The Wobbly Bird: The Christmas countdown begins!

So I know it is early to already be decorating, but I've been sleeping with the windows open and it is so chilly! I absolutely love this time of year. The air is charged with some sort of energy that always makes me feel like the world is full of magic and possibilities. My daughter, Addyson, and I went on a nature walk today. She helped me pick berries from trees and pick up pine cones! I, of course did the trimming of the trees and bushes, as Addy is only 2 and scissors in her hands could be and would be a disaster! We had a blast gathering all of the materials!

I am a firm believer in reusing and recycling as much as possible. The amount of crafts that can be done with things that are normally just thrown away is astounding! I mean really how simple is this?! A large can with the label removed, a ribbon tied around the middle, and an ornament hooked to the front and voila a candle holder!

This was even more simple... Clippings from a bush and ornaments mixed in.

I love that decorating doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. After all we spend enough money on presents to one another, why spend so much on decorating your house? Just gather pitchers, vases, bowls, platters, wine glasses, martini glasses, etc... and fill them with ornaments, nuts, pine cones, acorns, Christmas light bulbs, cedar and pine branches, peppermints, candy canes, cinnamon sticks, marshmallows, and the list is never ending.

This little guy was a holder for a gift card I had received many years ago. Every year since this little snowman has found its way into one of my decorating schemes! I don't even remember what store the gift card was even for, but I obviously haven't forgotten the cute little package that held the card! This year he can be found in my mom's (sorry mom) favorite hot chocolate mug, chilling with the cinnamon sticks!

In my family the traditional tree is not fir, but cedar. Every year, as a kid, all six of us would truck out to the middle of nowhere to cut down a cedar tree. It was always an adventure. As an adult, I have a hard time justifying cutting down a tree simply for a few months of enjoyment. However, I still have to have the smell of cedar around for it to really feel like Christmas. Cutting the ends of branches from Cedar trees, sits just fine on my conscience, and I still get the wonderful aroma! Of course my two turtle doves have found a home nestled in the cedar branches.

The mantel was another way in which I decorate with everyday things. Frames were used to display various Christmas gift wrap. Mirrors were gathered and mixed in amongst the other frames. Then bows of ribbon with ornaments and bells tied to the ends. Various glass vases hold red and silver ornaments. A crystal ice bucket holds melt in your mouth peppermints. Pomegranates and red sparkling ornaments are interspersed along the surface. And the piece de resistance, the letter J-O-Y were purchased, then painted red, spray adhesive applied and red glitter sprinkled on!