Whew! The Shull house is decorated for Christmas! I love, love, love having my house decked out for the holidays but geez, it’s a lot of work!
This is our first year in the new house for the holidays and we are super excited about that. Last year, on December 26, we headed out and stocked up on so many fun and fabulous Christmas items that were marked off 80%. I kept opening boxes of stuff this weekend thinking that I didn’t even remember buying it…we bought it all the day after Christmas last year and then stored it until now. I’m so glad we thought it advance!
Our biggest purchase last year was a new Christmas tree. We knew we would need a bigger tree for the new house, so we bought a gigantic 12 foot tree last year at an 80% discount. This seemed like a good idea on December 26, 2013…however, it was a whoopin’ to put together this year ;).
On Thursday, we had Kensington’s Thanksgiving Feast at school. Andrew and I loved sitting with her and being a part of her lunch. After the feast, Andrew headed back to work and I headed home to start dragging the Christmas stuff down. My mama decided to surprise the kids by taking them to a movie after school, so she took the kids to a movie and Chick-fil-a while I got everything down and assembled one of our mantles…
…it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around the Shull house!
(And the Pottery Barn catalog pretty much threw up all over my house, so if you want to know where something is from…I’m 99% sure it came from Pottery Barn.)
Andrew and I ate Taco Chili for dinner (I had it in my slow cooker) and called Thursday a day.
On Friday, Andrew took the day off from work to help me put up the big Christmas tree while I put everything else up. He was really excited about it.
The high was 37 degrees, so it was cold walking home from school…at 3:00, I took a break from decorating and walked to get K. Just two girls in hats walking home.
Kensington wanted to know why it was taking so long to put up the tree when she got home :). Do you see my 6’5″ husband barely peeking out from behind that tree?
We bought a tree that wasn’t pre-lit on purpose. Since this tree is humongous and really pretty, we want to have it forever…so, we didn’t want pre-lit because when strands go out, we want to be able to remove and replace them (which you can’t do on a pre-lit tree). That’s a lot of lights to put on a tree…
At 7:00, our friends had a benefit concert for their non-profit Mission Regan where Jamie Grace performed. So, we cleaned ourselves up (which consisted of hosing off the sparkle and pine needles) and attended the concert. It was so loud in there but my kids didn’t mind…they both decided to go to sleep.
The next morning, we began again…at this point, we were absolutely regretting our decision to buy the big tree :). Andrew and the kids ran to Home Depot to get some more lights and apparently, they saw this stuffed Christmas fox that sings and dances to the song “What Does the Fox Say?”. Andrew said they were laughing, singing and dancing to it in the store and a really nice man came up and said he thought they were so sweet playing with it that he bought it for them. Isn’t that so nice?! What an act of kindness! (It is also kind of an act of torture because now I hear that song play in my house every 15 seconds…)
Bless his heart. Not quite finished here (still missing the top) but he’s still smiling (for pictures at least) and hasn’t quit Christmas yet.
Finally, around 1:00, the tree was finished and it was time to decorate! We let the kiddos decorate…so please excuse the excess ornaments that are around the 3.5 foot mark. They didn’t understand the concept of placing them higher or lower than their eyesight :).
My little elves were such great helpers! I think this is the first year that they were truly helpful when we decorated the tree!
We finished up the decorating, dusted the glitter off of us (again) and headed over to my parents’ house to celebrate my little brother’s 31st birthday.
We’re enjoying the party and not thinking about the giant mess we left behind at home :). (If you look closely, you will see glitter in both of our hair…)
We came home, put the kids to bed, cleaned up the house and enjoyed looking at our hard work.
Tis the season for twinkle lights.
Tis the season for twinkle lights.
Listen, this is just one tree…we put up five other trees at our house this year.
Yup.
On December 2, Andrea is doing a Christmas decorations link up, so on that day, I’ll share lots of pics of everything else (plus on that day, Sheaffer and I will be in the middle of our HUGE Christmas week with FIVE fabulous giveaways that will knock your stockings off!).
One last thing, if you need something warm and cozy to eat while enjoying your twinkle lights, don’t forget to check out my Meal Planning Monday. Five simple suppers sure to make your life easier and your family’s tummies full.
