Sunday, December 4, 2011

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I think the holidays are officially here. People are putting up lights on their homes and I see Christmas trees dotting the windows as I walk by. I think this time is the best part of Christmas in a way, before the pressure to get things done on time, before the crowds of shoppers start to get annoying. When you still have hope to get that wrapping done and the cookies baked. You wake up every day with that little thrill...it's Christmastime!
Last night we went to get the tree and wreaths. This is the nursery that I go to for flowers in the summer and pumpkins in the fall. I always get my tree here, too. There used to be elves working here, but I didn't spot one. They would have been helpful playing mediators between The Husband and I as we debated over the best tree.
I love coming here at night with all the bright lights and the smell of evergreen. I think we were the only ones here. I hope I am not getting my tree too early.
I busied myself picking out boughs for the mantel while The Husband walked up and down the aisles trying to find the perfect tree. I of course, let him do this although I had already found one. When we finally narrowed it down to a few, mine was it. The key is to let them think THEY found it.
And here he is, Douglas Firbanks, Jr. I say it every year, but I think this is the best tree we've had. Afterward, we tried a new restaurant for barbecued ribs. It was the perfect ending to a fun evening.
Here is Douglas strapped to my car this morning. The Husband is ready to take it off and get it in some water. It rained all night, I hope that helped it stay fresh.

So this was a quick post to let you know what I have been up to, since it will be awhile before I get the tree and decorations finished up. I'd really love to join some of the great parties going on and see what all of you guys have. I am almost done shopping but the wrapping is lagging behind. I haven't baked much since Thanksgiving and I hope to have some time this week to play around making and decorating sugar cookies. Just for fun.

Hope you have had a lovely weekend. Hopefully I'll bump into you at a party! :-)

54 comments:

Anonymous said...

Looks like a wonderful place to find a tree, Jane. Looking forward to seeing the trimming!

Sonia said...

Looks like you are going to be busy..I'm trying to get mine done today too! Wish me luck...so much to do ..hope you enjoy decorating your tree!!
Miss Bloomers

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

I love picking out trees and decorating them. I am having a giveaway, hope you hop over to enter.

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

I love tree shopping with the wonderful smells! Can't wait to see it trimmed! Happy Sunday!...hugs...Debbie

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Looks like a great place Jane, their wreaths are beautiful!! Can't wait to see your house all decked out! Martina

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

It looks like a wonderful tree!

Loui♥ said...

How Delightful!!
having an artificial tree can be economical as well as convenient.. however, nothing can replace the joy of hunting and finally finding the PERFECT tree..
the sights and smells of fresh cut evergreens..
the joy of being alive at this wonderful time of the year..
all shared with a loved one, finally ending with/ over a delicious dinner..
all these things I do miss..
but have shared through your post..
tempting me to peruse previous ones..
I like what i see..
easy ..breezy style..
say hello to your newest follower..
MOI!
then pop over to my place for a visit ..
warmest hugs..
Loui♥

Pondside said...

That sounds like a fun evening, Jane. We'll probably decorate our tree some time this week - depending how the evenings fill up. No baking done here at all - but that's probably a good thing!

Julie Marie said...

Hi Janie... love your tree! Douglas Firbanks, tee hee hee!... (is that jr.???)... and yes, it works out great when the guys think it was THEIR idea!... can't wait to see it all decorated, I know it will be stunning... hope you get a chance to join some of the parties... I tend to do more December posts than any other time because of all the Christmas spirit I want to share... and see what everyone elses is sharing as well... love to you, xoxo Julie Marie

Town and Country Gals said...

Jane,
It's so fun looking for the perfect tree every year! There is nothing better then the smell of fresh pine! Looks like you all were having a great time and found the perfect tree! Can't wait to see it decorated!
Rebecca

Sarah said...

Jane, I smiled at the thought of you and the husband out selecting your Douglas Firbanks, Jr. We no longer put a fresh tree, and I miss that. Not sure when I'll get our tree up this season. I don't seem to be in a rush.
~ sarah

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Enjoy the decorating, take it slow and sip wine, listen to good music. (HA! Like I DID THAT!?) I need to take my own advice.

I've been wrapping as I go, so this year it won't be a monumental task at the last minute.

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

Oh how wonderful it must be to have a nursery like this close by! If you get a real tree in our neck of the woods, it is because you go out and cut it your self! But, someday I am going to have one of those beautiful, real tree's, with that wonderful smell! Hurry and get it decorated so that we can see :)

NanaDiana said...

Jane-Love that tree! Can't wait to see it decorated. You are sure right about letting them think THEY found it (whatever IT is) first!

