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Friday, December 12, 2008

SHARE A SPACE SATURDAY-IT 'S NOT A CHRISTMAS STORE-WE LIVE HERE!



I just couldn't make myself ask someone else to share a space this Saturday, because I know everyone is so busy getting ready for Christmas. So, you are stuck with my family room again today. You may just want to leave now and go check out some other blogs. This posting may be a little too much Christmas clutter for some of you! It really isn't a Christmas store -- we really do live here! (I just noticed the rubber ducky that one of the grandchildren left under the chair-it isn't part of my decor--it's amazing what I see in a picture that I don't notice when I'm in the room!)

Everyone in my family is a Christmas collector! That's why we ran out of room on our Christmas tree a few years ago. So, we started putting up two trees. I know, I'm certifiably crazy!


We don't do theme trees, because that would require getting rid of all of the decorations we have been collecting for all of these years, and getting new decorations. Both trees are full of a menagerie of ornaments -- some we've collected, some we've inherited from both sides of the family, and some our children made years ago. It all goes on the trees.


An Angel tops one tree, and a Santa tops the other tree.



Under each tree is a nativity set that our grandchildren can play with.




The mantle displays a nativity that our grandchildren cannot play with.




My husband and I bought this nativity set the first year we were married -- 39 years ago.




Now we come to the really embarrassing part. If you can't stand clutter, please exit now, or forever hold your peace! We have a little Santa collection.


I never intended for it to grow this big, but once I started collecting them, people kept giving them to me -- usually birthday and Christmas gifts. Now, when people want to clean out their Christmas decor, they just bring their trash to me!! It just grew...


AND GREW...

AND GREW! (The stockings are hung by Santa with care, because we KNOW that Santa is already here!)
Okay, I did buy one Father Christmas this year. I couldn't resist Rose's (Santa Maker's) French country Santa, with his little birdhouse, wine bottle, fur hat, fruit, and his pretty checked and paisley clothing. He is the pride of my collection. Look at that gold trim on his coat. Isn't he beautiful? He's the first one I've bought in years, and the last one I'm going to buy. I promise!


Around the world Santas



And yes Lynne, I did have a few elves who helped me, but they always disappear when it's time to put the decor away after Christmas!



Santa hangs out and flies over every thing in our family room! He's everywhere!





On the china cabinet is a tiny Scrooge scene. It was given to my mother by a dear friend of hers, and I've always loved it.

On a table by the sofa, I borrowed an idea from another blogger and used a cheese server to protect a tiny scene. I'm sorry I can't remember whose blog gave me this idea. Leave me a comment if it was yours, and I'll give you credit for this.

And yes, if you look up, you'll see another tree on the balcony. Oh, there's another Santa up there too!



And another nativity set on the coffee table.



Okay, before you leave me a comment about how insane I am, I need to let you know that I am already well aware of my insanity. I will be even more aware of it when I start taking this decor down after Christmas. Every year, I say that I am not going to do all of this again next year. I think it's kind of like having a baby...a year later, I kind of forget about the bad part (putting it all away after Christmas), and only remember how much my family and I enjoy it when the Christmas decor is EVERYWHERE! Thanks for coming by to see me. It's so kind of you to visit an insane lady! laurie

75 comments:

Anonymous said...

Laurie I gasped when I saw your cabinet! I was so hoping this is what you were featuring today... Oh my it is beyond words, I can't wait to show Mari.. poor little thing she has come down with the flu, poor baby. As soon as she feels like it we will enjoy all of these pictures together. I don't know how you do it, have you given up sleeping? Oh I really wish I could help you when it is time to put things away. My spirit will be with you. You have truly created a wonderland. Love, Cindy ps. Rose's Santa is gorgeous

Anonymous said...

Oh Laurie I am so glad you featured your own room! What a treat! I love that soft sculpture nativity and 2 trees in the same room!!! I have put up 4 trees but never thought about putting 2 together like that!!

