Just a little bit...

Hubs and I are going to be in Vermont celebrating the season from the 19th-27th, so I decided that doing the whole shebang in the decorating department this year would just cause me a bunch of stress before we leave. Of course I couldn't go completely without, so I've brought out a few of my favorite bits so we can enjoy a touch of merry around the condo before we head north.

First there is the dining room table. We rarely eat here, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't look nice and festive.

I love these plates. I bought them at Home Goods last year. I have two with doves and two with Christmas trees.

The napkins are from Anichini (the company my Mom works for). I bought them with a gift card Hubs and I received as a wedding gift. They add just a bit of glimmer to the place settings.

The garland on the centerpiece is usually used on the tree, but since we aren't getting a tree this year, I've used it here.

I got the birds at Pier One. I love them.

Although I haven't put much out, all the most important stuff is placed about. First there is the Advent calendar my Mom gave me when I first moved away from home. I talked about it on Monday when I found a surprise in day seven's door.

This angel was a wedding gift. I think she's absolutely beautiful. This year she has a spot on the kitchen counter. I tried taking a full length photo, but I couldn't seem to get one I liked. So here are some close ups of her top and bottom halves separately instead.

One of the most important pieces in a sentimental sense is this little music box. The bear skates around when the music plays. My Mom gave it to me when I moved away from home because she knew it was one of my favorite decorations. I don't know what it is about it, but I just love it.

Finally, one of the most important decorations for me is the cresh. When I was a kid, it was always special to be able to put Baby Jesus in His place and often times we added our own little characters to the scene (like trolls, handmade angels, and at least once a basketball trophy sat atop the manger). I look forward to having kids someday and teaching them the importance of the birth of Jesus through this Christmas tradition.

The decorations at our house may be few and simple this year, but our reasons for joy are abundant and my faith in the reason for the season is greater than ever.

(This post is linked at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.)