This and That Before Christmas

Christmas is really sneaking up on me this year.  Thankfully, I finished the shopping last weekend.

 

Last night we had a thunderstorm with a little hail.  The wind began to howl this morning around 4:00 am, and by dawn there was a fluffy layer of snow on the ground.

 

Random...

 

This year I put my vintage-style teddy bear next to the fireplace with the little sled I scored dumpster diving after a garage sale a few years ago.  The homeowner said his wife was having a hard time parting with it. 

 

He said this as he was pushing it into my hands.

 

 

I made Teddy's little black and white vest last year.  No pattern, just a lot of pinning.  Let me tell you, it's a very custom fit.  The little vest helped me discover how much I like using black and white with my holiday decorating. 

 

 

I scored a complete nativity scene at a Goodwill two years ago.  I mean complete.  Holy family, angel, wise men, shepherds, sheep, camels, you name it.  Needless to say, it's huge.  This year, I just displayed Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.  Originally, they were cream-colored with antiquing in all the crevices.  It wasn't a flattering finish, so I spray painted them Heirloom White.

 

Notice the black and white again?

 

 

I kept things pretty simple in the dining room this year.

 

 

I just tucked wintery things here and there.

 

 

I bet I overlook something when I put everything away in a couple of weeks.