Noelle says
Hi Shay
I usually don't comment, but I just wanted to tell you how happy it makes me to read your posts! I am a total Christmas person, so I really love your holiday related posts! You and your family are so cute and such a blessing!! Happy Holidays!! 🙂
Erika Slaughter says
Whew!!! Aren't you so glad that's behind you?? Maybe you should leave that tree up all year?
Susan says
I think Erika has a great idea! I know a lady who has a closet for her tree – she can roll it into the closet when Christmas is over and it doesn't have to be taken apart. I bought trees for my boys bedrooms after Christmas. So thankful they are just 3 feet.
Anonymous says
Are your stockings from Pottery Barn? I'm planning to buy new ones this year since a new baby was added to my family.
– Becky
Anonymous says
Becky, her stockings are from Pottery Barn Kids!
Kelly says
That tree is beautiful! At least it is up early and you can enjoy it a while! I'm going to save this post to show my husband when he starts complaining about lights while we decorate our 7 foot tree! haha!
Narci says
The tree is incredible!! I just love it, and I can't wait to see it in person!! Xoxo ❤️
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Yes, I'm with Erika. That GORGEOUS tree is staying up ALL YEAR LONG. It's the only thing that makes sense. And I have to say, "knock your stockings off" made me lol. 🙂
Anonymous says
Shay, you're such a natural beauty. You look great with and without makeup! Can't wait to see your Christmas decorations. Have a great week 🙂
Anonymous says
Your tree and mantel are beautiful! What color lipstick are you wearing? It looks great with your coloring.
mcoop1125 says
Love the tree! Any tips for putting lights on a tree? Yours look great!
Thanks!
Kelly @ Familiar Joy says
This makes me so happy! I love when the Christmas decorations are up. The house just feels warm and cozy! We are going to Hawaii for Christmas this year, so I'm following suit and doing everything early because I won't be able to enjoy it for two weeks in December. =)
Anonymous says
I love the amount of lights on your tree ! It seems like there are soooo many. How beautiful!
Tracy says
Love, love, love that huge tree! How many total strands of lights did you end up using? Looks great! Can't wait to see the rest of your decorations. Andrew is a good sport! My hubby would think I've lost my mind if I put the tree up this early! 🙂
Stacy P. says
I love Christmas, too! My kitchen is in total reno right now so the dust is keeping me from pulling everything out….I do, however, have my twinkle lights up. (Actually, it is one strand of tangled lights in a pile on the floor in the living room, but it counts, right??)
Jenna {Real Simple Girl} says
Very pretty! The tree looks great! I'm with you on not getting a pre-lit. A strand went out on mine, so I want to try to find a new tree after Christmas. Most are pre-lit, though. Where did you get yours?
Marty says
I love Christmas and Christmas decorations, so this post was awesome! Love that you all work together to make your house so pretty! 🙂
Anonymous says
The garland is beautiful! Where did you purchase it?
Thanks!
Laura
Astleigh H. says
My favorite part about your tree is the amount of lights. I think all the twinkling really makes the tree. And since your tree isn't real, you should try the balsam-scented sticks you can hang in the tree! It makes the best Christmas/winter aroma! We put some in two of our fake trees and it smells heavenly!
Allison F says
I LOVE IT!!! I am totally a decorate-for-Christmas-in-the-middle-of-November kind of person! It makes celebrating ALL the holidays that much MORE festive! I overheard a girl at our car dealership the other day knockin' people who decorate early – "And I'm like what do you not believe in Thanksgiving?" she said. Bah humbug!! The longer you can enjoy the decorations, the merrier! We were out of town last weekend so it's egg nog and decorating this weekend, we can't wait!
Jamie says
LOVE the tree! This is our first christmas in our new home. We needed a new tree a little taller but less diameter because it goes in the corner in this house. Everyone thought I was NUTS for buying a tree that wasn't pre lit but I LOVE it so much more now!!! I might not think that when I'm taking it down at the end of the season!
Elaine says
Beautiful!! Did you build a huge closet in your home you can just push it into all put together?! A Christmas tree closet?? Might be worth it to have one added on really quick :).
Queen In Between says
Wow…that tree is amazing…so worth it! And so sweet about that crazy fox…love when things like that happen.
Elaine says
It cut me off :)…that could be your Christmas present to Andrew this year and every year! Just roll in out and fluff!
