Hey, internets – welcome to the 2008 Christmas Tour of Homes!
I’ll go ahead and confess to y’all that I panicked a little bit last week when I realized that this tour-o-homes business was on the horizon and, HELLO, MY HOUSE LOOKS JUST LIKE IT ALWAYS DOES AT CHRISTMAS, OH SWEET MERCY THE PRESSURE.
But then I remembered that there are a few little traditions that I’ve never shared with you, and as you can imagine my relief was palpable.
First, though, let’s look at all the stuff that looks just like last year!
THIS MUST BE SO EXCITING!
And with lights!
Oh, we are very fancy. And once again I can take absolutely no credit at all for my tree, because Mama decorated every single bit of it. Thankfully she didn’t take any tree-related tumbles this year, though the decorating was briefly interrupted by a pesky stomach virus. Obviously she rebounded and finished the task at hand remarkably well.
As always I decorated the bar in our living room. For those of you who aren’t familiar with why there’s a bar in our living room, here’s the gist: our house was built in 1974, and apparently early-70s homeowners felt it was imperative that beverage service be located within ten feet of the television. For whatever reason I get a kick out of the fact that the wet bar now boasts garland, lights, Christmas stockings, and a one-armed monkey stocking hanger.
See? That’s our one-armed monkey stocking hanger. The monkey used to have two arms, but then he tied up with a certain two year-old a few years ago, and the two year-old won. The monkey still does an absolutely beautiful job holding a stocking, though, and I smile every single time I walk past him.
(He’s also completely broken in two at the waist, so it stands to reason that he could use some encouragement.)
Our Christmas card tree – which is a 6 1/2 foot tree that we got for free and now use to display Christmas cards in the playroom – is one of my favorite traditions. It brings me untold delight, especially around December 24th when it’s chock-full-o-cards.
And, as always, I LURVE me a festive table.
For the last several years I’ve put my parents’ aluminum Christmas tree (from way back in ye olden 60s) in our little boy’s room. He loves it because it’s shiny (it’s also very lean-y) and because we put Mickey Mouse lights on it. All the ornaments on this tree are from my childhood – my brother’s elves, my sister’s carolers, my handmade stuff from Sunday School and kindergarten – and it’s so much fun to see how much the little man enjoys it.
And another fun thing in his room? This giant stocking hanging from a curtain rod.
In the past I’ve always done garland and lights outside our front door, but this year I wanted to do something a little more simple because, well, I just wanted to do something a little more simple, AS IS MY PREROGATIVE AS A FEMALE, OH THANK YOU. So I found this cool iron container at TJ Maxx for $9.99, and I filled it with some pieces of a shrub that’s in our backyard.
And just to clarify for all you gardener people, I believe that the Latin name of the greenery I used is shrubae in our backyardae.
Be sure to look for it in your favorite horticulture journals.
The container tends to clang against the front door when people walk in or leave, so it also works as a bell. Who knew my $9.99 would provide me with a container for greenery and an entry notification system? I’m completely undeserving of such good fortune.
Finally, when we were visiting my brother and sister-in-law last weekend, I was totally captivated by the Nativity scene they have in their foyer – and I took a picture of it just for y’all. Because I love how every single creature in the stable is looking at the manger and anticipating the arrival of Jesus.
May the same be true of us, sweet friends.
Thanks so much for joining in the fun today – I hope you have a great time touring and commenting and visiting and whathaveyou. Remember, as I’ve said before, this is a marathon, not a sprint, so PACE YOURSELVES, PEOPLE. Drink lots of water, eat lots of protein, and please, as always, no wagering.
Oh, I kid. But y’all make this so much fun, and I am grateful.
Four quick things before I go:
– It would be great if you’d leave a comment when you visit the blogs that are participating in the Tour. Even a short comment can encourage someone so much!
– Here’s a refresher on Christmas Tour guidelines.
– Everyone who leaves a comment is eligible to win a very special door prize from Engraved Euniques. I’ll draw for the prize this Friday, December 19.
– Please make sure to leave a link for YOUR POST’S SPECIFIC URL, NOT THE GENERAL URL OF YOUR BLOG.
Merry Christmas, y’all!
So excited to be participating! Can’t wait to look at some other homes!
Great…I won’t get anything done now…I just have to look at all these houses! This is such a great idea! Thanks!
This is awesome. I’m going to look at everyone’s tonight. :)
First time visiting. I love this idea and I decided to join in on the fun.
This is so much fun! Thanks for hosting.
Love your Christmas card tree. That is such a fabulous idea!
This is SO much fun. My first time to participate, but I am loving looking at everyone’s precious houses!
How fun! I think that now I have the linking figured out, hope so anyway! Now I gonna go on some tours! Thanks for doing this.
It all looks great! I love your blue-green trees!
You’re obviously too hot for Mr. Linky to handle. Ow-yow-youch! ;)
This is my first year to post and tour. What great fun! Merry Christmas
Love your decorations – thanks for doing this, I love it. (I messed up on my first try adding my link,#551 hopefully you can delete that one, sorry.)
