Welcome, welcome dear friends! My halls are decked and ready for you to come inside and make yourself at home. I’m so thrilled to be apart of the Jennifer Rizzo Holiday Housewalk again this year!
You will not want to miss all of the beautiful homes in this tour so be sure to start at the very beginning and catch up on all of the holiday eye candy. Click the image below to get started!
And if you are joining me from taking the tour of my dear friend Shannon’s gorgeous home, you did not have to travel far because we both have the privilege of residing in the beautiful state of Oregon.
You know, every year when I begin to decorate my home for Christmas, I am absolutely flooded with feelings of nostalgia. With each box that is pulled from the attic, I’m transported to another place in time.
There are the four stockings I bought when we were only a family of three but my heart longed and prayed for a sweet girl and by the very next Christmas she had arrived and that extra stocking was put to good use.
There’s the Little People nativity set we purchased for my son when he was two with animals that never actually stayed in the stable but were carried by his chubby hands all over the house.
There are the books, stacks and stacks of books, each lovingly chosen, inscribed and gifted to our children every year as we ushered in the Christmas season.
There are my childhood ornaments which are carefully unwrapped and hung on the tree alongside my own children’s ornaments.
This year, as I began to drape Christmas all around my home, one particular memory came to my mind.
It was 1980 something and I awakened on a cold morning with great anticipation and excitement. Because this was Christmas Eve! The climax of the season. You remember that, don’t you? When, as a child, you’ve had all of this build-up and you know that tomorrow is THE day. You lift the last flap on the countdown calendar, light the last candle on the advent wreath and wrap the last present.
I jumped out of bed and headed into the kitchen where I found my mom sipping coffee and making final preparations for our Christmas Eve dinner. I knew that soon there would be cookies to be baked and a flurry of other last minute details that would need to all be attended to before we went to the Christmas Eve service at church.
But, as I looked around the house I realized that my dad wasn’t there. I asked my mom where he had gone so early in the morning and she said that he had to run a few errands and would be back soon.
The hours passed quickly as we listened to Perry Como crooning on the record player and tried not to shake the presents under the tree.
It got later and later and still my dad had not arrived home.
But then, from my bedroom where I was playing with my Barbie dolls, I could hear the crunch of the station wagon tires as it made it’s way down the snow-covered street and into the driveway.
A few minutes later I started down the hallway towards the kitchen where I could hear my parents talking in hushed tones.
My dad was recounting to my mom just exactly what had happened as he was running his ‘errands’.
You see, he had volunteered to deliver gifts to children who lived in some of the most rural areas outside of our city of Springfield, MO.
And, judging from the way his shoulders sagged and the weary look on his face, it had been quite the experience.
I stood as still as I could in the hallway and listened as he told my mom how he had barely managed to get the car down some of the roads (if they can be called roads).
He told her about the poverty, the absolutely devastating poverty.
He told her about the joy on the faces of those he presented with probably the only gifts they would be getting for Christmas that year.
I heard his voice catch a few times and knew he was fighting back the tears. You see, my dad has a very tender heart for children, especially children who are going without the things that all children should get to have.
And, even at such a young age, I knew that he had been deeply affected.
And right then, an imprint was made on my heart.
Suddenly, Christmas Eve felt different to me.
This imprint cast a new shadow over all of the presents and the cookies and countdown calendars and even Perry Como.
It didn’t mean those things weren’t special and fun anymore, it just caused me to look at them in a brand new way.
And, it led me to understand that I needed to put them in the proper place in my heart.
Getting to witness the spirit of generosity in my parents was the greatest gift they could have given me.
And now, when I pull out all of those bins of Christmas decorations and begin to decorate my home, I can enjoy the beauty and have fun attending to each and every detail, but it doesn’t take up too much space in my heart.
Because, as grateful as I am for this place I call home and as much as I enjoy putting my own creative stamp on it, I know how fleeting it all is.
You see, my heart doesn’t belong to my home.
My heart belongs to the ONE. The one who was King but who arrived as an infant among hay and manure and animals. The One who knows that I love pretty things and who put creativity in my heart to be used and celebrated but who also wants me to approach this season with reverence.
The imprint made on my heart on Christmas Eve 1980-something has only grown.
And it’s one I’m trying to place on the hearts of my own children, not only at Christmastime but all year long.
So, we watch. We pray. We listen. And we wait for that nudge to action.
To kindness and generosity of spirit and generosity of resources.
And we put the ‘pretty’, the baubles and the wrappings, the treats and the trimmings, in their proper place.
Not so far down that we diminish the truth that our very creative God put creativity into us and that it’s a gift He wants us to enjoy.
