I Will Honour Christmas In My Heart

I will honour Christmas in my heart,
and try to keep it all the year.
I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future.
The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me.
I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!

~ Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Christmas Home Tour 2012, Part One, the Front of our Home!

 MERRY CHRISTMAS!! ( I have just been dying to say that all year long!! ) LOL!!

and WELCOME to my Christmas Blog!!

I will be posting on this blog rather than on my regular Blog, Debbie-Dabble, for the next few weeks until the Holidays are over....

Today is the beginning of our Annual Christmas Home Tour 2012......
 There are 7 Parts to the Home Tour.
I will take you through each room of our home decorated for Christmas and share with you our 19 trees!!
 Yes, you did read that right... 19 trees!!
There is a link at the end of each post that will take you to the next part of the Tour until you go through all 7 Parts.

Enjoy the Tour of our home for Christmas 2012!

We are going to start with the Front of Our Home decorated for Christmas.

Now if you have followed this blog and/or my regular Blog, Debbie- Dabble, you know that we live in a townhouse.
We are the 3rd home in from the end in a row of 10 homes.
And we have to walk up 13 steps from our parking lot to reach our front porch.

So this picture has been taken standing in front of my car looking up from the parking lot at our home.....
 We are up quite a hill.....
 I haven't really changed much since last year except for lighting....

 I wanted the house to really stand out front the street and parking lot and I think the large wreaths on each window accomplishes that.....
 Last year, I added the shatterproof balls to the wreaths and I think they held up beautifully through the Christmas season here in Northeast Pa.
 If you are wondering, they are held on the windows by 2 large suction cups per wreath from the Dollar Store . I have used these for many years and even with the winds that we get being up on a hill, I have NEVER had a wreath  blow or fall off a window!!!!

 The large wreath in the center of the house lights up and is attached to a screw.  This year I have changed the lights on this wreath to Warm White LED lights which you will see later in this post....
 We have gone for a more energy efficient approach this year and you can see that there is a red CFL bulb in the light post. This and a green one ( that I have yet to put in) in the Porch Light were bought at Lowe's.

For several years, we had light up Penguins( Joe's Hockey team) in front of the light post but those have found a new home at my niece's house as part of her Christmas outdoor display....
 Now we are walking up those 13 steps ( which will be the death of me as I get older) to our front porch....
 My next door neighbor's home is identical to mine...
 I do like to decorate the little front porch that we have....


 I have used the garland around the door and railing for many years....

 This year, we have used Warm White LED lights on the garland..... One set of 150 was enough for the railing on the side and around the door.
I bought them at Sam's Club last season on Clearance after Christmas....

 I made the wreath a few years ago and added the shatterproof balls last year.....


 I love this tin stocking and the rust that is on it from several seasons of use....
 We have to have a penguin for Joe ( Go Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins!)!!!
Over to the right side of the front door....
Many of you already know that this sled is my childhood sled.....

I did a lot of sleigh riding when I was a child and a teenager so this sled holds a lot of fond memories for me......

 This is all faux greenery...
 A sweet slate with a nostalgic feel....
This wooden reindeer is near and dear to my heart as it was made for me by my oldest son, Joey , when he was in Cub Scouts....



And this is also another piece that is near and dear to me as this wooden sleigh was made for me by my younger son, Jimmy, when he was in Cub Scouts.....
This is my 3-5 and 7-9 basket.....
I had a friend visit a few years ago and she said she remembers seeing these outside of Funeral Homes , hence, the 3-5 and 7-9 basket( the times that Viewings used to be)....

I bought it at our church Flea Market.....

You can see we also used the Warm White LED lights on this railing along with on the garland around the front door, cutting back from 5-6 sets of lights to two sets of 150 lights for all the garland...

 Looking from the other side of the house.....
 


The flower bed under the Living Room window....

There is a new set of Warm White LED net lights , bought at Target this year, on the bushes ....
We decorated the outside on Veteran's Day last week since we had good weather with temps. in the 60's however, it is our tradition not to "light" the outside of the house until Thanksgiving Day night, ushering in the Christmas season.
Even though on my way to work at night, I have seen many homes already lit with their Christmas decorations.....

So tonight, on Thanksgiving night, the lights were turned on......

Just the 2 sets of LED were enough lighting...




 We do have a spotlight on the center of the house on the wreath which also has Warm White LED lights on it.
And there is the green CFL bulb lit in the front porch light.....


 This is looking out my front door...
Soon the shopping center to the side of us will be filled with Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday shoppers....


 The flower bed under the window and the Warm White LED net lights on the shrubs.....










 Looking up from our parking lot....



 There is the red CFL light bulb in the lantern....
So this was Part One of our Christmas Home Tour 2012. I hope you enjoyed it...

