Christmas at night Living Room

I’m not really an over-thinker.

Or a look-before-you-leaper.

I’m more of a blurter.

And an open-mouth-insert-footer.

And a what-was-I-thinking-and-why-did-I-say-thater.

If my life were embroidered on a pillow it would say….

…..”It is better to beg forgiveness than ask permission.

Christmas at night hallway

And so it should come as no surprise to you or me or the fence post….

….that I invited 50 people over to our house from the choir loft.

I couldn’t help it.

Yesterday morning in church they announced they were cancelling the annual Christmas caroling party.

Christmas at night door

There were storms on the horizon and bad weather ahead and people weren’t feeling well and there really wasn’t any place to have the party after the caroling.

And so they cancelled it.

What?

No Christmas caroling party?

Was this really going to be a thing?

Christmas at night family room

Not on my watch.

I didn’t think.

I didn’t pause.

I didn’t even ask anyone’s permission.

I simply did.

The words tumbled out one after the other from the choir loft.  “You can all come over to our house,” I said.  “You can bring finger foods and we’ll sing and play guitar and eat and sing Christmas songs.

Christmas at night tree

And so it was we threw a party later that afternoon.

I wanted to invite you from the choir loft, too.

So I took these pictures right before the masses descended on the house.

Christmas at night back porch

The sun was setting and the storm was about to roll in.

The house was full of smells like cinnamon and evergreen and hot apple cider on the stove.

The candles were lit and the pillows were fluffed and the night clouds were just on the horizon.

Christmas House at Night

And the Christmas lights were twinkling on the back porch.

All was still.

All was calm.

And all was bright.

Christmas at night O Holy Night

The house wasn’t perfectly clean.

I blurted too quickly for that.

There were cobwebs in the corners and glitter on the dining room table and scraps of random Christmas decorating here and there that escaped the hurried clean-up before the party.

Christmas at night family room tree

But I wouldn’t change a thing.

Because in the end it’s all about the the friendship.

And the laughter.

And the joy of a Christmas party with twinkling lights and glittered snowflakes and evergreens and O Holy Night and a girl who simply loves Christmas…..

….and a farmhouse that loves it, too. 🙂

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Comments

  1. Image for Betsy Betsy

    God bless people like you! How wonderful. You are a kind and generous soul. I bet it was fun and festive. I would have loved being there myself.

  2. Image for Debbie Debbie

    How wonderful! You may think you have a big mouth but I am here to tell you that your HEART is much bigger. You are so sweet. I just adore hearing your stories. You are truly amazing. Love your home and it is only appropriate that you should share it. Have a wonderful and very Merry Christmas!

  3. Image for Nan, Odessa, DE Nan, Odessa, DE

    What a lovely thing to do! What an example for your children. Did you enjoy your gathering? This is what the true meaning of Christmas is about! You ROCK girlfriend. GOD was working through you.

  4. Image for mary mary

    Your party sounds lovely and your home looks gorgeous. May I ask you what you use to get that wonderful shine on what appear to be gorgeous old floors?

  5. Image for Linda Linda

    This is usually what I do too and then panic because my house is always a mess. Somehow, people never seem to notice and it turns out to be the best party ever. Thanks for sharing your GORGEOUS photos!

  6. Image for Pam Pam

    These are my favorite posts, the ones about a slice of your impulsive, happy, generous, lovable life! Never change a thing, you are a "SUPER STAR" just the way you are and I will continue to come back day after day to hear your wonderful stories, thank you and Merry Christmas!

  7. Image for Christina in FL Christina in FL

    KariAnne, you are wonderful. An Earth Angel. :) You are the type of person who would do something like this (or maybe you already have :) https://youtu.be/ZLoBWpiOczQ xoxo, holly leaves, mistletoe and the Spirit of Love to you all

  8. Image for Gail Gail

    How much better a surprise party is than a planned one. Those moments sometimes touch people in ways you cant see or know about. You opened your heart, your home and love came to visit. That is what makes the Holidays esp. fun and special. Your house looks amazing, so gorgeous yet comfy.