Isn't it wonderful when you have the same place to go to every Season to find whatever you need? We used to have a place like that, too, but ownership changed and they are not nice to work with.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! xo Diana

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I used to love going for our tree every year, Jane! The smell was so great and I would use the cut off pieces as filler outside or in the house. Now we just have a fake one, which does make it a little easier for me to get to and just decorate when I'm ready, but I do miss that fresh scent.

Anonymous said...

beauty of a tree! I for one cannot wait to see what you do with this baby!!!

Shirley said...

Christmas is quickly appproaching, and I guess we will be ready. We don't do a tree at home because we are never home. We will go to our daughters for Christmas. It is easier for mom and dad to travel then the kids with their boys. Happy Anniversary coming up. Have a wonderful time on your trip. I keep telling my hubby we have to make it to 50 which is two years away after this year. We never dreamed we would make it this far. We just take every day we get. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Your Missouri Friend.

A Cozy Cottage in the City said...

Hi Janie,

Looks like you are gearing up for the holidays! I'm a bit behind this year in the tree department, but that's ok - there is still time! :) I can't wait to see how you decorate your tree! Happy Holidays to you & yours! :)

Hugs,
Jessie

Simply Me said...

wow, what a beautiful place... the smell

Shellbelle said...

Douglas Firbanks, Jr, what a hoot! I'm going to have to remember that for sure.

While I love the pics of the trees, the pics of Milo and Layla in the tin and sacked out on the couch just warmed the cockles of my soul, lol.

Thank you for your kind words, it means so much.

You definitely need to see Styx, they were amazing! And yes, I'm starting to sell my shell art again. Nice to have a bit of normalcy again.

Hugs

Unknown said...

Well the house is decorated...and so is the tree... but the shopping and wrapping... not so much! :P I gotta get busy!

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! :)

~Liz

Between You and Me said...

I love that you guys go to a nursery for your tree.

We used to go to a tree farm and cut ours down, but then we finally caved and went with a fake tree...I'm trying my best to talk hubby into getting back into a live tree from a farm or a nursery. SO far, he isn't budging. :(

Love the looks of the street that you live on.....

Debbie said...

Looks like a great place to get a tree and wreaths, Jane. I think you...I mean, your hubby found the perfect tree. Douglas will look great in your house!
Our tree is up, but it's a pretend one.
Have fun!
xxxooo

Lori said...

We got our tree today and will put it up next week-end. I also support our local nursery ~ same place that I get most of my flowers in the spring! Have a great week Janie ~ I too love early Dec before everyone gets stressed out ~ it makes it more enjoyable to shop ~ eek I am almost done!!

Theresa said...

What a nice tree that your Hubby picked... wink wink:) I love the smell of a fresh tree! I agree that this time of the Season is the best before we get SO stressed about getting it all done! Enjoy your decorating dear friend, HUGS!

April said...

It's been awhile since we've shopped for a live Christmas tree...and I miss it! Hope you'll share pics. of your tree all "gussied" up!

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

How fun to pick out a tree together.

Fondly,
Glenda

Heaven's Walk said...

What a fun day for you, Jane! That nursery looks absolutely awesome! Wow! Hubby (you!) picked out a beautiful tree. It's just perfect! You're absolutely right about the "think they picked it out themselves" thing. lol! It works like that all the time over here----with everything! hehehe!

xoxo laurie

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

I haven't even started shopping yet! I have decorated though...at least that is done! Whew! I have company coming in less than 2 weeks...I need to get a move on! Your tree is going to be so pretty! Let the fun begin!~Hugs, Patti

Melanie said...

Looks like a great tree - can't wait to see it when it's all decorated!

Something Nice and Pretty said...

We gave up on a real tree three years ago, ever since all I did was sweep up needles everyday so we bought a pre lit one and I haven't missed it at all! I can't wait to see yours all done I do still think they smell so nice!
I have the tutorial on Pinterest and it's either on my Christmas Time board or the Neat Ideas one about taking a picture at night for your tree!
Have a good one!

Olive said...

The shot of the tree on top of the SUV makes me smile. It embodies Christmastime for me.

Tracy said...

Hi Jane,

Douglas is a gorgeous tree! I so envy you being nearly done shopping, I have bought very few things so far and have a very, very long way to go.

I think you are right about this being the best time of the season, and why. You still have all the hope and expectations for Christmas without all the stress just yet. Though waiting in a long line at the store tonight with my arms cramping up and full of purchases did amp up my stress level just a bit!

Enjoy your decorating!

Honey at 2805 said...

What a neat place to shop for trees and wreaths! I love the aroma of fresh greenery! Unfortunately all in my family suffer from sinus problems.

I'll be looking forward to seeing that tree decorated!

Charlene said...

