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!
Thanks for doing this, this is fun! Merry Christmas!
688 links…are you kidding me??? This has got to be the rockinest party ever! I almost didn’t link up, but thought, what the heck? This is unbelievable!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!
First time doing this. I added my link!
Last year you had 486 of us participating. Well girly at the moment you’re up to 694
Wonder what’ll happen next year!!!
Thanks for hosting this fun tour. I’m excited to join the fun but even more excited to see all the beautiful home decor!
Thanks so much for hosting this – the homes are gorgeous. I am floored by all the great style! I am jealous.
Your home is beautiful and SO original! Thank you for sharing and giving everyone else the opportunity to do the same! Merry Christmas!
Love the Christmas card tree! I will have to steal that idea someday! Such a great way to display cards!!
Thanking you fabulous BooMama! Love the tree and your wreath/door bell is genius. Merry Christmas and God Bless.
Wow – Boo Mama,It is going to take you forever to wade through all of these comments! Thanks so much for inviting us all to participate – this has been so much fun!
Blessings,
Kymber
Love it all! Can’t wait to see everyone’s ideas.
Better late than never. Here I am!
Beautiful home!!!
I love the card tree with the window in the background. It’s picture perfect!
Merry Christmas
I love that you use your childhood ornaments in your son’s room. I still have several of mine too.
Woo-hoo! I’m number 711. How do you make an apartment in a foreign country with standard blah furniture feel like home for the holidays? Lots and lots of decorations!
I love this tour idea! This year I do not get to participate because I do not have my own home and decorations out (just moved) But I look forward to participating next year!
I love the Christmas Card Tree!!!! That is such a cute idea!
Beautiful! I LOVE that purty table!!!
What a great idea! I guess I’m a day late though. Next year I want to be in on this. I’ll be checking the many blogs who participated this year though. I can’t believe how many responded; that’s great!
I am so glad I remembered about this tour!! I love all your decorations! Merry Christmas!
Wow – there are a lot of tours going on. I’m going to need to stock up on cookies and hot chocolate if I’m going to get through all of these. Whew!
Hope you don’t mind that I’m late to the party. I just couldn’t get to it yesterday, but I did want to take part in this great idea.
Thanks, BooMama!! And merry Christmas!
I just love your Christmas Card Tree….that is such a unique idea, and I love the idea of it being in the playroom. I might have to copy this idea, for sure! Also love your Christmas plates in your dining room!
Thank you so much I love your site.
Your home is beautiful! I’m so excited to participate in your tour of homes this year for the first time!
Merry, merry Christmas!!
Whoa! you have tons of links! thats awesome!!
I wanted to comment on your card tree! thats a great idea! I was trying to come up withsomething cute ans creative for our cards, rather than wallpapering the fridge! ;) I’ll tuck that one awayfor next year!
oh, and we have the same dishes!! I love my Friendly Village! I use them Sept thru March! they are not overly Christmasy, but can be holiday-ified, if you will.
I don’t know how I am ever going to get through this list, but thank you for hosting such an amazing carnival. Happy Holiday!!
“read by tens of people every single day”
Love that tagline; I want one for my blog!
Merry Christmas everybody…we did a fake tree this year, but it looks purdy!
Thank you Boo Mama for hosting this Christmas tour of homes! It has been fun, and I’ve gotten a lot of great ideas!
Ok I just have to say that your Latin made. My. Day.
i stink at getting to parties on time! but i’m here, and so glad to be!! thanks!
Thanks for hosting Tour of Homes 2008. Very enjoyable!
I just got mine up, I think I was 739! That is great! I can’t wait to sit down and tour some of the home. Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much for this fabulous idea! I used to love open houses as a little girl! I have loved seeing your pics and ideas…might steal your card tree idea next year if you don’t mind!… stayed up till 3 in the morning putting my post together…I have linked you and also included a nice Christmas Wassail recipe…enjoy!
You are popular Boo Mama! I haven’t ever seen such a big party. There are some Fabulous ideas to peruse.
This is so cute! I’ve enjoyed visiting other people’s homes!!
Thank you for sharing your home with the blogger world. This is my first time to see this. Your decorations are beautiful.
thanks so much for doing this~I have loved it and hope it’s not too late to join. I love your site!
melissa
Thanks for hosting this Magical Christmas Tour! I’ve just started blogging, and really enjoy your blog!
Merry Christmas!
Great Home Tour! What a fun tradition to host it on the internet. Love it! Just about fell of my chair laughing with your latin shrub explanation. Thanks for letting me visit your festive home!
Alright, well I’m not posting pics of my house because to be honest I’m not the most festive person in the whole world (to be honest I just put out my decorations this past Sunday and that was because my 7 year old was going to simply die if we didn’t get it done. However, I am going to go on a tour of other’s homes and continue to increase my Christmas mood (I have to admit that the decorations made a huge difference). Anyways, I also just wanted to say that your comments, descriptions, etc. were so funny and I will certainly be back to see what other kinds of things you come up with. You have certainly brightened my already quite wonderful day. :)
Your home and Christmas Decor is just lovely! I love you table setting. Everything is so festive!
I love this! Thanks for sharing!
I’m so behind…I’m a day late and I only got part of my post up. Plus, I’ll be up all night touring all these other 700 homes. But Oh What Fun!
I can’t believe I’m 755!! This is so incredibly fun! My family and I have been waiting for this day since the summer. We plan to set up the Wii in the living room and surf as many of these lovely homes as possible while sipping some hot chocolate. Merry Christmas and thanks!!
I love your website, I hope I did it right, I am a new blogger and linking I don’t know how, so I took a stab at it! I love your decorations. If I did it wrong please write me and tell me how.
Merry Christmas, and God Bless you.