Do you leave this up all year? So when do you start decorating for Christmas? ANd where do you store all this- and how many boxes- I know I know- what can I say I am just nosey nosey nosey!!!

blessings
mary

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Oh my Laurie! It must take forever to do all of your decorating! You have enough energy for 10 people! I love the nativities for the grandchildren. My grandson has one, too. My mom did that for us when we were little and I think it's a nice tradition. I love your Santa collection! The one from Rose is gorgeous!!! Wow! It must feel so festive and Christmasy at your house! I loved it all...Debbie

Tootsie said...

NOW THAT'S CHRISTMAS DECORATING!!!! wow! you have a huge collection! and it is fantastic!

xinex said...

OMG, Laurie! You topped everyone! What a collection and so much treasures! I love your new Santa BTW and all the Nativities! Your home projects so much love in it, evokes so much memories. Now, I understand why you kept saying you'll never finish decorating and for you to do all that for everybody to enjoy just tells me how much love goes around in that home.....Christine

Carol said...

Your decorations are amazing! You are for sure the queen of Santa collectors. I LOVE it, makes my Santa collection look puny! Thanks for showing us your family room.
Smiles,
Carol

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hey Girlfriend...

Ohhhh my...I want you to know that I spent...it seemed like hours...just going through all of your beautiful collections!!! I love them all! Girlfriend, I do not know anyone that has as many Santa Clauses as you! By the way, I just adore your new French Santa made by Rose! I also just love that little ladder with the elves! I also loved looking at your villages...they're all so beautiful! I especially liked the stained glass village...I've never seen one like that!!! Girl, I can't even begin to imagine the time and work involved in putting out all of your decorations...but I'm so glad you did, I for one have thoroughly enjoyed them!!!

Have a great weekend Sweetie...
Love ya,
Chari

Glenda said...

I once heard someone say "I don't suffer from insanity, I rather enjoy it". I think they had the right attitude as long as the insanity doesn't pose a danger to anyone.
I like your brand of insanity a lot. Everything you do or have done just makes my jaw drop. Don't understand how you ladies that work full time can manage all that you do. Plus take care of your families, community commitments and still have time to blog.
I adore your family room and everything in it.

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Your cabinet of Santas is incredible..the perfect spot for all those treasures..and to have one of Rose's beautiful Santas join your collection is just so wonderful...I'm glad the elves came to help...I know your kids and grandkids love coming to your home on Christmas..have a super w/k. hugs ~lynne~

Kat said...

Wow, this is amazing! How long does it take you to do this? I love the French Santa, he's gorgeous. And the two trees flanking the fireplace are wonderful. Thanks for sharing your lovely room with us. Kathy

Anonymous said...

Eve..I love your new Santa by Rose..he is divine and I see why you had to have him. I enjoyed seeing the rubber ducky under the chair, too..Life does go on, and it is just a reminder of how loved your house is by all.
Your mother would be so proud to see how you are filling her house with things of joy and beauty and fun..and mostly memories for your grands. Keep it up, girl.Susie

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Laurie I am speech less girl!! I have never seen so many Santa in one place before..I just love them all..how fun it must be you you and your family that no matter where you look you have wonderful eye candy and it so great your DH also helped with all of this..mines brings in the tree the rest is up to me..I just love Rose's Santa she made does she not do beautiful work?? I also see you changed out your fabric in book shelevs for candy stripes very cool..I am so glad you shown us this amazing collection Laurie..I really did enjoy this tour today...like Tony the Tiger would say GREAT!!! hugs and smiles Gloria

Salmagundi said...

You're not insane - it's all wonderful!!! They are great from Rose's beautiful Santa down to a trashy little elf (I have some trashy little things, too). Hats off to you when it comes to taking it all down. You know I love memory trees - they are the best. Have a good weekend. Sally

Jan said...

Totally awesome!! Your room looks like something that a magazine would feature, justterrific. I just don't envy you putting it all away when the holidays are over...that must take a week! Lol Have a very merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Jan

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Your new Santa by Rose is just fabulous, no wonder you had to have him. Your home is gorgeous and the trees are so beautiful. That is really a Santa collection. I'm sure there's a fascinating story behind every one. Thanks for sharing such a wonderland. Marty

Lady Katherine said...

