I’m so happy you are here.

Truly.

More happy than the time I found an entire congregation of tiny paper birds with glitter wings on sale after Christmas for .19 each.

Sigh.

And that’s happy with sprinkles on top.

If this is your first time stopping by—it is super nice to meet you.

I’m KariAnne and I live in the house I grew up in and yard sale finds are my best friends and….

…. I’d like to introduce you to my favorite yard sale find all decorated for Christmas

It got its Christmas trees all ready for you.

I’m not sure what it is about this Christmas, but I think it’s my favorite so far.

Maybe it’s because it hasn’t taken itself too seriously, yet.

I know this might seem almost unbelievable to you…

…but I can go a bit overboard at times.

(I see you laughing over there behind the rim of your coffee cup)

There was the year of the 28 Christmas trees.

And the year I color coordinated every room with matching window decorations.

The year the outdoor reindeer wore ugly Christmas sweaters and coordinating red noses.

And let’s not forget the year I made my own monogrammed paper and wrapped the presents with burlap ribbon I wrote carols on.

Or the year I decided we needed a wreath on every single window on every single story of our house.

Or the year I invited the entire church over to our house that evening from the choir loft.

They were all great years.

Each and every one.

But this year stands apart.

This is the year I’m so much more relaxed.

I know that might seem like an oxymoron to introduce relaxation in the middle of a post about decorating, but it’s true.

I’m taking each day as it comes along.

I just heard the most amazing quote from James Clear that said something like this. “Power is the ability to control external emotions. Peace is the ability to control inner emotions.”

That’s what keeps running through my head.

Peace.

I’m here for it.

 

I’ve sat with Christmas music playing and watching this village twinkle.

I’ve danced on the Christmas front porch for the twins.

I’ve shopped on the dollar aisle.

I’ve made handmade ornaments for my tree.

I’ve walked the dogs and sung Christmas carols at the top of my lungs and danced in the middle of the aisles at Hobby Lobby and sat in the quiet with coffee and twinkling lights.

And in the middle of all that simplicity and handmade and coffee and pausing, something amazing happened.

Fun showed up instead of stress.

I know, right?

Can you even believe it?

All this slowing down helped me remember what is truly important.

What I adore.

What will be there after the tinsel and ornaments and trees and stockings and reindeer with Christmas sweaters are gone.

This Christmas season I’m thankful for:

Twelve poinsettias

Eleven Christmas songs on my playlist

Ten twinkly stars

Nine Christmas movies on my list

Eight fluffy garlands

Seven Christmas bows

Six decorated Christmas trees

Five twinkly mornings

Four laughing children

Three mistletoe kisses

Two sets of furry paws

And one pair of twinkling eyes hanging lights on the Christmas tree.

PS If you want to recreate the look—I’ve put together similar items below.

Let me know if you have any questions. 🙂

Get the Look

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Posted On: November 18, 2022

Written By: KariAnne Wood

Comments

  2. Image for Eva Thompson Eva Thompson

    Thank you for sharing your life with me. Yes, I claim " me" not us. With each post I feel like you are talking just to me. I do not know anyone who has the exact same decor taste as me. Then there you are. We have had to down size to purchasing a 2 bedroom (1000 sq ft) little house. My husband was just was diagonal with a second aneurysm and now we will be selling our house to move into a 55 and older community. My overflowing need to constantly change my decor has been put to a stop. Now, I am trying to learn to decor small but mighty.. I live vicariously through you. I always seem to add My favorite color pink most of the time as you do. Again thank you so much for sharing your God given talent. Blessing, Eva from Missouri

    Reply
    1. Image for Dawn Cuellar Dawn Cuellar

      Dear Eva, You and your husband are in my prayers. May God give us both eyes open to the miracles around us. (I am working on this daily.) May He also surround you with His love. Love, Miss Dawn