I love it that you just said it girl... You have to make them think it's their idea/choice! Hee Hee! Good luck with the decorating & enjoy the process as that's what really counts. SUCH A BUSY TIME for such a short few days... HUGS!
Charlene

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

What a great place to get your Christmas tree! I could almost smell the trees. Can't wait to see yours decorated!

Tricia said...

That tree looks like a beauty. I miss having a real tree, we've had a fake one for a few years now and it's just not the same. Have fun decorating :)

Lynn said...

It's been years since I've had a live tree, I miss how good they smell! Have fun decorating it Jane:@)

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
Your tree is going to be gorgeous!
I think you and I are one of the few left in bloggyland who get a real tree.
Sounds like a busy week ahead for you, we got snow girlfriend, big snow!
Miss you,
Hugs,
Cindy

Babs said...

How much fun to have an outing to find the perfect tree. That was Hubby and Son's "bonding time" when Son was little. After he was in college, we switched to an artificial tree. I really miss the fresh tree, and I still use fresh greenery from the garden or tree clippings that Home Depot has for the taking. Yay!
Thanks for sharing your fun Christmas outing.
Hugs,
Babs

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! Sounds like a fun night getting your Douglas Firbanks! :)It looks like a gorgeous tree and I can't wait to see it up and all decorated. I'll be back by later and will be hoping to sample one of your homebaked cookies! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Tammy@Beatrice Banks said...

I love the smell of a fresh tree but with my allergies I usually opt for the fake ones. The photo of your tree atop your vehicle is so cute! Enjoy the decorating!

Barb said...

Janie, isn't getting the tree so exciting?

This was a lovely nursery.

Have a great week.

Barb ♥

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

YUMMY... I love the smell of a fresh tree.... yeah, not smelling that wonderful scent around here......mine is FAKE.... yes, FAKE, in the Pacific Northwest. It's funny though, you really can't smell the real deal in the house after a day or two around here. My MIL lives in Hawaii and, even after a few weeks, the smell is divine. Why is that?

Have fun doing the decorating part.

xoxoxox
Spencer

Unknown said...

I think i want a real tree next year!
I was a little girl the last time i had one in the house.
XOXO
Isabelle

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

You picked a winner Jane! Oh, and the tree's nice, too. Hee hee.
Enjoy the season!

Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads said...

Jane,
Looks like you picked out the perfect one. Sounds like you had a wonderful afternoon picking it out. Can't wait to see it decorated. We had to go with a fake tree after my husband sneezed the entire month of Dec. one year. That was the last year we had a real tree.

Susan Freeman said...

Jane ~ you are a very wise lady! Loved the tour of the Christmas tree lot and all of the wreaths too. What a magical time of the year!!

Big Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

xinex said...

Those wreaths and Christmas trees are beautiful, Janie. I think I should get a wreath for the door at least, cause I am starting to get embarrassed not having anything. Our nieghbors must think we are getting a divorce cause I am usually the very first one to put up a tree and now I don't have anything, lol. The carpets have been taken out and some of the dried rotten wood too that needs repalcing except for the office. The floor guy said he will start installing in 2 days so I am sure we can have it done by Christmas but the problem is that I am leaving for FL again soon for the girls' delivery. John will be home but he does not decorate....Christine

bj said...

I don't think you are too early at all...I like to put my tree and decos out the day after Thanksgiving so I'll have a long time to enjoy them.
I love your pretty tree...
We lived in Colorado for a winter, back when my kids were little..that Christmas, we went out and cut our own tree and it was so much fun. It was so tall, Mr. Sweet had to cut some off the bottom...it didn't look that big OUTSIDE. ;))
xo bj

Unknown said...

Hi Jane,
Your tree looks lovely. I love seeing trees on top of the cars this time of year. I haven't even begun decorating inside yet. We are going to buy our tree this weekend. There is this lovely place nearby, an old horse barn. It is the quintessential Christmas card when it snows. The weather has been pretty mild so far, but Thursday should bring some snow and ice.

Enjoy decorations. You now the older I get the more things I know to do this time of year. Now I need the season to be longer so that I can fit it all in.

Karen

Lynne said...

Jane...Your tree is beautiful! I love it when you take us to your nursery! We'll chop ours at the Snowshoe Tree Farm on Saturday! Then the Christmas boxes come out! I hope to have 34th street decked by the end of the day on Sunday!
~Lynne
[w/L]

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Sounds like a fun night and I love Douglas! He is a beaut! I am fixing to scroll up to your latest post and I bet I see him adorned in his finest! lol

Lou Cinda

Simply Simplisticated said...

I just LOve everything about your blog and your Doggie too!Your decorations are so festive and lovely, I love your new island and I could just go on and on....Thank you so much,Deidre~http://simplysimplisticated4.blogspot.com