Howdy Friends! We are in Navasota this week decorating for Christmas. I woke up thinking – so little time with still so much to do! But after spending time with the Lord, I was in such a great mood. My anxiousness turned into excitement when He reminded me not only are we celebrating the birth of our Savior but we are going to spend Christmas here in the country house this year! So instead of looking at the long list of things to do, I got to work. Would you like to see a few of the Christmas vignettes in our country home? Ok, good.
Christmas Vignettes in a Country Home
Macy found these little houses and trees at the Target Dollar Spot for the mantel
Any time we have family or friends over we eventually get around to chatting about the people that came before us. What the house looked like before we took over, the people who were here on the holidays, where they all slept, how the women cooked all day and how the men were busier than a hound in flea season. Honestly, it doesn’t sound all that great but the people telling the story say it with a smile on their face and gladness in their hearts.
Table behind the sofa
It was an entirely different lifestyle back then. A life of no indoor plumbing/running water, no bathroom, no comfy heat and a/c, and certainly no microwave. So how did they do it? From what I hear, they just hunkered down and got it done. I think they were grateful for what they had and knew the importance of counting on each other. And any grumbling was only going to get you more chores or you were the next one climbing down the well to retrieve the bucket when the rope broke.
Table next to chair in living room
Even with those stories the Mister has never once mentioned that he was unhappy, miserably hot, bored or lacked for anything growing up here. It must be a kid thing (maybe a boy thing) because when he talks about it now, he has a different tone in his voice. It sounds like an I’m-tired-of-fixing-the-same-dang-thing-over-and-over tone with a little my back hurts thrown in. I don’t blame him and I totally get it. I certainly don’t want to do it either.
Vintage wooden mashers found in Montana
But you must if you want to enjoy the little things that come along and put a grin on your face or a leap of joy in your heart. Kinda like being able to decorate any way you want without anyone saying nope, nada, ain’t gonna happen or when you get to spend your first Christmas here with your family being together! I’m super excited about it. It will be my first time to cook a turkey here. Really, I’ve never cooked much here at all so fingers crossed we aren’t making hot dogs later. Hmmm, that reminds me, I better buy hot dogs.
Sorry, pillow is sold out but click here for website 😉
Even with all of the Christmas decorating and vignettes around here, we will be using paper plates and plastic cups. You may be thinking that our first Christmas should be a bit more formal like they did long ago. But this is me and our family. We are not formal people. Oh, I like to pretend that I am. We actually use vintage plates and real silverware here for everyday use. But considering we only have two tiny counters, one small sink and one oven – paper goods it is.
Bedroom side table with fresh greenery
This will allow us to enjoy more of each other and not waste time on the clean up. I’m already going to be in the kitchen all morning with a Christmas breakfast/brunch so making things easy is best. Do you have any ideas on making things simple and convenient around here? I’ll take all the advice I can get! Really… ALL I CAN GET!
Shelf over our bed
I’m already predicting the weather to be cool, sunny and beautiful so we can spend the day playing games, riding the backroads on the four-wheelers, movies and maybe even hanging around the new firepit and making Christmas Smore’s. Have you made those before? Instead of chocolate bar pieces, use red and green candy melts. You could use red and green sprinkles too or I bet the red and white Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips would look like Christmas too. Yum! If you actually need a recipe , here’s one from Darcy and Brian Blog.
Vintage Cheese boxes stacked like a tree!
I will miss being at the Christmas Eve service this year. Our church was always so beautifully dressed for the season and everyone singing hymns and holding candles as the only light in the sanctuary was magical. But at least we’ll be together and that’s what matters to me. I’ve thought about the day when we can’t all be together and what it might look like. Let’s just say instead of crying over it, I’ll be bribing them all to take a vacation paid for by us or possibly making sure we all have an iPad and an internet connection. I’m crossing my fingers for the paid vacations. If you’d like to see last years Christmas vignettes, click here. I think it was my favorite year so far. Nice and neutral. 😉
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Thank you so much for all your pictures, ideas and decorating tips.
I have enjoyed them all.
May peace, joy and love be with you always.
Hugs and love from us.
xo <3
Author
Thank you so much Brenda. It makes my day reading that! Merry Christmas
Beautiful! Love that Christmas pillow – I want one! Love your mashers and the little fabric tree with the bells on it – I’ll make one or three of those! Super cute vignettes!
