Christmas

CHRISTMAS :: A White Tree with Red and Silver

Oaxacaborn blog - 2 - Red and Silver Ornaments on a White Tree

Oaxacaborn blog - California Flag under Tree - Red and Silver Ornaments on a White Tree

Oaxacaborn blog - 3 - Red and Silver Ornaments on a White Tree

Oaxacaborn blog - Red and Silver Ornaments on a White Tree

Last year we used all blue and silver ornaments; this year red won — and I love it!

I tend to only put out a portion of the Christmas box contents each year. Aveline, of course, still wanted to hang all the ornaments so we made a mini clothesline out of twine and let her decorate that with some of the extras.

Do you try out different decorating themes every Christmas, or is your tree more traditional?

Christmas

CHRISTMAS :: Petra Bindel

White and green for Christmas — so lovely and bright! I especially love the use of moss and princess pines.

3 - Petra Bindel - Christmas Decorations for Elle Mag

2 - Petra Bindel - Christmas Decorations for Elle Mag

Petra Bindel - Christmas Decorations for Elle Mag

I blogged a little of photographer Petra Bindel’s work some time ago, too. She’s a genius at the use of bunting.

Above images by Petra Bindel for Elle magazine.

Christmas, Inspiration

INSPIRATION :: Christmas 2013 TOAST UK Catalogue

You know how there are some brands you really love one year, but the following season you’re indifferent? TOAST is not one of those brands. With every single catalogue, the mood created by their photography and staging makes me fall in love with them all over again. This December release is just so rustic and lovely.

Christmas images from TOAST UK December/Winter Catalogue

Christmas images from TOAST UK December/Winter Catalogue

Christmas images from TOAST UK December/Winter Catalogue

Christmas images from TOAST UK December/Winter Catalogue

Christmas images from TOAST UK December/Winter Catalogue

Christmas images from TOAST UK December/Winter Catalogue

Christmas images from TOAST UK December/Winter Catalogue

Christmas images from TOAST UK December/Winter Catalogue

Can’t get enough of TOAST? That’s ok! You can keep on looking through the TOAST archives, or go directly to a particular season in the list below.

Christmas

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (Blogger Edition)

night_before_christmas_updated_PIN

‘Twas the month before Christmas, and all through the ‘net
all the bloggers were stirring on their weblog gazettes,
Typing their opinions up without care
telling all readers to stop and beware

Of traditions and beliefs that could lead them astray,
all said, “It is better to do it this way.”
Some said more mangers and no tree at all;
some said no Santa or Elf on the Wall.

The readers were nestled all snug with their phones
while blog posts and rants spelled out the unknowns,
the harm to your psyche, the harm to your kids,
if you continue to believe what those people did.

When in the comments section there arose such a crash
I thought for certain someone’s head had been bashed.
And to their keyboards readers hustled and typed
adding and stirring and upping the hype.

The moon on this night was largely ignored,
for readers’ eyes were fastened to the electronic board,
where to their rectangular eyes would appear
another blog post promulgating fear,

With new and old phrases, so lively and quick,
but with declarations that sounded so slick.
More rapid than eagles the comments they flew,
and I knew in that moment what I had to do.

More kindness! More mercy! Fewer cat fights.
More grace, more calmness, and more of the Light.
Less “we don’t do Santa” and “we don’t do Elf”;
more of the Savior and less of myself.

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So through my pen my thoughts swirled and flew
as I jotted down reasons for thinking anew.

Christmas is Jesus and the gift of Himself
and salvation’s not threatened because of an elf.
And so in the blogosphere I pulled up a post
to calm the frenzy that had frazzled them most.

If you have a tree or five or you don’t,
if you decorate with a Claus or you won’t,
there is Something at Christmas that’s bigger than you:
the Hope that dawned that day is still new.

So readers and bloggers, quiet your heads,
and rest in the truth you have nothing to dread.
Join me in more joyous talk about what’s true
and less writing all the things we don’t do.