For Christmas Home Tour  Part Two , the Living Room, please click HERE

I will be linking up to these great parties this week:

Weekend Warmth Party
Home Sweet Home Friday
Show and Tell Friday
Potpourri Friday
Vintage Inspiration Friday
Simple and Sweet Fridays
Tickled Pink Party
Inspire Me Fridays 
 Flaunt It Fridays 
Fall into the Holidays

Saturday Nite Special
Pink Saturday- December 1-Holiday Porches
 Strut Your Stuff Saturdays
One Great Idea Saturday Party

Seasonal Sunday
Sunday's Best- Monthly-December 1
Sunny Simple Sundays
Bouquet of Talent Linky Party
Sunday SHOW-licious Craft Showcase  

Masterpiece Monday
Mod Vintage Mix Monday
Metamorphosis Monday
Make It Pretty Monday
Mop It Up Mondays
 DIY Project Parade

Cowgirl Up! Creative Linky Party
Knick of Time Tuesday
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Tweak It Tuesdays
Totally Transformed Tuesdays 
Show Me What You Got Tuesdays
 Tout It Tuesdays

All Star Blogger Block Party
What's It Wednesday
Wow Us Wednesday
Rednesday
Fall into Fall Party
Wednesdays Adorned From Above Linky Party
Primp Your Stuff Wednesdays
HOME Party on Wednesdays
Welcome Home Wednesday Party

DIY Holiday Highlights
Delightfully Inspiring Thursday
Treasure Hunt Thursdays
Show Off Your Stuff Party on Thursdays
Home and Garden Party Thursday
Share your Creations Thursday
Share Your Cup Thursday
Vintage Thingie Thursday
Transformation Thursday
Inspired Creations Linky Party
Time Travel Thursday
 Open House Party

   Inspiration Fridays 
 Weekend ShowOff Party
 Farm Girl Friday Blog Fest

Clever Chicks Blog hop

Christmas Tour of Homes 2012
It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas Blog Hop
Tis the Season Holiday Link Party- Outdoor Decorations
Better Late Than Never Christmas Blog Hop
  Winter Wonderings and Holiday Happenings
Countdown to Christmas 
Holiday Housewalk Linky Party
12 Days of Christmas Outdoor Christmas Decor
 Deck the Halls - Doors
Tis the Season Holiday link Party- Holiday Home Tour

Please take some time to visit these terrific hosts and all those joining in on the fun!

Thanks so much for stopping by today and every day that you take the time to visit with me!

Hugs,
Debbie


42 comments:

  1. Debbie! That is absolutely gorgeous. You have done a spectacular job and it looks so welcoming and Christmasy. It is just beautiful. I love those candle lights along in front of your shrubbery, too. I have never seen any quite like them.

    After digging out my regular lights and having half of them NOT LIGHT again this year I an going to be replacing them with LED lights. I have fought doing it because they are expensive but no more expensive than replacing strand after strand every year. Every single LED light I pulled out lit right up.

    I bet people slow down to look at your place as they drive by...and I know the inside is as amazing as the outside- xo Diana

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  2. Debbie, Your home looks more beautiful every year! What memories with your sweet wooden reindeer...smart idea to change to LED lights. I changed my flocked tree to LED this year, I didn't like them before but now that they have the warm glow ones, I love them! I was reading Diana's comment about hers lighting up..great news! I love the picture of your porch all a glow. I can't wait to come on in to the living room! Hugs, Penny

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  3. Debbie, The outside of your house looks so gorgeous! I love the wreaths, the tin stocking, the sled, and the LIGHTS!!! Beautiful, especially after dark. Merry Christmas Debbie.

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  4. Wow! You are one busy lady, and I have no idea how you get all of this pretty stuff done! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  5. Debbie, the outside of your home is just wonderful. I love the wreath on your door. The sleigh and the reindeer are just precious. Thanks for giving us a tour of it all. Happy Thanksgiving to you and those you love.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  6. Debbie your home is soooo beautiful!! I love your Christmas decoration! Looks gorgeous!!
    Hugs,
    Vesna

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  7. Da te è proprio Natale!Tutto decorato bello!Io sto cominciando adesso!Baci,Rosetta

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  8. Debbie, everything looks so pretty as always! I always look forward to your tours. You share the most wonderful pictures. It looks so beautiful in the daylight and even more so at night. Looking forward to part 2.

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  9. I'm sure you must have crowds that enjoy your beautiful lights and decorations. It's very beautiful. Merry Christmas!

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  10. Thank you, Debbie, for sharing your beautiful home and Christmas decorations with us. Everything is delightful, and I especially love the memories of your son's gifts. How special! You have motivated me to start my decorating here in Virginia. Looking forward to more of your Christmas decorating.

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  11. Your front door is very welcoming, I cant wait to see the inside!
    ~Jonquil
    http://www.awhimsicalchristmas.com/

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  12. Christmas is my favorite time of year too. I have always loved to decorate (though we have not done much in the last few years as we have littles still). I love the sled with the ice skates. That is so creative. Can't wait to see the rest of the house.

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  13. I love all your decorations, especially your wreaths! You are so talented with all your decorating. Thank you so much for linking to SHOW-licious Craft Showcase! :)

    http://sew-licious.blogspot.com/2012/11/show-licious-craft-showcase-9-blog-party.html

    Marti

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  14. Debbie I cannot believe you are done. You are a pro. Your attention to detail always amazes me. I love to look at all the little things you have tucked in every corner.