But, in a place that leaves plenty of room for our hearts to be filled with the things that will last long after the last cookie is eaten and the tree has turned crispy.
And, dear ones, that’s my hope for you this season. That you will feel the imprint on your own heart and that you will know how very, very deeply you are loved.
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“And when we give each other Christmas gifts in His name, let us remember that He has given us the sun and the moon and the stars, and the earth with its forests and mountains and oceans–and all that lives and move upon them. He has given us all green things and everything that blossoms and bears fruit and all that we quarrel about and all that we have misused–and to save us from our foolishness, from all our sins, He came down to earth and gave us Himself.” (Sigrid Undset)
I’m so thrilled that you stopped by to visit me here at the fence today to take my Christmas home tour and I can’t wait to celebrate more of the season with you in the days and weeks to come!
Now, it’s time to head on over to visit Jen at The Chronicles of Home.
Much love to you all,
P.S. If you are looking for a gift that is equal parts heartwarming and ‘home’warming, I hope you’ll consider our book ‘Life in Season: Celebrating the Moments That Fill Your Heart and Home’.
Click here for all of the ways you can purchase a copy (or two or three!).
What a beautiful post. Enjoying the beauty of your home while you shared your deepest childhood memories and your perspective of the holiday season made my day. Thank you for sharing.
such a pretty tour- i love the apples on the mantle!
The photos are lovely. I do find the lack of paragraph structure annoying to read. One sentence standing alone is not a paragraph.
I’m so sorry you found it annoying Linda. I am aware that one sentence is not a paragraph. When I have blog posts with so many photos my goal is to always try to mix in the words in such a way that it helps to break it up a bit. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos though. Merry Christmas 🙂
It was beautiful Vanessa, every word, sentence and photo, ❤️❤️
I thought this was a beautiful post. I loved the story and the photos.
I thought it was all very lovely and well put together….words matching the beauty of the pictures.
Your post was heart touching. Really what Christmas is about, The One. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing the heart of Christmas…. God bless!
Vanessa, thank you for your warming story. Remembering Jesus is the celebration. That joy to share with others. a have always been special gifts in our home also.
Your beautiful home and decorations are so inviting. Thank you for sharing. I try to keep up with Rhoda, now that she has shared your story will try to follow you as often as possible. Merry Christmas to you & your family.
The Swindall’s
Thank you for sharing the heart of Christmas…. God bless.
what a beautiful way to share your heart and your love for the real meaning of this holiday season. love and holiday hugs to you and your sweet family.
Thank you for sharing your home tour/photos. I love your elegant taste in decor and you’ve given me many ideas. I loved last year’s post on your easy transition from Christmas decor to Winter – will you be posting this as well? Have a joyous Christmas.
Vanessa you have outdone yourself with such beautifully elegant decor, and set such a mood in your home… I’m absolutely loving every little details. It’s stunning. Everything is just right.
And that story is why giving, especially at the holidays feels so important to me. We give as much as we can to make sure children have gifts on Christmas, and then we give a little more. It’s actually the best part of the holiday and I come to look forward to it more and more as I get older. Hugs, Shan
*Sigh*
God bless you, your family – and keep you safe and warm in this special Advent Season coming up.
This post was awesome – and your home filled with natural light and bright and PERFECT beauty is just beyond stunning. ♥♥♥
Beautiful post and very well written! Your house is gorgeous and you are very talented. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
What a lovely story, you have made my day😍
Everything is so gorgeous but the way you so beautifully share your perspective is my favorite! xo
I absolutely love your beautiful story Vanessa. Thank goodness for His goodness and love for us! Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and reminder why we do what we do this season 🙂
xo, Tanya
The white walls sure contribute to a prettier, calmer Christmas home and vibe. Just lovely. 🎄
What a beautiful home tour, Vanessa! The words and the pictures. I enjoyed it all 🙂
Thank you so much Courtney!
You’ve brought back good memories from that Christmas so long ago. Your Dad still talks about the impact it had on him delivering the only Christmas presents the children were going to get that year. Thank you for sharing the story and your warm and inviting home that I won’t get to see this year. Love you,
Mom
Oh my how beautiful !!! Love your decor and your childhood memories thank you for sharing
Thank you Norma!
simple, gorgeous and inspiring. I love that the décor doesn’t take room in your heart. sweet friend, you are a treasure!
Thank you friend! xoxo
What a beautiful tour and a beautiful story. I so enjoyed both. God does love all of us and has a special place for children. You have many talents. You have such an elegant eye for design and such a gift with words. I love to read your posts!