  9. Image for Nancy @ slightly Coastal Nancy @ slightly Coastal

    I think you should add to your list..."A non-giver upper". Bless you for not giving up and stepping forward to host. Why is it these days that so many people are apt to give up? To stop a tradition? To live in their own little world of their home? I say, go forward and save Christmas karianne one caroling party at a time (raising my coffee mug and toasting the screen).

  10. Image for Susan hall Susan hall

    Sometimes it's best to jump right in with both feet! Some of my best memories are from my many impromptu dinner partys ! You don't have time to over think everything, just enjoy the occasion!

  11. Image for Beverly Beverly

    What a delightful post on this chilly Monday morning! These photos of your home make my heart sing :-) Thank goodness there are always those "bluters" in every crowd. Happy Monday RockStar!

  12. Image for Cherie Cherie

    Thanks for the different angles on the house - I love getting a better sense of how it flows! And so fun to play "I SPY BONZAI"!

  13. Image for Pam Pam

    Oh, I love it. I would NEVER have blurted out "Come to my house!" The thought of unswept floors and wrapping paper rolls on the bed would have stopped me. I am trying so hard to overcome this. I really want to show hospitality. Pride prevents a lot of enjoyment. I'm sure your guests had a wonderful time!

  14. Image for Cindy Cindy

    Well you go Ms. Thistle! LOL! When it comes to party's, I'm a planner. Pretty much everything else I just hit the floor running. Your home looks lovely and I'm sure everyone enjoyed themselves:)

  15. Image for Preppy Mountain Farmer Preppy Mountain Farmer

    Good for you! That's the way to share the Christmas spirit! I really love all the Christmas trees shining from every room.

  16. Image for Barbara Barbara

    Sweet! good for you:) As long as I don't need to make all the food, I would do it too! Your home is beeeeautiful and I'm sure everybody had a great time and loved you for inviting them!

  17. Image for Donnamae Donnamae

    Oh, what a wonderful and generous thing to do! I'm sure a great time was had by all! Your home looks fantastic! ;)

  18. Image for Marisa Franca @ All Our Way Marisa Franca @ All Our Way

    We all need blurters in our lives!! Your heart and soul comes straight out like the clear note of a trumpet. You are one of the good decent people. And thank goodness you had all of your decorations out and the house was picked up and there were not dust bunnies to be seen. If I would have said that I would have jumped from the choir loft in shock at what I'd done. There would have been no way that I could have prepared this house for 50 people. Uh! Uh! Nope I would have said that I was on medication and didn't know what I was saying. Bless your heart -- I'm saying that in a very nice way. Big Hugs!!

  19. Image for Doreen Doreen

    Oh Karianne This morning you have me crying instead of laughing over Feliz Navidad! The tears are for your lovely sweet pure heart! Wish I had been there to sing off key as I do, and to feel the love you project. I will say it again, you are a gift to this world! A Blessed Christmas to you and your family. Doreen

  20. Image for Sharon H Sharon H

    I think you are an amazing person, with an amazingly big heart! There are lots of people who COULD'VE done that, but NOBODY who could've done it with as much style, heart, and aplomb as you did, Miz karianne. Yep, I still think I want to be like you when I grow up :) Merriest of Christmases to you and yours, little one!

  21. Image for Alice hanson Alice hanson

    KariAnne, You are my rock-star-bluter! I love your enthusiasm for life! Your home looks fabulous as well as that red lip sticked girl welcoming all to your home! Merry Christmas! Smiles, Alice

  22. Image for Chelsea Chelsea

    Everything looks so beautiful. I might just leave our lights up all year long! I don't like how naked everything feels after the big take-down! Nekkid!! I've gotta know, though. Where did you find that paisley rug under your sofa? I've searched the world over and haven't found what I want in just the right colors...but THAT's the one!

  23. Image for Linda Linda

    No w, you know everyone just loved being invited! And you all loved having them. I do miss those types of gatherings we had overseas. Not many people open their homes like that. It's a gift. Sharing it is a blessing to all. Merry Christmas Karianne.

  24. Image for Shirley@housepitalitydesigns Shirley@housepitalitydesigns

    The very best gatherings are the impromptu ones....and I am sure they were thrilled that you invited them into your beautiful home filled with such joy and warmth....and hey, I think my hubby has a pillow in his office with that saying!!!....have a great one Kari!