I am a little late posting, but I am so happy to participate for the first time this year! I hope everyone enjoys my little house all done up!
Thank you for hosting this! Your decorations look lovely – especially your table setting. Merry Christmas!
I am number 560….I am determined to complete the entire tour before Christmas which means, I have to average 56 a day.
Thanks for doing this!
First time in the home tour and I AM SOOOOO EXCITED!!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Thank you, Boo Mama! Can’t wait to board the train for the tour.
~Smockity Late-to-the-Party Frocks
Love the open house!
Merry Christmas!!! May you have a blessed Holiday!!! Your house looks wonderful. =)
Thank you BooMama! What fun…I love your little silver tree – it is really cool!
Merry Christmas BooMama! :-) Thank you for hosting the tour. Your home looks lovely. :-)
I was born twenty years ago last night, so my parents brought me home in a large Christmas stocking. By large, I mean it had to hold me: a 9 pound, 15 ounce, full-head-o-hair baby.
So I can totally relate to the giant stocking. I love it.
Merry Christmas!
This is so much fun! Thanks for hosting this!
Today is so much fun!!!!!
Hey girl! Your tree looks great! I love the picture with the lights!!! Sparkly!I can’t wait to tour everyone’s home!!!
My first time participating and I am enjoying visiting everyone’s site. Thanks for hosting!
OH MY WORD! I linked up late last night pacific time and just came back to see how many homes I get to tour…527?!? I may not get off this computer until February.
When I am done, you can come over and join my bloggy carnival…raising money for my family law attorney after hubby flips a lid.
Finally got my post done. Now I can’t wait to go back and look at everyone else’s. Thanks so much for doing this and letting me participate. By the way, your decorations are very pretty!!
I love your Christmas card tree. I’m looking for more ideas of how to display our cards.
I’m number 582! Marathon indeed! What a lovely full tour! Thanks so much for hostessing this BooMama! I love your card tree idea!
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh…….Hey!
Has your computer started smokin with all the activity??
Thanks! Love the TOH!!
Oh my word! I should have commented last night when I linked. Silly girl!
Sophie, thank you so much for doing this. Thank you from the bottom of my BlogHer heart! Merry Christmas, Friend!
Love the tour of homes, Soph! It’s fun to take a peek at the variety of decor in everyone’s homes! Merry Christmas!
oh, this looks like fun…I am off to start taking pics and loading them up to join the Tour!!
Oh Boo Mama, I love this!!! I am sooo going to join the tour next year! Thanks for doing this. Oh yeah, I love the one armed monkey! Decorations with a story are wonderful!
What a great and fun idea! I love to see all the special traditions. Merry Christmas! Only 10 more day!
I love your Christmas tree! (Especially with the lights off.) Who really remembers exactly how everything looked last year? I sure don’t. I had to look at the pictures of my house last yearso I could copy some of my “good ideas”! Thanks for doing the tour. Love it!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting and also for organizing such a fun tour! I have found so many great blogs just from this event!
This is a great idea! I think I might get to snapping pictures and post too! :-)
I’m late to the party, but having such a wonderful time. Thank you for hosting a spectacular event!
Hey Lady~
We had a blast last year and here it is that special time of year again.
Loved visiting with you!
Donna
Can’t wait to take the tour. I’ve enjoyed living vicariously through others this year! Merry Christmas!
Beautiful! I especially love your Christmas card tree. Thanks for hosting this — it’s lots of fun!
Wow! I’m number 600! Good grief! Can’t wait to see everyone’s decos!
So much fun! I can’t wait to see all the homes. I love your card-tree idea. Too cute!
Wow, it seems that the blogging community has grown a bit! Thanks for hosting and Merry Christmas, Sophie!
Your home looks beautiful! I can’t believe how many people are participating!! You’ve got a lot of friends.
Thanks for the virtual tour! It’s much easier than being stuck in a stuffy car with smelly relatives trolling the neighborhood to oooh and ahhh!
Great idea! It’s like the online version of driving around looking at your neighbors Christmas lights.
Merry Christmas!
My goodness…there’s a crowd here! Your home looks so pretty and festive all dressed up for the holidays. Merry Christmas.
Yaya
Your home looks so pretty and festive! I had to splurge and sip a mug of nog while touring all of the homes!
WOW!!
I’m new to blogging this year and love this idea. With over 600 sites, it’s going to take me FOREVER to visit them all, but I have a good start.
Thanks for having us into your home to see your beautiful decorations! It’s very warm and welcoming. Your son’s tree is my favorite!
Heard of this tour through my SiL in Argentina. Fun!
It will take me till next Christmas to complete the tour!
Gracias y Feliz Navidad!
this is so fun! i’m feeling inspired to pull out more of my decorations and to change up a few things for next year. merry Christmas everyone.
LOVE it! Thanks so much for doing this!
Oh my word at the 600+ posts!
Love this time of year and looking at everyone’s adorable decorations!! Merry Christmas!
So neat! Am enjoying looking at all the different kinds of decorations!