Laurie, how wonderful! Yes I love to go shopping at your home. lol I am sure you would not part with any! I love the trees, they are special with your family's ornaments! You truely have the Chrismas Spirit! Thanks for inviting me into your beautiful home, this Christmas.

imjacobsmom said...

Laurie, Unbelievable! No it is believable - because it is you! This really is something special! If I lived near you I would help put your things away, just because it really is a fu sight to behold! Merry Christmas! ~ Robyn

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Gloria, I just have to respond to your comment. My dh does help me. He brings the trees in the house and puts the lights on them. That his contribution to the Christmas decoration efforts. He does, however encourage and enable me. He buys Christmas decor frequently, and when I'm decorating, he's always asking "is that all?". I love him lots, but he is NOT a Christmas decorator! laurie

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Ok, I want to say something really clever here. Let's start with...I put up 2 big trees too. But seriously Laurie....how do you do all of that? I was not prepared for the picture of all the snowmen. I mean I just was recovering from the village. I have to know, what is on those shelves normally? If you tell me books, I am going to flip! That is a LOT of work to take down and then put up, which I am sure you know better than all of us. Your collections are fantastic, but girl, you need a museum!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow! I can't believe all the Santa's you have. Everything looks wonderful. Thank you for sharing. I hope you and your family have a blessed and joyful holiday.

Unknown said...

Wow....are you SURE it's not a store....nah....it's was to personalize and cozy to be a store! I LOVE all your mangers scenes AND OF COURSE the gigantic Santa display. I think I recognize some of the Santa's I have too, but GIRL...you REALLY have ME beat! Very nice blog...thanks! Susan S.

Anonymous said...

Laurie~~~ WOW, this is absolutely amazing, and what a wonderful home you have~~~ such super architecture and I LOVVVVE your FP, gf! How fun to enjoy every piece, each with so many memories, over the years! How lovely of you to so kindly share it all with us! THANK YOU! Hugs, Linda

nikkicrumpet said...

Laurie, Laurie, Laurie....how do you even have time to set this all up?? It must take forever! And what do you do with all the stuff you take off the bookshelves? It is truly amazing...but I am sitting here with my mouth hanging open...I would never have that much energy!!!!

Tomarie said...

Oh Laurie, I love all your collections! Your decorating shows that you value love and family!! I especially like the Santa's from Around the World and your new Father Christmas! But the thing I like most are the nativity sets that your grands get to play with! What a wonderful idea..and really brings the Christmas message "home" with the little ones!
Thanks for inviting us into your home! L~

Anonymous said...

You have raised the bar for us out here in blogland! When I saw the two huge Christmas trees - one on each side of your fantastic fireplace and mantle - I fell in love with your home. It is truely magical..especially for the young at heart- to walk through your home at Christmas. I love all of your collections. I never thought to use a Christmas skirt as a table topper. I thought I had a lot of Christmas decorations but I see I have a long way to go. I dragged all of my decorations out this year and thought maybe it was too much but after seeing yours and how wonderful it is I don't think I have too much out. It is worth the effort - Christmas is just the best holiday there is and thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us.

Teacup Lady (Sandy)

Anonymous said...

OH LAURIE,WHAT A COLLECTION.WOWOW.I'M IN AWE.AND I TOO LIKE THE IDEA OF HAVING NATIVITY SCENES THE LITTLE ONES CAN PLAY WITH...ANN

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Teacup Lady (Sandy), thank you so much for your very kind note. You made me feel a lot better about how much holiday decor I have. Please come back to visit my blog often, because I love the way you comment! laurie

Carrie said...

Ohh, Laurie, I so enjoy reading your posts! I laugh and hae so much fun reading...I must get my sister Noelle, of the new Prince of Peace blog to visit yours. I loved seeing your several nativity sets on diplay. The Santa display is just amazing. I just set up my Snowpeople collection in my study but it is not that extensive, being just one year old.
Right now I would love to be continuing my Christmas decorating but I am a refugee from the power outage caused by a big ice storm her in Massachusetts. I woke up Friday to no heat, no light, actually no electricity. So also no internet, no home telephone and sheets of ice over everything on my deck outside. Trees were snapped and hanging across my smashed side fence, across the front lawn. Thankfully none struck the house. I and my 90-year-old mother are now 50 miles south with my sister and her family. I hope to return on Monday as that's when the electric company's web site estimates the power will be back on.
Carrie

Anonymous said...