Jen Fisher says
Love your giant tree! 🙂 I'm getting my Christmas stuff out today! Love your mantle too!
dresselfamily.blogspot.com says
So so pretty, and to the.previous poster, the stockings are from pottery barn, I saw them in the catalogue last night!
Anonymous says
You said you're going to keep this tree forever…but, in case you change your mind. They do make pre-lit trees where the entire strand/section doesn't all go out due to one bulb going out. So, you can just change out the 1 bulb that has gone out and the trees even come with extra bulbs to keep on hand. Super simple!
Mary Woods says
Love your tree! I would also like to know what color lipstick you are wearing? Thank you so much! I know you probably get tired of people asking about your lipstick:)
Liz/ says
Looks so gorgeous!!! Can't wait to see the rest of your decorations! Also, just a fyi for anyone else that has a pre lit Christmas tree, you sure can remove a strand and put a new one in if lights go out…we've done it and it works just fine!!!
Jaren says
Andrew was such a good sport! The tree came out beautiful! Can't wait to see the rest!
Sarah Streb says
WOW! WOW! What a tall tree! I love it all! Also, the biggest piece of advice is going out and buying everything after xmas. I did that one year and i too forgot all I had purchased. It was like unwrapping xmas gifts!
Beautiful family. Have a great day!
The Nelson Happenings says
Oh your tree and mantle look wonderful ! I'm now in the Christmas spirit 🙂
Jenny says
Your tree looks beautiful! I am officially ready to put up my Christmas tree as well. 🙂
Sarah says
Holy cow! You guys were thinking big! Where did you buy such a ginormous tree?! I wanted to get a new tree this year too, but wow, 12 feet, now I know what not to get, as I don't think I have the patience that you guys do! 🙂 Looks great, and I can't wait for the Christmas decorations post! I might have to join in the fun.
Paula says
Did you think of Clark Grizrold at any point…lol Tree is beautiful!
Aubrey says
I am DYING about that amazingly tall tree! So funny (since it wasn't me putting it all together)!!
Shannon says
I got tired just looking at that tree! I'm not looking forward to hauling out all the decorations and putting them up but once they are out there is nothing cozier! Can't wait to see the whole Christmas home tour 😉
Denyelle says
Your tree is absolutely beautiful!! I say keep it up all year! You might want to think about anchoring it somewhere. my friend's tree was huge like yours and it came crashing down in the middle of the night last year. It was a real tree so imagine what a mess…sticky sap, broken bulbs and glitter everywhere!!
DetroitDuchess says
That is a beautiful tree! Really stunning. I wasn't planning on decorating this year because we are moving mid December, but looking at all of your festive pictures is making it hard to not want to break everything out and deck the halls.
kristinwithani says
Oh, Ashby is going to love that tree.
Dear friends left Wednesday and met and received their daughter in China today! I was a weepy mess when they sent pictures of her sleeping away.
Chelsie says
Hi Shay! LOVE your Christmas decorations! I was also wondering if you could tell me where you got your metal fireplace cover? It is gorgeous!
Anonymous says
We bought a 10'tree and spent 8 hours putting the lights on it. It was SO bright it was hard to even see the tree! My husband installed a dimmer switch to tone it down. It was beautiful, but sooo much work! Merry Christmas!!!
Haley @ Cupcakes and Sunshine says
WOW! now I am SO excited for December 2nd! And the giveaways! Can't wait to get some decoration inspiration 🙂
lilfella says
Ok, I have to ask: Are you going to put lights on that tree every year or leave the lights on? And are you going to take down the tree or somehow store it put together. I cannot believe how many lights you guys put on that tree. It is beautiful though!
Blue-Eyed Bride says
Eep! I can't wait for your full Christmas home tour! It's SO pretty!!!
Danielle Pittman Forester says
So beautiful!!! I love your ceiling in the family room!
Mrs. Mack says
I am in love with your…well…everything! Particularly the stockings. I have been shopping around at Pottery Barn Kids, but their stocking personalization is limited to 9 characters. How did you get Kensington's name on it?
Mix and Match Mama says
I had to buy the stockings without any monograms and have someone locally put them on there for us. That's the bummer about a 10 letter name!
realmommypreneur.com says
Everything looks great! I love Christmas time and I love to see how others decorate. Just Beautiful!