Canadian Cottage Christmas Living Room

Merry Christmas Eve!! Today seemed like a good day to welcome you into our Cottage Christmas Living Room. It is one of my favorite days because it’s all about family, anticipation, and enjoying one another’s company. By now the gifts are wrapped and placed under the tree… and hopefully there aren’t too many holes poked in the wrapping from curious fingers.

We don’t make many plans on Christmas Eve. Weather permitting we go for a skate, and then head out to Christmas Eve Service. After that it’s a snacky supper at my Sister-in- laws.

I didn’t know if I would be able share our house all dressed up for Christmas this year or not, but somehow I am squeeking in a little Cottage Christmas Living Room tour for you today. Our mantle is simple, because my time was sparse- but I have to admit I love how it came together.

This fresh wreath is so sweet. I put it together yesterday, and I am so pleased with how it turned out. I love that it is asymmetrical and simple. I was unsure if the bow made it too country, but in the end I think it added a nice bit of texture along side the succulent.

I love these snow shoes. They just whisper Christmas at the Cottage…

Our piano got a little dose of cheer with this handmade miniature grain sack stocking garland that I made last year. (details here)
We like to keep our tree up into the new year. I love the cozy glow of the tree, and the slow days. I soak them up, and they are just the best! Sure, there is some travel and going to and fro- which can leave us feeling tired- but this year we plan to take things a little slower. I am always trying to temper the hope and anticipation of Christmas, with the reality that things may not go as planned. I will always find myself missing my dad and those close friends and family members we can’t be with. There are so many ideals around Christmas, but it is also far from ideal for most of us. So my prayer for you is that you would feel both that joy and anticipation, but also an ease to let go of the things that may be broken or far from ideal. God is bigger than our sorrows, our shortcomings and our fears. He is the great provider and giver of eternal hope.