And when in the blogs there arises a clatter
pause and ask yourself if the argument matters.
Now to all you I give an encouraging shout,
“Happy Christmas to all!” And it’s time to log out.

night_before_christmas_FB

 

Christmas

SCANDINAVIAN/NORDIC CHRISTMAS :: Christmas Trees

Happy Friday! Aveline is sitting on my lap, and I’m finishing up my coffee as we listen to music together.  And now let’s peek into a few living rooms in Sweden and Norway, and see what the Christmas trees look like, shall we?

Swedish Christmas Tree on Stairs via tidningenlantliv.se
Swedish Christmas via Lantliv (I love that subtle pattern on the painted wood floors!)

Swedish Christmas via vitaranunkler
Swedish Christmas via Vita Ranunkler

Norwegian Christmas Foto by Kenneth Havgaard via Bo Bedre
Norwegian Christmas; Photograph by Kenneth Havgaard for Bo Bedre

Christmas Tree - Black and White, Nordic - Photographer Nina Holst for Stylizimo Blog
Norwegian Christmas; Photography by Nina Holst for Stylizimo Blog

Have you ever stuck to a simple, more neutral color scheme when decorating for Christmas? It requires so much restraint!


Click here to find out how to contribute to the 3rd Annual Scandinavian / Nordic Christmas Series.

Christmas

CHRISTMAS :: A Use for Trimmed Christmas Tree Branches

Christmas Tree Branches Bouquet in Vase as Tree - What do to with leftover trimmed Christmas tree branches -- via enjoyourhome.blogspot.com

How is it that I have never thought of taking trimmed Christmas tree branches and making another tree? Sheer brilliance from the Polish blog Enjoy Your Home.

(I spy a clever clothespin advent calendar, too, and glass yogurt pots!)

Christmas

SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS :: 5 Ideas for an Advent Calendar / Julkalender / Adventskalender

For those of you who plan ahead, here are a handful of visually inspiring Advent calendar projects you can make yourself.

Advent Calendar via Dandee Designs via Advent Calendar Ideas on Oaxacaborn

Advent Calendar via Dandee Designs – This beautiful calendar has printed advent activity cards attached to the back of each hanging tag.

Advent Calendar via babyramen via Advent Calendar Ideas on Oaxacaborn

Advent Calendar via Babyramen – Hand-stamped white bags are clothes-pinned to a string in this simple advent calendar.

minikunst - Last minute advent calendar

Advent Calendar via miniKUNST – Little notes tucked into drilled holes – so clever!

adventkalender og adventstake via innsidenut

Advent Calendar via innsidenUt – White paper bags on white shelves — this one is an intriguing combination of intricate and minimalist.

Adventskalender - emmaleinswelt

Advent Calendar via Emmas Welt – I love the Dala horse detail here; click through to see her entire adventskalender.

Will you be putting together an Advent calendar this year? What have you done in the past?

We plan on doing this activity-based one from Lifesong for Orphans, but I’m not sure I’ll assemble an DIY project in addition to that (despite what I said last year when I was talking about Advent calendar ideas. ;)


Want to contribute to the 3rd Annual Scandinavian/Nordic Christmas Series? Click here to find out how!

Christmas

SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS :: The Making of the Swedish Dala Horse

Carved wooden horses have been a part of Swedish culture since the 1600s. The distinct shape as we know it today was introduced in the 1700s, and the iconic paint pattern came along in the 1800s. Dala horses were even sometimes used as payment! But it wasn’t until 1939, when a Swedish architect created a huge Dala horse for the World’s Fair in New York, that the popularity of the dalahäst really took off.

[If video player does not appear, click here to view.]

Oh, I know they aren’t a traditional Christmas decoration. But they’re traditionally Swedish, and just happen to be come in very Christmasy colors. So why not? There are no rules about how you can decorate for Christmas — make the season your own, and let the decor reflect your own personality, style and heritage.

Want to contribute to the 3rd Annual Scandinavian/Nordic Christmas Series? Click here to find out how!