Christmas lights

 

We might have accidentally thrown our Christmas wreath in the donation box last year because I can't find it this year. 

I couldn't have a naked front door! 

So I found a dollar tree wreath form, cut some branches off the Incense-cedar, and made my own. I didn't have floral wire so I just made do and I'm fine with it. 

It's RUSTIC! 

yeah yeah, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I do wish it were larger - I know I could have probably done a better job...

I think my husband felt a bit bad that he didn't buy me such a big gift (he shouldn't) so when we were in Hobby Lobby getting some lights, I picked out this large snowman that was $70+ and got the 60% off. I'd never buy it at full price. Then what I will do, is use it as a pattern to make some for my family next year. Very easy cuts and it's 2 pieces on the back. 

He was hanging but we had some wind last night - 

he was banging on the side of the house.

In the entryway, I have a Mexican pine cabinet I inherited from my sister. Year-round, I only use light-colored or white knick-knacks so they stand against the pine wood. 

I still don't have it exactly the way I want with the lighting - 

This turned out nice - That little carousel I got through Avon a couple of years ago. The white birdcage, the white plastic vase, and the flowers from Dollar Tree. 

These remote-controlled fake candles I have had for years - just have to change out the batteries. The black and white Buffalo check tree I bought from the Bargain bin at Target. I need to light that up more. 

Some old white things I had - and that church is from Dollar Tree. Those candles are from Avon and their light flickers like a real candle. 

I avoid real candles - except for once in a while due to my lung scaring - 

We don't light up every night - it takes a long time to turn them all off. 

I wish they all had one universal remote  - 

The tree is the same one I have every year - 

Same old ornaments - with a few I made. 

Each year we lose a strand of lights - and once again, we just make do. I believe next year we'll have to make the splurge on new lights. For the last 2 years my husband methodically replaces the little bulbs. 

My 1960s lighted outdoor nativity - These were just cheesy plastic displays that have gone on to now be rare, vintage, and expensive. We always place it on the outside of the fence - close to the sidewalk. Anyone could steal it. We take our chances. 

I'd love to get the rest of the pieces - but they are hard to find. 

It's funny - I grew up in a non-religious home. Never attended church with my parents and sister - never! I only occasionally went with a friend and their family. I take that back, we did attend as a family when my youngest cousin was baptized as an infant and we went to her communion and confirmation.  

Mom always had this outside nativity and one in the house, which I still have. She gingerly took every piece out and explained to me who they were. Other than that, I had no idea about "the whole story" until I was in my early 30's. 

I was telling my husband that while we were unchurched - what little I did know, seemed surreal. I would look up at the stars on Christmas Eve night and wonder about what was going on in Heaven at the birthday party for baby Jesus. So I kinda believed - without anyone explaining to me the details. 

I was a Christian, 5 years in -  when I found out that Jesus wasn't born on December 25. - it felt similar to when I found out there was no Santa. I mean, I get it - but that little wishful girl inside me was no more. That child-like innocence was gone. I had a lot to learn! 

Nevertheless, He was BORN. I don't overthink like I did for a while. 

Anyway, Jesus is our Christmas LIGHT, isn't He? 

"I am the Way and the Truth and the Life"

PS. After looking at the date - it was December 10, 1986, when I prayed with a friend and started my Christian journey.