Okay, I’m late, but hopefully better late than never. Thanks for doing this!
Okay, I didn’t get my post done because I’ve been shopping like a mad woman. But, I just had to stop in and say I love your blue feather trees. And, oh stinkin’ heck, 600+ houses to visit? I’m truly amazed.
This was so much fun! It made me get the last few decorations done that I have been wanting to do. Can’t wait to join in again next year!
I just got mine up! Hope it shows! Your decorations and story are great. This was fun. Will be back next year.
Love your post! Your decorations are lovely. What a great blog party! Everyone is so creative – I am new to blogging and am having so much fun checking out everyone’s site. Check mine out at http://colorsofchristmas.blogspot.com
I’ll visit again soon.
I am insanely jealous of your monkey! I have been carrying around monkey fabric for years just waiting until we finally settle somewhere and I can make curtains! I have a few little monkeys, but nothing as cute as your stocking holder. Funny thing, I only like fake monkeys, real ones creep me out!
Merry Christmas!
Toni
So fun!! I love seeing the difference in decorating. Merry Christmas!
Thanks for such a great idea. This is our first year participating in the tour, but we have been putting up programmed light shows for years. We will have the video up shortly, for now just photos. It will be for sure worth the wait. Video will be up in the next few days. Thanks again, and God Bless your family this holiday season.
This is my first time doing the tour of homes. I love looking at everyones house. What a great idea!! Merry Christmas
Your home is beautiful!!! This is so fun- thanks for hosting!
yeah!! I did it! First time and with a sick husband and 3 littles to boot. Do I get a gold star anyway?! Very fun!
I did it, even if I will probably be the very last one! Merry Christmas!
Your tree is beautiful! Thanks for the invite. I can’t wait to visit all these wonderful blogs!!
Lisa
Oh my, so many beautiful homes. Thanks for all the fun!
What a great idea. Love your tree! And that one-armed monkey. Love that monkey. :)
What a neat idea!! Well, I could take a pic of all my boxes piled up waiting to be unpacked and decorated but I’ll just look in awe of everyone’s beautiful homes!!
What a lovely idea – thanks for hosting!
This is my first year to do this and it is fun! Thanks for hosting the tour!
Merry Christmas!
I am new to this so what a neat idea! What fun!
Beautiful decorations! Much snazzier than mine this year. But, I have a pretty good reason if you ask me ;)
Nell
Thanks for posting! This is my first year participating and I had a lot of fun just getting ready. I am looking forward to seeing what others have done!
I am so glad that you hosted this fun party again this year! It has been so much fun visiting around everyone’s homes.
Wishing you and your family a jolly holiday!
Jennifer
Happy Holidays!
Thanks for doing this…so many wonderful ideas!
Sophie….
this was so much fun. I am late getting mine posted. But I made it before Midnight!!!
Now, I need to start my visits.
thanks for hosting.
Sweet Blessings!
DeeDee
May the Lord bless you and your family with a glorious time of celebration of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanks for hosting this fun event.
Happy Holy-days!
Jean Stockdale
Thanks for hosting it was fun!
Merry Christmas!
Aubrey
Thanks for hosting the Tour! I look forward to seeing more of the homes and getting some great ideas!
Just finished mine. This was actually a lot of fun!
oh…I love this!!! I’m a Christmas Tour of the Homes virgin so I am OVERWHELMED!!! You ladies put me to shame!
Boomama, I love your dining room table. Stunning!! Also love the idea of the Christmas Card Tree.
I just finished mine, too. Hey, it’s still the 15th in CA! (Too bad I’m in VA!) :) But thanks for letting me participate. Lots of fun! :)
What a wonderful idea! Thanks for the fun!
Okay, I just added my linky to the madness :) I honestly don’t know how you keep up with so many links and comments, but I am very glad you do! Lots of love, boo!
Tons o fun! Thanks for the blog.
Thanks for this! How fun!!! I got in JUST IN TIME!!
Awesome idea for a fun glimpse into people’s homes. And since we’re invited, I don’t feel so voyeristic! Thanks again, BooMama!
Geez!!!! There are SOOOOO many links on here!! I think I’ve just gotten lost in the shuffle. lol.
Glad you did this!! Fun!
Wow, your decorations are BEAUTIFUL!
I linked up with a post I wrote the other day, showing our current tree (which I LOVE) and some *really* funny trees from Christmasses past. Hope that’s not cheating! Your decor makes the stuff in my house look, uh…not fancy. :-)
I did post a holiday recipe the other day, too. The recipe (and photo) for Cranberry Cream Cheese bread can be found here.
Will have to check out others’ photos – this Mama always needs decorating help!
Love this huge party! This is awesome! Love your decorations!
Wow, what a response!! Please visit my nest. Thank you for hosting such a fabulous party!
Your table spread is to die for!
Your home looks lovely!!! Thanks for hosting the Tour of Homes again this year…I do love to look around in other folks’ homes, and it’s especially nice to be able to do it while sitting in the comfort of my own home wearing my p.j.’s. Merry, Merry to you, David and Alex!