BOO Mama
Please email me…I’ve tried to email you but it bounces back.
I have a blog emergency. Thanks!
Thanks for putting this together. I love seeing what everyone is doing. Lots of inspiration! :)
How do I join in on the tour?
I loved seeing all the different tastes out there .. What a wonderfully fun event.
Hi BooMama,
I’m really enjoying all the tours. Thanks!
I have a question about one of the advertisements on your right stidebar that popped up. The help Veterans Back… how did you get that on your blog? I am a military spouse and would LURVE to have that on our blog to support the men and women of our Armed Forces. Thanks for your help.
Tiffany
So glad you’re doing this again! So fun!
Beautiful, beautiful home, can’t wait to see everyone elses!!!
Thanks for hosting. I will spend many hours here during the next few days!
What a wonderful tour! Your home is so real- with old decorations, broken (but much-loved) decorations, and lots of love.
Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much for putting this together again! Although I now have to justify the hours spent at my computer while my children run amok throughout my house! :)Merry Christmas!
Thanks for the fun opportunity! I live near a very wealthy community in Nashville and have always wanted to go to an open house – this is much better though! No snobs and it’s free! :)
Thanks again and your home is lovely.
-The Newbee SP
This is so magical touring everyone’s homes. Merry Christmas to all!!!
What a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit, touring everyone else’s home. Thanks so much!
BEAUTIFUL, thanks for opening up your home! What a blessing!
Sue
marklovessue@numail.org
Thanks for the tour. I enjoyed it very much. It looks like a wonderful spirit of Christmas. Carol
Oh I do love looking at Christmas decorations!
I couldn’t resist looking at all the pretty homes, so I had to go take some pictures of mine and put them up. I don’t think I did it right becasue if you click on mine, 795!!! hello…who is actually look that far down, it takes you to the blog and you see everything there, but if you do go, scroll down to the second one.
I loved this idea and just wanted to thank you for such a cool thing to do.
Also, I am new so please forgive me, I’m not quite with it yet.
JerriAnn
I just found out about the Virtual Christmas Tour from A Chelsea Morning and I have to say it’s a wonderful idea! I love your Christmas card tree, so much so I may steal the idea next year. Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much for letting me peak into your home. It’s so pretty.
Have a blessed Christmas.
Lela Faye
The Southern Sanctuary
Love the card idea!
So pretty – I too love the blue trees on your dining table. A set dining table makes me so happy. :)
This fun great fun! I love getting new ideas from other peoples houses.
thanks for the party! so fun to see all the wonderful decorating ideas out there!
My first time to join!! Love looking at all the homes!! Thanks for putting this together!
my first time too-this is so fun! love me some christmas cheer :)
Love all the great ideals!
The one-armed monkey hanger cracks me up. So glad he had a moment in the spotlight.
Oh my gosh, my parents have that same exact nativity set! I used to get really excited about setting it up every year.
Love this tour! How fun! Here’s mine:
http://allrileyedup.com/2008/12/16/christmas-tour-of-homes-2008/
You are such a delight. So grateful this has been a success for you bringing internets together in such joy. Loved loved loved meeting you face-to-face, especially since I thought your face was bigmama. Remembering your post from last Christmas with your mom under the tree. My daughter took a dip and a dive hanging the tree topper and we so laughed about your mom’s story last year.
Goodness, this tour just gets exponentially huger every year! You are amazing for doing it, and thank you for letting us all join up. What fun!
~Angela :-)
Thanks for hosting!
Your home looks so warm and cosy. A beautiful decoration.
I have my decoration here I showed it already for “Show & Tell”
Thank you for letting me be a part of this!
Great idea for Christmas decor ideas! Thanks to everyone.
Well, ridiculously late, but here. Loved your photos, especially the table – makes me want to run to TJ Maxx and buy pretty things for the table, so I just may!
I’m a little late… but had planned to post pictures of our house at Christmas and thought I’d join in too!
I’m late…..but now I’m ready!
I am late, but wanted to participate too. Merry Christmas!
It looks beautiful as always, Sophie. Thank you for hosting, once again. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Wonderful, delightful!
I just read about this and I love the card tree. What a good idea! Thank you for showing your pictures and the links to others.
Linda in StLouis
Oh my, I love this, how long have you been doing this! I am going to take some pictures and put them up. You are correct, BooMama, this is a marathon, pace yourselves!
Love and Blessings, Debbie in Tennessee
This is really great fun!!! Thanks so much for hosting this. If I could send you a gift I would.
Merry Christmas!!
This is such a great idea! I’m glad I found this….Merry Christmas!
The ideas bloggers come up with never cease to amaze me!
Have a Merry Christmas!
Wow! I can’t believe I just found your blog. I guess I am a day late and a dollar short. What a great idea! Hopefully, I can join in next year.
What a fun tour! I just found your blog yesterday, and know I’m late – but decided to join in the fun anyway! Merry Christmas!
I love your blog!!!
Merry Christmas!
Love your house and your blog…my kids have Christmas trees for their rooms too:-)
This is so much fun! I know I’m late but I hope it’s OK. I can’t believe how many participated. I have lots of homes to check out.
I was really nervous to do this as I don’t feel like my blog or my decorations are tour worthy – but I had so much fun doing it! Thank you for this idea!
Now, I have to return to touring other homes!
Hey Boo! I know you probably will not see this comment! Goodness it’s crazy around here!! :) LOVE it…this tour has given me a much needed distraction while the man watches all the “Boy shows” on the DVR. I just can not stomach Prison Break one more time…anyway…
Are the blue trees on your dining room table peacock feathers? LOVE THEM and I’m going to try and recreate that look..
Merry Christmas!
steph.
Better late then never!
Love the table setting! Just beautiful!