The Hollen Home | Christmas Decor 2016

It's no secret that I love decorating my house, especially for the holidays. I get the itch as Thanksgiving is upon us and I try to wait until after that holiday to begin another. This year, I didn't, again. 

I will admit to one thing though this year....my decor is literally exactly the same as last year. The only difference is the wrapping paper. We have a toddler. I was tired. I liked our stuff last year. So, this will look pretty similar. 

Marin was given a little tree for her room from the Great Grandparents. She is obsessed with it and sleeps with it on every night. 

The nutcracker is new. Marin is finally warming up to him but still isn't quite sure about this guy yet. 

Someday we will have a house with a fireplace mantle. Until that day comes, I have my piano for things like that. 

Marin made these gingerbread men at school. I think they are awesome. 

I would love to keep our Christmas lights up year round. The glow of our living room is my favorite thing. 

Merry Christmas! 

I did this last year too, but here's a glimpse at our home for Christmas past. 

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

The Hollen Home | Christmas 2015

I clearly have a throw pillow addiction....

Decorating for Christmas is one of my very favorite things to do in our little home. My husband can attest to the fact that this year I was a little early on the decorating and had mostly everything done the weekend before Thanksgiving. I know...I know....I'm breaking some cardinal rule but I love the soft glow of the lights and the tree. I want to enjoy them for as long as possible without heading into the territory of...So...when will you be taking your tree down? Valentine's Day? 

I bought a few new things to add to the Christmas decor this year. Since we don't have an awesome fireplace with a mantle, I use the top of the piano instead. Someday I want a house with a mantel that I can decorate. 

I still love our white Christmas tree. 

All of the presents but one or two are now wrapped and under the tree. Now if I could find a way to keep the cat and the kid away from them...that would be good. 

Marin enjoys pointing out all of the Christmas trees in our house. We have some on the TV stand. A bunch on the piano. A few in the master bedroom. They are kind of all over. The best part is that she doesn't pronounce it "Christmas" but "Criptmas." Pretty darn adorable. "Merry Criptmas!" 

And of course, we have to set out Blinko the Snowman. Marin says hi and goodbye to him every time she goes up and down the stairs. "Hi Snowman! Hi Blinko!" 

I thought it would be fun to put links to the decorating of Christmas Past. It's fun to see how our home and decorating has shifted over the last few years. 

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

The Hollen Home | Christmas 2014

This blog would not be complete without some photos of our Christmas decorations. I toned it down a lot more this year than the years past. Most of that is due to the fact that all of the decorations were either put up at nap time or bed time for baby. I do think I want to revamp my decorations next year and try and snag some sale items after Christmas this year. It's time. I did buy a few ornaments this year though and for the second year in a row, we are rocking the white Christmas tree. I love the white Christmas tree. Geoff the cat hasn't been too much of a terror when it comes to the tree this year. Marin also hasn't attacked the tree....yet. We also, of course, have Blinko in the kitchen. He is a tradition. 

I love this time of year and how cozy our home feels. 

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas: Christmas 2013

I blinked and Christmas has already come and gone. I always seem to start planning and anticipating this holiday earlier each year and then I take a breath and I am gearing up for the new year. 

This year was much like the ones past and I am entirely alright with that. Lots of family, too much food, and the realization that another Christmas season has quickly come and gone. 

Christmas Eve was spent at Vintage City Church for a service and then we went on to celebrate with my side of the family. 

Christmas Eve Aftermath 

The big difference this year was the fact that we are currently childless, with one on the way. Next year will be completely different. I am very excited to live this season through the eyes of a child because I remember all of those years of hardly sleeping on Christmas Eve and anxiously awaiting the presents, laughter, and good food that arrived the next day. It will be a whole new world for us and I can't wait. 

Christmas morning was quite and peaceful at our home. Ryan had brought home donuts the evening before for his pregnant wife. The lady at the bakery was out of sprinkled donuts and made some especially for me! We also enjoyed a french press of Starbucks Christmas Blend, which year in and year out is a favorite of mine. It was slow and wonderful. 

New Christmas Jammies and a Growing Baby Bump

Give the pregnant lady all of the sprinkles.

I did try to soak it all in this year. I tried to not ask for any baby stuff and kind of make this my last big Christmas hurrah before we have a little one running all over the place. I received gifts that will help me reach my goals in 2014 (hello Fitbit!), accessories to make me feel like a human being when I find myself becoming a frazzled mama, lots of kitchen items (including one that has been on my list for years and I was shocked to receive), and Ryan and I bit the bullet this afternoon and bought ourselves new iPhones. I couldn't have asked for a better season with a better bunch of people. 

Christmas Day was spent at the Hollen's. We ate meatballs and mashed potatoes. It was awesome. 

I am ready for the new year. I am realizing that I am 44 days away from my due date as I type this and our nursery is in the room next to me in piles. There's is much to be done. I don't want to lose myself in all of it. I want to be a good mom and a good wife. 2014 will be a crazy year. But, for this evening, I want to dwell in all that 2013 has been. 

We have a few more days of this year to embrace and I want to soak it all.