  25. Image for Lanita Anderson Lanita Anderson

    I never get tired of looking at pictures of your farmhouse....and it's even better when it's all decorated for Christmas.....so beautiful!! What a wonderful evening for spending time with friends.... Blessings to you, sweet friend!

  26. Image for Michael @ CraftyDad.com Michael @ CraftyDad.com

    Hello Sister! You know how they say we are all supposed to be "Easter People" all year long? Well, there are "Christmas People" among us too. And I'm guessing that you might be the leader of that group. With such a sense of sharing and giving, you are truly a saint. Bless you. Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family! -Michael

  27. Image for Loretta Loretta

    Oh how I know how you operate! You are a generous person. I wish you were my neighbour! I am sure we would get nothing and everything done. Bless you and your lucky family. Loretta

  28. Image for Loretta Loretta

    Oh how I know how you operate! You are a generous person. I wish you were my neighbour! I am sure we would get nothing and everything done. Bless you and your lucky family - Merry Chrismtas. Loretta

  29. Image for Dêbbie Dêbbie

    You just tickle me!!! I know you are loved by your church and choir and so many more. Your heart is delightful and I know you make God smile. wishing you and your family the most blessed Christmas. One of your spiritual gifts have to be hospitality. I wish we were neighbors, you always inspire me. Merry Christmas. Debbie

  30. Image for Mary Crozier Mary Crozier

    Your home oozes of love and warmth!!! You have inspired me to take pictures of my home-which I absolutely love during the Christmas holidays!!!! I also threw an impromptu gathering Saturday afternoon to help a new couple to the area meet people! It was amazing how many people were able to stop by before their "other" parties. I'm also glad I have a bathroom off the mudroom that I can shove all the "stuff" so it looks like I keep a relatively clean house! Such fun! You are the best.

  31. Image for Suzie Suzie

    Karianne, You make me smile. I love your home, it is beautiful. More importantly your spirit is beautiful and perhaps that is what inspires your readers the most. Bonzai has the best expression on his little face. " I do not recall my human putting this on my social calender. I love it when she throws these surprise parties, it means unexpected morsels will hit the floor for me. I will just hide behind this pillow and wait for my opportunity. Oh human your the best. Sigh. "

  32. Image for Regina Regina

    Honestly, those parties are usually the BEST parties! No anxiety leading up to it! :) Your house looks beautiful!

  33. Image for Carol Carol

    Spur of the moment parties are the best and your house is just beautiful and no one saw things the way you did. You have the love of God in your heart and the spirit of Christmas shows everywhere. Blessings my friend

  34. Image for Lori Lori

    Hi Kari, Your house looks amazing!! Can I ask where you got your chalk board hanging on the old metal gate? Thanks, Lori

  35. Image for Kimberly Kimberly

    I am on a soul-searching mission to let go of clutter so that I can keep a tidy house all the time JUST so I can feel free to do things like this. I love serendipitous parties. They usually turn out the best! I think it is because no one has time to stress.

  36. Image for Jo-Anne Jo-Anne

    Oh how nice I do so like your house mine is cluttered but still I have managed to decorate some not as much as I would like to do if only I had money and room to do so

  37. Image for barb barb

    This post filled me beyond words... the pictures drew me in while listening to Josh Groban.... I totally forgot I was sitting at my work station.

  38. Image for vicki vicki

    So wish I was a blurter! I'm a thinker....we think it through until the moment has passed. I'm betting you had a wonderful time and no one minded the (seemingly invisible) messes! Merry Christmas!

  39. Image for Terri Terri

    Well... look at you.. saving the day!!! Aren't you from Texas... originally??? 'Cause that heart of yours is surely as big The Lone Star State!!!! The Farmhouse was happy.... I can tell... cause she was allllll aglow!!!! Way to go you little rock star!!!!!

  40. Image for jere jere

    I was so nervous scrolling down..I just knew it was going to be a repeat of a long ago party...like "And nobody came" But everyone did come to enjoy the twinkling home and the Twinkle Toes hostess.