Laurie I'm so sorry I am late, just got here. I love everything! I have been drinking it all in. You are not certifiably crazy, you are certifiably wonderful! I agree with Cindy, have you given up sleeping? Yhe little Santa hat on the rocking chair is so cute. I love that you changed the background behind the shelves, also love you left some of them white, it looks so pretty with more Santas I have ever seen! I love all your collections, snowmen , villages, nativities, and santas! The Santa Rose made is gorgeous! Love all the trees, it is all just BEAUTIFUL! Love Ya! Connie

Kathleen Ellis said...

Oh my! Your trees are beautiful! I don't think it's too much ;-)
As far as your santa collection...well....I'm speechless! I've never in my life seen such a collection, ever!
AMAZING!
Merry Christmas!

SmilingSally said...

Laurie,
I'm so glad you visited; it gave me a chance to visit you. I love your insanity! I collect nativity scenes, and I adore yours.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Jan, thank you so much for stopping by my blog and leaving such a nice comment. laurie

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Linda, I don't like leaving my "thanks" in my comments section, because I don't think anyone will come back to read my comment section again. I tried to get to your space on RMS, and of course, I couldn't get there, and I've misplaced your email addy. Just want to thank you for coming by and for leaving a nice note. laurie

BittersweetPunkin said...

Hi Laurie..I was popping over to say Thank you for the update on Kady...and Holy Cow...I got sucked in!! LOVE your pics and your collections! WOW! I collect Santas too but my collections pales in comparison to yours..and I would not say thats clutter at all!

I love the 2 trees!!
Blessings,
Robin

Anonymous said...

Laurie, I am so glad I came by. It's well after midnight. My daughter helped get the wireless fixed up for me, today.

I decided to see if I can actually get the internet in the master bedroom. I am so inept with these things.

Long story, huh...

I just can't tell you how much I truly enjoyed your post. Everything is fabulous! I love your two trees by the fireplace!

Wonderful post! I love it all.

santamaker said...

Oh, Laurie... I am honored to be a part of your most fabulous Santa collection! WOW, girl , you don't fool around, I think you should charge admission to your fantastic Santaland! I believe you should change your name to be Santacollector! Thouroughly enjoyed my visit and will be popping in to visit more often. I have been in the weeds, girl!
Be good,
Santa

Neabear said...

Thanks for visiting me and alerting me about Kady. I was stunned to hear the surgery did not go as well as expected. I will visit again and take a closer look at all your wonderful pictures.

Cinzia said...

So wonderful...
Bye bye from Italy
Cinzia

Anonymous said...

Hi Laurie. I'm a Santa collector too, well I thought I was. I have never seen anything like this before. It looks like you have the perfect rooms and shelves to make this amazing display. I am so thrilled I dropped by. When you get a chance come visit me.

Hugs,
Chris

Knittings Nice! said...

Wow....wow wow wow ........wonderful.....thoroughly enjoyed visiting your blog...will come back again.

Bo said...

Be still my heart! I am so late getting around to see everybody's blog and I sure wouldn't have wanted to miss yours...I love every inch...the dual trees, the Santa collections & the Nativity sets...I can just imagine how magical all of this looks in person...Please don't ever stop decorating like this...because it is a "gift" to all of us bloggers!
;-) Bo
P.S. You are happily INSANE, tho...

MIMILEE said...

Laurie, you are something else! It really does look like a gift shop, but I LOVE it! Thanks so much for sharing your lovely home all decked for Christmas! It took my breath away!

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Hi Laurie!

Thanks, I will certainly make a visit!
Your home and decorations are fabulous!! I love everything.

Happy holidays! Sherry

Miss Janice said...

Of course, when I saw the photo of your Santa collection, I went "Oh my Lord"! That's a lot of work! It looks awesome though:) I also like the village display you set up. Wow, you have done some decorating girl...Looks great!