      Reply
  3. Image for Susan Susan

    Thank you KariAnne, I ordered one of the villages to go in my Kitchen window. It was just what I was looking for. I can’t wait to decorate! Thanks Susan

    Reply
  4. Image for Jan Kinman Jan Kinman

    Karianne, You’ve made my day! Amen to all of it! Peace, joy, the dance, music, slowing down, twinkling lights & a Partridge in a Pear Tree! Jan, Arizona

    Reply
  6. Image for Jackie Jackie

    Your hutch was beautiful. I had to giggle as my hutch is decorated with white ironstone and little White House’s. Are we the same person? I laughed even harder when you wrote that you danced in the aisles at Hobby Lobby. I got caught, by the butcher in the meat department, dancing in my market aisles ( the music was so good). He laughed and then joined me. Have wonderful Holidays.

    Reply
  7. Image for Kimberly Snyder Kimberly Snyder

    I have been wondering where I would put my Christmas Village this year. You have inspired me to set it up in my corner hutch. I think there might be enough room! Thanks for the idea!

    Reply
  9. Image for Tara Tara

    I love the display! It looks so pretty and peaceful! I do believe slowing down helps us to focus on what is really important. I tore my achilles in July and have been down since. Been through surgery and now trying to go through therapy so i can walk again soon i hope. It has been a time for me to sit and pray and trust and think about life and what’s important. The minutes we have together and those who gather around during this “twinkly” season are so much more important than any other gift. Thank you for sharing! I love decorating and at the end of the day or the beginning, those quiet moments do give us peace and comfort. God’s blessings! It is all from him. ❤️

    Reply
  11. Image for Jodena Beale Jodena Beale

    Without fail, somehow and for some reason, this time of year makes me the mom, grandma, sister, friend of the year. I become the woman I love being and love being around. I swear at times there are bluebirds on my shoulders just waiting to tie my shoes for me. I Always feel unique. And then I read your blog and I realize its not just me. It happens to many of us. The bright lights, the shiny tinsel and the glitter everywhere (and I do mean everywhere) transpires us into happy helping unstoppable women. With so much love and happy in our hearts to offer to anyone AND EVERYONE we meet. Thank you for the STORY and thank you for making me realize how much love and happy surrounds all of us daily. We just need love and happy "in us" to recognize it and welcome it.

    Reply
  12. Image for Dianne Miley Dianne Miley

    I'm right there with you, Kari Anne. For me, peace is the result of getting older and my children being married and having a grandson! Peace and fun is the best part of Christmas!

    Reply
  16. Image for June June

    Beautiful as always. I think I will be adding twinkle lights to my hutch this year. This holiday season I am embracing every single decoration, light, of course cookie I bake and experiencing the joy of it all. It’s been a tough year medically and I am so grateful I am coming back to my old self. Grateful that I have the energy this year to put all those special touches on everything. I have made 15 scarves so far for a local charity and filled two boxes of gifts for children. Helps fill the void with no grandkids and having two single adult male children. It warms the heart and soul.

    Reply
  17. Image for Mildred Hoppe Mildred Hoppe

    Lovely post. The hutch look awesome. There's something about white and cream that gets me every time. Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  21. Image for Donna Stuart Donna Stuart

    Absolutely beautiful! However, I thought I was done Christmas shopping until I looked at your Christmas ideas lol Happy thanksgiving!

    Reply
  22. Image for Lynn Mosher Lynn Mosher

    Oh, the hutch looks perfect! I love it! Great job, KariAnne! All you do is excellent! You're the bestest! 😍

    Reply
    1. Image for KariAnne Wood KariAnne Wood

      Lee, The lights came inside the houses! But Amazon has amazing battery-operated tea lights that come with a timer, too! Here's my link (affiliate): https://amzn.to/3OLrrLZ happy day! KariAnne

      Reply
  24. Image for Mary W Mary W

    Beautiful Christmas Village. Do you know a source for just a church? I would like to add that to my growing display.

    Reply

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