  41. Image for Marianne Marianne

    I so enjoy reading your posts and today made me especially laugh as i can appreciate your spontinaeity and desire to pitch in and pick up the pieces when needed and think about it later.......i sure wish you were my neighbor...i thnk we'd be great friends! Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing your happy home hospitality!

  42. Image for Janice E Janice E

    Merry Christmas Karianne, What a beautiful heart you have. No one saw the cobwebs, the things that didn't get put away. All they saw was a heart filled with love and your willingness to share it with one and all. Keep being you and the world will be a lovelier place with you in it. Have a blessed, joyous holiday with your family. Loved this post, your rhyme and rhythm were perfect. Janice E

  43. Image for Peg Peg

    That was right out of a Hallmark movie!! Janice is right...the world IS a much lovelier place with you in it!! Merry Christmas!!! : )

  44. Image for Linda Linda

    I am so glad there are people like you in the world. Beautful house, beautiful hostess. I adore Christmas too, and I live with a Scrooge...doesn't stop me from decking the halls!!!!!

  45. Image for Anne Anne

    Well you are amazing my friend! And what a treat for all you welcomed into your beautiful home! You are one of the kindest, most caring, giving, loving person that I have ever had the privilege of meeting! Now that's the true meaning of Christmas my friend! Merry Christmas!

  46. Image for Julie Julie

    Well now. You just lit up the blogosphere, the choir loft, and your little corner of the world with a ton of Christmas cheer! So love this! Your farmhouse couldn't be any more beautiful either! I bet it was an amazing time. How I wish I had been in that choir loft! :) ~julie

  47. Image for sandy sandy

    Oh God! You remind me of a dear friend who moved away a few decades ago, we write but it's not the same. She always made me laugh, she was spontaneous and genuine. You must be a wonderful friend. I love your blog and the way you write. I'll be reading your blog and smiling without knowing it. A very Merry Christmas to you and yours Kari Anne. Thank you for brightening my mornings.

  48. Image for Kristin @ Pink Camellias Kristin @ Pink Camellias

    Oh my gosh, I can't believe that you think your house isn't "perfectly" clean! Your house looks GREAT! How nice that you are able to invite people over at a moment's notice. Your house is so festive and welcoming - I'm sure you had a great party!

  49. Image for Stacy Simpson Stacy Simpson

    I absolutely love you! The relationships you have in your life out way the cobwebs and glitter! You have your priorities right! Thank you for sharing your life! It always inspires me! Never mind the fact that you're hilarious and I "get you"!!! Merry Christmas from Alabama!

  50. Image for Mary Mary

    So.. right away I spotted your little 4 legged baby with his ears popping up around the stack of pillows. Made me laugh out loud... THEN>>> I spotted that great wooden chest sitting in front of the tree. LOVE LOVE LOVE that!!! Is it antique?? Did you find it in KY??? Got any more???? :) :)

  51. Image for kim kim

    I wish I was in your choir and could have come! So gorgeous - I want your house!!! :) I don't even have a tree up yet! xoxox Kim

  52. Image for Elizabeth CLaire Elizabeth CLaire

    Seasons Blessings! Is the chippy, round coffee table on your back porch one of your projects, or did you purchase it somewhere? If a project, could you direct me as to where to look in your archives? Thanks so much; I enjoy your style - writing and decorating!

  53. Image for Karen @ The Decorated Nest Karen @ The Decorated Nest

    I love your posts! They make me laugh--always-- and I leave your site feeling good! I just want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and many blessings in the New Year. And, to thank you once again--for being the very first blog I ever read, for answering my questions, and for encouraging me to blog myself and to have the nerve to do something I love. I will be forever grateful, Thank You Karianne, Much love and many blessings

  54. Image for Cyndy Cyndy

    KerriAnne I rarely comment on posts since Im not a blogger myself and feel inferior to even chime in. However, I want you to know how much I appreciate your wit, good humor, writing skills and just a lovely happy heart. Your gifts are inspiring and you provide a sense of happiness in this scary world right now as I am always looking forward to your daily inspiration post. Keep up the creativity, the sense and the sensibility of a blogger. I hope your light never goes out even when we make ourselves promises we cannot keep no matter how hard we try especially during this most wonderful time of the year.

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