Melissa Miller said...

Hi Miss Laurie,
I have pased on the Christmas Spirit award to you when you have a chance come check it out.
Your home and all the decor' is just amazing!
Love it all. How neat to have the two trees together. Very pretty!
~Melissa :)

Nancy Rosalina said...

Oh my goodness...I think it is lovely! What a great place to spend the holidays! I know your family must love to come! You have created a very festive home!!!!!
Thanks so much for stopping by and for the info on Kady's birthday...I will go over there! Oh, and please come back anytime to visit! Nancy

Anonymous said...

Wow you really celebrate Christmas!!!!!!!!!!
I just love it!!! Esp. all the Santa's, you go girl!!
Love your blog I will be back
Diane

Helen said...

Laurie, I have never seen a more magnificant display of all things "Christmas!" I could spend hours looking at each precious item .. wondeful!

Cathy said...

Wow! What a fun place to live and I know your family and friends love visiting your home at Christmas.

I also love the soft nativity set under one of the trees.

Cathy

Ginger said...

Wow, your home is amazing!!! How long did it take you to put out all the decorations? I love all your Santas and your village is really beautiful.
Thanks for sharing.

DESIGN BY CATHLEEN said...

Hi Laurie,
Wow, Wow, Wow, I would love to visit! So Magical, What special memories you are making for your family!
I Love the 2 Tree's, so awesome! Seriously jealous, wish I had to room for 2 trees, they really balance out your room....

Ho, Ho,
Cathleen

Jackie x said...

OMG it's lovely I bet you're grandchildren love it at christmas in your home,gow do you stop them from touching it all LOL?And where do you put it all when christmas is over?Jackie

pammiejo said...

I'd rather put it away than get it out - so my gripe is the opposite of yours. Putting it all up seems to take so long and is only up a short time - taking down I usually do in a day or two. I love your collections - better you than me!!

squawmama said...

Hi Laurie... WOW what beautiful decorations... you remind me of me...LOL LOL I overdo everything too and love it... When I find something I love I collect.... only problem is I did snowmen & nutcrackers too... I love your collections and your trees are divine... I love the Christmas trees decorated the old fashioned way too... I love all tress but mine was like yours with the ornaments that we collected and made over the years.... Just an old fashion tree.... and you have 2 WOW WEEEE!!! LOVE your house and it looks marvelous... You are the QUEEN of holiday decorating... I bow down to you... LOL LOL Have a great Sunday what's left of it... Love YA

(((HUGS)))
Donna

Four Paws and Co said...

OMG! I LOVE IT!!!!! It's so awesome! Rose's santa is so amazing. Excellent choice there lady!

So, what's your address & I'll send you some santas.....

When you have a chance, please visit me to pick up The Christmas Spirit Award.

☺♥☺ Diane

lvroftiques said...

O....M....G!!!!!!! This is incredible Laurie!!! Insanely incredible!! Your santa collection is TDF!! As is your family room!!! I don't know how you manage to do all of this my friend? But I'm so glad you did!! and shared it with all of us!! And the santa Rose made is the coolest!!!! Spec-freakin-tacular!! Vanna

Rattlebridge Farm said...

This is so stunning and gorgeous, I swooned. To begin with, the two trees, with your mantle in between, is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. And then, when I saw the bookshelves with the Santa collection, my pulse sped up and I had to go eat butterscotch fudge. How fabulous! It's the best idea I've ever seen in my life. Thank you so much for this tour!

Tardevil said...

Oh Laurie, you make me feel SO much better about my Christmas problem, just as Gollum & Bo makes me feel better about my dish problem! I laughed out loud when I saw your "small" Santa collection. I'm about to show "a few" of mine, and you make mine look small. I think your trees are beautiful...both of them! I have 3 full size trees, 1 small one, and I didn't put another 2 up this year - in the house we live in full-time. My husband says it looks like Christmas threw up all over our house & that I need to form & join Christmasaholics Anonymous. He just doesn't know I didn't drag it all out this year! :O) We'll be ok....now, I need to see if I can't get your Santa collection nominated for Country Living magazine. I'd love to see it in person. I love that stuff! Love your nativities too!

