchen and dining area and we found these biddy ornaments over at Hobby Lobby. I think they are "perfect" for a kitchen tree. Can't ya smell the gingerbread now... hmmmm
These little guys are too cute. They are guarding the gingerbread tree and hoping for a piece after their long day of skating. Where's the fire, the s'mores, how about hot chocolate?
I love this tree and these are only 2 snowmen of the tub full that I have (oh I'll gladly take more). They sit on Jay's granddad's dresser in our dining area. See you can repurpose furniture else where. I want to add some wrapped packages around it, but if you have been reading my blog for awhile, you know you are talking to the "procrastinator." That... or I am waiting for my elf, Jessica, to do it. 

Ah, yes, she not only decorates...

she will wrap my gifts as well.
Hoping blogger will cooperate and I can post a couple pictures of the mantel.