I don’t know if it’s the kid’s ages, or just being in the new house, but I haven’t been this excited about Christmas in a long time. Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited every year, but this one seems to be a whole new level of festive, warm fuzzies.

Is it weird that as soon as we moved in, my first thought was of where we’d put the Christmas tree? The kids wanted it in the main family room (otherwise known as next to the TV), and Mr. SP and I thought it’d be gorgeous in the new Living Room. Okay, gorgeous was my word, not his. But he nodded in agreement. But can’t you just picture it between the windows?! #sigh

In the end, I think we came to a great compromise…placing it near the new Living Room, but also so it could be seen from the main family lounging spot. Come on in and see for yourself!

There was nothing wrong with our old 7-foot tree, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to show off the taller ceilings in this house, so we replaced it with this beautiful 9-foot Addison Slim Spruce care of Treetopia. I chose it not only for it’s height, but realistic looking needles, and slender shape. (See where our old tree ended up here!) 

Our last few Christmases have been really colorful, with bright, color-blocked trees, but for some reason, this new house has me feeling traditional. With a touch of glam, of course. So we adorned the tree with grapevine garland, disco balls, striped bows, and sentimental ornaments. No real theme, other than to make it special to us.

The tree skirt might be my favorite part. I’ve been lusting over it for years (even made my own DIY version of one!). For the record, the real-deal is world’s better! #duh

But I’m pretty smitten with the fair isle reindeer my son stuck on top, too. So smitten, in fact, you’ll notice members of his whole family in all my Christmas posts this month!

I’m savoring every second of this holiday with Little Miss, while she still believes in the magic of Christmas.

I hope you enjoyed the first peeks of our home this Christmas…I can’t wait to share more with you! Are you decking the halls!? Do you have a favorite ornament that makes you pause every time you pull it out? Find more Christmas projects and past Christmas Home Tours, including last year’s popular DIY Kate Spade-inspired ornaments, in my Holidays Tab.

*Thank you, Mary Summers, for the special photos!

Well, after weeks of 70-degree temperatures, and not feeling like Christmas at all, Texas finally got in the game and gave us a good freeze yesterday! We even got a light dusting of snow! That’s pretty exciting stuff around here, and makes snuggling up under the tree that much sweeter.

After seven years of trying, last year we finally found the perfect spot in our house for the tree. Then we went and bought a sectional and completely changed the layout of the Family Room. So now we’re back playing musical furniture, and trying out new places. Our bedroom looks like a yard sale, but we were finally able to make room for the tree in the Living Room.

Just like the brightly colored snowflakes we used to make a Glittery Wreath, I found these jewel-toned curly sticks at the Target after-Christmas sale. I put thin white ones all over the tree, but kept the bright ones concentrated around the top for more impact. I love all the whimsy they add.

I buy an ornament each year for the kid’s picture, and pulling those out is my favorite part. It’s impossible to not get nostalgic, and a little heart-sick at how quickly they are growing up. *gulp*

All our DIY Ornaments I showed you yesterday really helped give the tree the bright, jewel-toned look we were going for. And it’s fun knowing we created them together.

I’m still crazy about last year’s Marbleized Ornaments.

We added this little funny to our collection this year….kind of a nod to Mr. Sugarplum’s profession.

I miss not having the tree in the Family Room with us at night, but the Living Room is one festive place…and will make for a fun Christmas morning.

My favorite part of this year’s tree has to be the skirt!

A cheapie DIY I’ll show you tomorrow! I can’t give away all the goods at one time!!

But no matter how it’s decorated, every tree is beautiful and magical at night. Pass the cocoa, please!

I’m sharing my tree with Megan today, as the Christmas Cheer Link Party is still in full swing! Do you get choked up when decorating your tree? Are you spending evenings lying on fur rugs under your tree? Wait, don’t tell me.