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

WoW!
That is a magic wonderland. I'm amazed that you have the energy to get it all done.
WoW!!!

Angie said...

Oh wow!!! I gasped when I saw your two huge beautiful trees and that awesome Santa collection! I don't think you are crazy at all to collect what you love and enjoy looking at. Thank you so much for sharing all your wonderful Christmas decor!

artis1111 said...

I like to see people enjouing Christmas!. I would love to sit by the fire and have coco. Kathy

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Good morning Laurie, your Santa collection is just as beautiful today as it was the other day..how many do you have? I'm not sure if you've said or not. When you get a moment I would love for you to swing by my place, I have something for you..hugs ~lynne~

Kathysue said...

Laurie,My mouth is still hanging open.When you say you are decorating,you are really decorating!!It is unbelieveable.Your Santa collection is amazing.It would take me a month to get all that done,you are amazing!!Your house is like Santas Village but better.What a fun home to have Christmas in,thank you for sharing all your hard work,Merry Christmas my friend, kathysue

Lynette said...

WOW Laurie - you have the most Santa's I have ever seen in ONE PLACE. I can't believe you do all that!! You are making the best memories for your children and grandchildren!! Your new Santa from Rose is gorg - love him. I can't believe you even change out the fabric in your shelves - it's perfect to set off the look of your Santa's!!
Enjoy your season ~

Kristen said...

How wonderful...I love the two trees and the nativity scenes under them. The santa collection is wonderful. You definately have the Christmas spirit!

Anonymous said...

Laurie I keep forgetting to tell you how cute I think your little story is on your side bar! I got so carried away with this fabulous post that I clean forgot! Did you write that cute little story? I also meant to tell you how much I love the Nativity scenes that you grandbabies are allowed to play with, I would love to get one of those for mine. Hope you are feeling better. Love, Cindy

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Ho...Ho...Ho...& Merry Christmas Laurie...

I hope that this fine Monday is shining down upon you with a great big smile, my friend!!!

I just wanted to let you know that I have a little award waiting for you over at my place...the "Christmas Spirit Award"! I have seen alot of beautifully decorated homes but I think that your home and all of your wonderous Christmas collections win the prize!!! I have thoroughly enjoyed going through each and every photo...they made me feel just like a kid again!!! I just stand in "Christmas Awe"!!! Thank you for sharing them with all of us...with me...

Love you Sweetie...
Chari

LillyB said...

ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh my goodness! This is absolutely Amazing! I wouldn't expect anything less from you! So beautiful!!!!

Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...

Laurie, This is truly beautiful.

Designs on 47th Street said...

You are something else! BEAUTIFUL! Such a pretty tree and those Santa's are AMAZING! Loved seeing all your decor.

Visual Vamp said...

Fantastic decorations!
And a very lovely blog.
xo xo

Deb said...

WOW! Laurie, I love it! I love it! I love it! I was in complete awe! I think it's worth every bit of the time it takes to put it all up. Now taking it down *is* another story but I wouldn't change a thing! Deb

Anonymous said...

I am still trying to figure out where you store all this!!!!!

Thanks for stopping by today for the tour! What with so many homes on tour I really do feel blessed you took the time to stop and visit!!

It is a gold frame on the table- I have to take it off each time we eat as you cannot place a place setting on the table with it there!!! Some times things seems like a good idea but are not very practical!!

That room is ready for you anytime and I mean that from the bottom of my heart! ARkansas isn't too terribly far from Co-- well not far well... far but not across the ocean far!

blessings
mary

kymber said...

Laurie,
All I can say is WOW! You have such beautiful things. I don't envy you having to pack it all up after Christmas - It IS so much fun having collections that you and your family have enjoyed for so many years. Your home is truly lovely. I would love to see your storage room :)
Blessings to you,
Kymber

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

I actually gasped when I saw your cabinet too! All those Santas! I LOVE it!

And I love your play-with nativities. I must get one!

And I thought I had a lot of stuff! *bowing to the queen*