A few weeks ago, Jenna had an eye (and heart!)-opening moment and it all started with a sweet Christmas village.
The village story
Jenna decided to stop by a close friend’s home for a visit before Shannon’s annual Christmas dinner. After being warmly welcomed into her friend’s home, Jenna’s friend excitedly asked her if she would like to see her Christmas village. Jenna, fascinated by her friend’s enthusiasm, told her friend that would be nice. What happened next was some classic Christmas magic.
Jenna’s friend went on to proudly describe every detail of her Christmas village. Each year it was set up a little differently; with tiny buildings, trees, and people in new locations to suit that year’s narrative. Yes, that’s right. Every year this beautiful village has a new story to tell. Jenna’s friend explained how much she enjoys creating new characters and scenarios every Christmas and how it’s now one of the things her children have come to love most about the season. How wonderful is it to have such a thoughtful, meaningful, and fun Christmas decoration to share with the people you love?
Jenna silently wondered what ever happened to the Christmas village from her own childhood. Where was it now?
O Christmas tree
Up next on the Christmas decor tour was the family Christmas tree. Jenna described the tree as beautiful and colorful and filled with a joyful warmth–it was exclusively decorated with handmade ornaments from her children. There was no second tree filled with monochromatic baubles to proudly fit an aesthetic. This was the family tree and it was more than enough.
One-of-a-kind art
Finally, Jenna noticed her friend had framed and displayed all of her children’s Christmas artwork in the bathroom gallery wall-style. What a cute way to display these treasures!
There was a common theme with all the decor Jenna was appreciating. It all had a story. It all had meaning. And it was all take-your-breath-away beautiful.
Jenna couldn’t wait to get home to showcase her most meaningful Christmas decor. Here is what she found:
Jenna’s Christmas decor
Nutcrackers
Every year, for as long as Jenna and Shannon can remember, Mimi has taken the ladies in the family out for a special night on the town. It’s one of Jenna and Shannon’s favorite Christmas traditions!
Mimi gets a new dress for everyone, they enjoy a fancy dinner at a restaurant together, and then they all attend The Nutcracker. After the show, Mimi gets commemorative nutcrackers for everyone to remember their special evening. Jenna has a growing collection of Nutcrackers displayed on her piano that now serve as a reminder of their beloved tradition.
Stockings
Nana makes beautiful stockings for everyone in the family (including dogs!) by hand. Jenna knows they’re a labor of love and treasures their unique beauty every year as she hangs them up.
Artwork
Inspired by her friend’s home, Jenna has framed 12-year-old Cohban’s Christmas artwork from when he was one year-old. They’re a charming reminder of Christmases past and also a reminder to be present and enjoy the present as well.
What are some of your most treasured Christmas pieces? What’s their story and how do you like to honor it? Share in the comments!
Leave a Reply