Waaaay back in 2006, when “mommy bloggers” weren’t even called “mommy bloggers” yet (because back then we were just a secret society of writers who discovered each other and a supportive community online when we were at home raising babies and blogging to keep our sanity in check), Sophie from BooMama hosted a Christmas Tour of Homes. It became a tradition, and she eventually passed it on to Myquillyn at The Nesting Place.
This year marks the 10th annual Tour of Homes. That, my friends, is hard to believe. In a digital space that seems to change almost daily, it is nice to know that some traditions remain.
I took some pictures of my holiday decorating in the wee hours of this morning. I didn’t do as much decorating as I’ve done in past years. What can I say, I’m getting old and tired.
Also, by way of disclaimer, there was no natural light, so I did the best I could with my camera settings and a little adjusting in iPhoto. I am not a photographer, mind you. For that matter, I am not a decorator. So this is my humble attempt at making our home festive and welcoming for the holidays. It’s not a showplace, but it’s ours, and I love it.
Welcome! This is our foyer.
Usually I put greens and decorations on the stairway, but this year I didn’t bother. In fact, all I did in the foyer was add this wooden advent calendar to my bookcase. I used to fill it with Hershey Kisses for the kids, but they would never wait till the right day. They just emptied it when they felt a chocolate craving coming on, so this year, I just put the Hershey Kisses in a bowl on the kitchen counter and left the advent calendar empty. I know, I’m no fun at all.
If you look to the right when you come in our foyer, you will find the living room. (If you look the the left, you will find my office, but it is a disaster, so no pictures. You’re welcome!)
This is MY tree. It is artificial, and I’ve been collecting “fancy” ornaments for several years. It’s slowly filling up! I sit in this room every morning and do my devotions by the light of the Christmas tree, and it is also my view from my office. I LOVE IT.
Come on into the kitchen.
Last year, I never took down the decorations on top of the bookcase in my kitchen, so here they are, one year later. Yes, they are quite dusty.
Our kitchen is open into the family room.
My mom bought me these silver angels when we were visiting Williamsburg a few years ago. I love them.
I added these pillows to our couch this year. I love the touch of whimsy. I also love that I can leave them out past Christmas because they’re more wintry than Christmassy. Of course, knowing me, it is possible that they’ll still be there in July! Ha!
This is the kids’ tree. They did all the decorating. I haven’t touched it. If you stand back, it’s beautiful, but I can’t look too closely at the ornaments clumped in spots, or I will start to break out in hives. Ha!
I can’t believe my 16-year-old son was this little once. Now he towers above me and has a driver’s permit.
And this is our mantle. My husband built this mantle when we moved into this house 10 years ago. Everything on the mantle came from Target (except the stockings. They’re from Pottery Barn, and they’re on sale for $9.99!)
And that’s a wrap! I’m off to finish up holiday shopping (yes, I’m THAT mom) and then I’ll probably be hiding out in my room wrapping presents until midnight. I hope you enjoy your Christmas Eve!!
I love this Jo-Lynne! I may have to join you all in a home tour next year. That is probably the only way my house would get whipped into shape. Merry Christmas to you and your family????????????
It is one way to get motivated! 🙂 Merry Christmas!
Your home is lovely. It’s so welcoming and inviting. Merry Christmas!!
Thanks, Sandy! Merry Christmas!
Love your blog daily! It inspires me to get out of my “yoga pants.” Lol. Your home is lovely and looks like it’s fills with precious memories. Merry Christmas.
Thanks, Missy!! From one recovering yoga pant addict to another, Merry Christmas! 🙂
You have a beautifully, decorated home, Jo Lynne! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thanks, Penny! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful home. I love the silver angels. 🙂 Merry Christmas!!
Thanks, Cathy. Merry Christmas!
Oh love your decorations. Its says christmas without being over the top. Merry Christmas!
Thanks, Nicki. Merry Christmas!
Thanks for sharing! Your home is beautiful and you do a great job. I also do my morning devotional by our tree in the mornings too!
Thanks, Lori! It’s my favorite time of the day. 🙂 I am going to miss the tree when we take it down. It made my quiet time extra special.
Jo-Lynne, I love the amount of decorating you did. It is very welcoming and inviting. I kept it simple as well, this year, but I’m very happy with it. A pet of me wants to leave it out all year. I really like that your kids have their own tree to decorate to suit them. Merry Christmas!
GA is getting hit with tons of rain, flooding, & storms. A terrible weather day for us.
It’s been terrible here too. Stay warm and dry!
I can’t believe I am sleeping in summer pj’s on Christmas Day night. We broke a record for the high temperature in GA today. And we had the wettest Christmas Eve on record, yesterday.
Lovely 🙂 Thanks for sharing your pictures!
Thanks, Anna!
It’s beautiful. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thanks, Lois! Merry Christmas to you too!! I hope it was happy.
Merry Christmas! I think that’s a perfect amount of decorating. There’s something to be said for not overdoing it. It looks great!
Merry Christmas, Beth!!
I’m so glad your office is messy!! 🙂 I love your decor, very pretty, and certainly “good enough” for someone like you who does so much!!! I hope you get all your shopping done and enjoy your night wrapping! Merry Christmas!
Girl, my entire house is usually messy. I took these pictures the morning after the cleaning lady came. Haha! 🙂 Merry Christmas!
Love it so homey and welcoming. Happy Holidays!
Thanks Terrye. Happy holidays! I hope you enjoyed your day.
I love all your decorations thank you for sharing! Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thanks, Kathy! Merry Christmas to you too!
I love how you did your mantle! Cute snowman pillow too! Merry Christmas!
Thanks, Amy! Merry Christmas!
Thank you for taking us into your home. I loved the tour. Your main Christmas tree with the fancy ornaments is beautiful and I love the simple but classy mantle. Also your gold angels are beautiful and you are such a great present wrapper. They are so pretty wrapped under your tree.
Merry Christmas to you and your family JoLynne!
Ada 🙂
Thank you, Ada!!! I never take the time to wrap gifts that nicely, but for some reason this year, I got inspired. 🙂 Merry Christmas!
You blogging pioneer, you! Your home is lovely. Hope you had a perfect Christmas, my friend. Holiday hugs!