Thank you so much Julie!! So glad you enjoyed it!
Your post made me tear-up! It was a wonderful reminder of the true meaning of the season. Thank you for all the beautiful images that accompanied the lovely message.
Thank you so much Rosa!
Vanessa, thank you for sharing your heart and your home. You have given us the gift of your beautiful thoughts and memories that remind us of the reason for celebrating Christmas. I do hope that you will not let that one comment bring you down. I for one cannot believe that someone would be so negative. Your writing style is perfect and I loved every word.
Thank you so much Sissie! I didn’t let that comment get to me at all and I so appreciate your kind words!
Your home is so incredibly beautiful and inviting! I love all of your holiday details!
Thank you so much Angela!
Just found you on Instagram. So glad I read this post! It is beautifully written and the message is perfect!
So glad you found me Rosemary and thank you so much for your kind words! 🙂
You are such a beautiful story teller Vanessa, and your home is just magical all decked out for this special time of the year!
Thank you so much Lisa!
Your decor is stunning but your heartwarming message is priceless! We have been doubly blessed by your talents.
Oh thank you so much sweet friend! xoxo
Thank you for this lovely post. I have copied the Sigrid Udset’s quote and will be including it with some of my gifts.
It’s one of my most favorite quotes ever Carol! Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Vanessa, thank you — thank you for having the courage to share your heart and allow the light of Truth to shine through your words! Your story brought me to tears, as this is the very thing which Jesus has been whispering to me over the past couple of weeks, reminding me afresh of how its His love which gives Christmas with its beautiful sheen of joy. How amazing He is! Your home and photos are lovely, and your heart, even more so. May your family be blessed in the presence of the King this Chstmas!
Oh Tiffany, thank you so much for your kind words and I’m just so humbled to know that my story touched your heart. Our Savior truly is amazing and what a gift to find other sisters in Christ all across the miles. Many blessings to you and yours this season! xoxo
I came upon your blog quite “accidentally” today, but I think that’s when God wants to remain annonymous! You home is beautiful; you Christmas Eve more beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing. My father (who passed almost 10 years ago), was also a friend to those in need. He taught me so very much about caring for other less fortunate. I’ll always remember a homeless man he befriended. He learned his name; knew his story and always let him know he was “somebody” and not a faceless person in the crowd. Thanks again for bringing back a flood of my childhood memories. Have a blessed Christmas and New Year!
So beautiful Vanessa, thank you so much for sharing your Christmas with us and your beautiful home on the Housewalk!!!!
I absolutely love each and every room. Inspiration and beauty! Celebrating the season with you, friend!!
Such a beautiful post! It made me tear up. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so for sharing this beautiful post. Your home is lovely and God has definitely gifted you with creativity. Thank you for pointing your readers to Christ who is the Real Reason for Christmas.
You know I love this post, Vanessa! Oh, I thank God for your good and faithful parents, who not only shared with those in need but also planted in your heart the desire to keep first things first. You’re right: the desire to create is a gift from God, one of his many gifts, but we must be ever watchful not to worship the gifts rather than the Giver.
Bless you, sweet friend. Your home looks beautiful, and I pray you’ll enjoy a beautiful Advent season.
Thank you for this beautifully written story and gentle reminder. It’s perfection to me.
Your words and home are beautiful. I have never written a reply before,but your words really spoke to me and reminded me of my own memories of generous parents. They are both gone now, but we still carry on thier spirit of giving. Have a blessed season.
Lovely holiday touches to your home. Enjoy it very much and please to see another blogger here in Oregon; Fox Hollow Cottage. Thank you for sharing.
Sweet story, I’m a Springfield girl too!
Your heart touched me. Thank you for your love for our Savior.
Vanessa – what a lovely, inspiring post. Seriously. I had to pull out the tissues. Thank you for the wonderful and timely reminder to keep things in their proper place. Your home is beautiful. May the One who brings us peace, comfort, and salvation… Emmanuel, bless you and your family this holiday season.
Vanessa, what a beautiful post!!! I have read it over and over. It touched my heart more than you will ever know😊❤️
Your home is just gorgeous and it was written straight from your heart. I too, have been wanting to enjoy the creativity that God had given me, but want to make sure that my priorities are lined up to please my Lord.
I ordered your book..Life In Season. It just arrived today. I want to start reading it but saving it to read on plane to France in June.
Your blog is my favorite!!!!
God bless you and your family.
Oh Linda thank you SO much for your very kind and encouraging words and for ordering my book!! I truly hope you enjoy and are blessed by it. Thank you for being apart of our community here! xoxo