Author
Barbara, I’ve missed you. I got the pillow at a store that I can’t remember the name of in Montana. Ugh, so sorry. Thanks for commenting – you always make me smile.
What a wonderful post, Cindy. I love your wit, and your vignettes are adorable. God bless you and your family this Holiday Season!
Author
Thanks Miche. Merry Christmas to your family as well.
I have a suggestion on how to make things easier. Invite Cindy Richter! She is full of great ideas, and is always willing to help! Can’t wait to gather with her and her family on Christmas Eve. Oh, wait! That’s my family, too! 💚❤️
Author
Hello, that is not the point lady. I wanted easy ideas so it would be easier on ME! I’m too tired this year to be willing or helpful, sorry. 😉
Where can I buy that Christmas pillow? I love it!
Author
I’m so sorry Mona but I bought it at a store while on vacation in Montana and they don’t have any more. It’s a Mud Pie product. Here is the link to their website. They have the cutest stuff! Good luck. Hope you find something else you like. Merry Christmas
https://www.mud-pie.com/
Enjoy every second of Christmas with your family. It will be fun to celebrate out in the country.
Author
I think so too Paula, thank you. Are you going back to the working farm that was your Grandfathers? Whatever y’all do, I hope it’s fabulous. Merry Christmas
It isn’t how you do it, it’s the love and joy you share with each other that will make it great even if it’s just hot dogs. I think families were close cause they were close, houses were pretty small,lol!! You have a wonderful time together, Merry Christmas full of joy and God’s blessings.
Author
I never thought of that. LOL They would have been quite close in this house for sure. Especially with all of them here! I think when I was younger it would have been fun but now that I’m old(er), I find it awful and claustrophobic. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas too Marlene. 🙂
IT SOUNDS PERFECT! THAT PILLOW IS A WINNER! LAURA
i HAVE A CROCKPOT BREAKFAST CASSEROLE ON THE BLOG! i ALSO CALL IT A TAILGATE BREAKFAST, BUT FOOTBALL SEASON WAS A LITTLE OFF THIS YEAR. XO LAURA
Author
Ooh thanks, I’ll check it out. We do have a crockpot here so that’s a plus! Merry Christmas
Every Christmas Day afternoon when I was a kid, we drove out to Aunt Mae and Uncle George’s house (on CR 306…your “almost” neighbors) and reading this post made me long to see them. Christmas makes it a sure thing we will be together again. You are so precious to me…and of course your ideas are perfect! Merry Christmas, sweet friend!
Author
If you could see my face, you’d smile too. I’m grinning ear to ear! I love hearing you have fond memories and like reading the posts. Hope this season is full of great memories and making new ones. Merry Christmas!
Hi, I love reading your posts❤️ thank you for them. Merry Christmas from England 🙂
Author
Oh my goodness, thank you Nicky! Reading your comment made my week! Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas season.
Love all your vignettes, my friend… I want to know more about the mashers, and how/where they are hung! Big pic, please! 😉
Author
Thanks bunches Julie. I’m sorry but I don’t take requests for photos. 😉 But if I did, I’d have to tell you that I didn’t take a “big pic” and have already left that house and am back home. And I’d mention they hang inside a bird cage that hangs over an old door in the corner of the living room. If I took requests. :0
So fun. I love the cozy, laid back style. It sounds like it is going to be a great Christmas. I keep trying to put one foot in front of the other and NOT take my eyes off of Jesus. Thanks for such a great reminder.
Author
I hope so Katy. We’ll see. Hope you have a blessed Christmas and are enjoying that new property?!
I pinned so many of these fabulous ideas, Cindy! I’m super excited you guys will be spending the holidays at the farm this year. I know it’s going to be a memorable occasion because it always sounds like a happy place. I love all the cheery pops of red you’ve used this year. They’re so festive and fun. Big hugs and happy holidays, CoCo PS: We have a big breakfast casserole, biscuits, smoked sausage and a grazing platter with fruits, cheeses, nuts, hard-boiled eggs, granola, yogurt, and mini cinnamon rolls. It’s super easy and the kids just sort of play with their toys and come and go without any drama 🙂
Author
I’m all about no drama! Thank you for the suggestions. I was thinking I could make a casserole ahead of time and the idea of a grazing platter! Seriously, that would be so pretty and sounds so easy. I love it! You are the best! Thanks again.