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  15. So festive! Love the wreaths on every window!!

    Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  16. Debbie, Your home is lovely. It shows how much love you put into making it look so pretty.

    Blessings,

    Marie

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  17. WOW,Wow,wow Debbie, I love this...so festive & GORGEOUS!!!
    Thank you so much for staring @ Inspire Me Fridays!

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  18. Your home looks beautiful day or night!!
    Thanks for the tour.

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  19. Wow, everything is gorgeous, and your house is beautiful! I love everything. You do such an amazing job, and you have so much to decorate!! Thanks so much for sharing at A Bouquet of Talent each week!!!

    HUGS
    Kathy

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  20. Debbie, I was honored you took a minute out of your busy schedule to visit. I have the utmost respect for you doing all the things you do. You are truly amazing when it comes to decorating.

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  21. Debbie, you and your beautiful home are an inspiration! I can't believe that those wreaths stay up there with suction hooks. I really wanted to do that on my windows, but hated the idea of dragging out the ladder to do some of them. You Are Amazing!
    Happy REDnesday,
    Carol

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  22. Your decorations are always so beautiful! Love 'em! Would also love if you'd join our Countdown to Christmas link party! Yes! It's up and running! Hope to see you there! Have a great week! :)
    http://dixie-n-dottie.blogspot.com/2012_11_27_archive.html

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  23. Debbie , your home is Gorgeous! You do such a wonderful job making it so inviting. Your decorations are so awesome.
    I love all the wreaths, the sled with the ice skates. All add just the right touch!

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  24. Debbie, I just love seeing all of your holiday decor! Everything is just fabulous. It truly feels like a Christmas wonderland!

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  25. Everything is looking beautiful for Christmas! Thank you for joining Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  26. Debbie, Thank you for sharing your wonderful home on Simple & Sweet Fridays. You've been featured for all your wonderful decorating ideas and getting us all in the Christmas spirit. Thank you again and have a great week!

    Jody

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  27. Thank you, Debbie, for sharing your lovely trimmings with my HOME.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  28. Dropping by from "How Sweet the Sound". Your porch is just beautiful and truly reflects the amount of time and attention you put into it. Yours is the 2nd blog that I've seen with a vintage sled and skates. I too have a sled on our porch this year...but it belongs to our daughter and is only about 7 years old...a gift from LL Bean and Santa when she was about 18 months.

    Happy Pink Saturday!
    Valerie

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  29. Simply lovely especially at night.
    Thx for sharing

    HPS

    ML

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  30. Wow! Such beautiful outdoor Christmas decor - both during the day and at night! Thank you for sharing.

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  31. Hi Debbie, I have missed so many of my blogging friends this year. I am thrilled that I have some time to visit and enjoy your lovely home. Your Christmas tour of your home outside is stunning. As is everything you touch. I too love the led lights. they stand our so much. I used to use the suction thingy's for my wreaths outside. It worked. You have done an amazing job making your home welcoming and I am wishing Christmas was here now.

    Hugs, Jeanne

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  32. Debbie everything is beautiful as always. I especially love the tin stocking and your childhood sled! We don't get to ride those down here in Texas! Thanks so much for linking up at Transformed Tuesday. I always love checking out your post. Hugs, Peggy

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  33. Hi Debbie
    You are truly amazing. We love all of your decorations.Thanks so much for sharing at Wednesday's Adorned From Above Blog Hop. This weeks party starts at 12:01AM on Wednesday and runs through Sunday night. Have a great week.
    Debi, Joye and Myrna (The Busy Bee's), Linda (Two Succulent Sisters)

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  34. Very, very festive Debbie! Love all the wreaths on the windows. The large one you made on the door is a showstopper. Also love the tin stocking. Thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup. And Merry Christmas to you too! I've been waiting to say that all year also. lol!
    Hugs,
    Jann

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  35. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home with us at the All Star Block Party. I'm featuring it at the start of this week's party! Good job :)

    Shasta @InTheOldRoad
    http://intheoldroad.blogspot.com/2012/12/all-star-block-party-27.html

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  36. Wow that is stunning! I have never seen a house so abundantly yet elegantly decorated.

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  37. Hey there, thanks so much for linking up to our Countdown to Christmas link party. We're excited to tell you that we featured your Front Porch Christmas Decor! Stop by and grab our feature button! Hope you’ll continue to link up with us! Merry Christmas! :)
    http://dixie-n-dottie.blogspot.com/2012_12_17_archive.html

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  38. Looking forward to more ! Makes My mouth water !

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  39. oh my goodness! I bet you smile all season long

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  40. So festive! All you need is a little bit of snow now. LOL!

    Thank you for linking up with the Clever Chicks this week; I hope you’ll join us again!

    Merry Christmas!
    Kathy Shea Mormino
    The Chicken Chick
    http://www.The-Chicken-Chick.com

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