First Christmas Mantle: keeping it real

What an exciting time of year!

One problem, I am tired!  Am I getting old? 

A little confession here, I was not ready to decorate for Christmas this year.  Maybe it is because my oldest is far away at college, maybe grieving a little since my Poppa passed away before Thanksgiving, or maybe it is just that we've been constantly on the go since we moved in.  Yes, I am a little crazy at having to make my home cozy and can't seem to rest until it is allllllll painted!  Am I the only one?  Poor Hubby!

Either way, I just don't do well with change, and there has been a lot of it lately.

If it wasn't for my other kiddos at home, who are now practically adults, I wouldn't have any decorations out yet.  As I got everything out, I just put things here and there.  I keep putzing around the house and moving things.  I am slowly putting decorations where I want them.

I knew I wanted to have a wreath on my mantle, but it was small.  Then I remembered this huge frame my daughter and I found while walking around town back in the summer.  I had no idea what I was going to use it for, but now I know exactly where it belongs!

 RIGHT HERE!

I always hang onto things.

Glad I did with this one.