It’s grey out today which is very nice for things like cozying up the house and pulling out the Christmas decorations – and not as great for things like taking pictures for one’s blog.

So I’m pulling a couple of pictures out from my stash.

Like a number of people I can think of last year, I got completely caught up in the Advent stocking frenzy (see posts here, here, here, and here). I am a total sucker for Advent calendars and have always kept an eye out for unique ways to mark the count down. Even now, I don’t think I’ve ever quite lost the here-comes-Christmas anticipation. My sister and I shared one as children that was a small felt tapestry with Velcro ornaments that you placed on the tree each day (kind of like this, but cuter). Oh man, when it was time to pull that thing out and hang it on my bedroom door, I knew Christmas was coming. At some point, almost all of the Velcro wore off of the backs of the ornaments, but I was still quite devout about trying to get all of the pieces to their proper spot.

Last year’s holiday season was very special as it was the first Christmas I spent with Mr. Bunny Slippers. Looking back, I know I really over did it – planning everything down to the last possible second and creating a spirit that was more manic than festive. Working on that. Really. Working. I promise.

We haven’t started putting up the décor this year (please see above where I promise not to over-plan everything and force holiday spirit upon others). However, I am REALLY looking forward to pulling out the decorations and just enjoying them. And top of the list for me are these stockings which I just loved making, but were also quite a source of stress at the time.

They are so warm and cuddly looking – all store bought, but different textures, sizes, and colors. All lined up, they make this side of the living room feel deliciously cozy. The numbers were printed on card-stock in different fonts and colors. I used my beloved eyelet setter and circle punch to make numbered tags for each. Although if you had the time and the inclination, I think the beautiful appliquéd ones that others made would be lovely (and probably longer-lasting).

I think I spent the better part of last November trying to figure out what 24 items to put inside. There are some great lists circulating now with ideas for children, but I had a much harder time adapting these ideas for adults. Being young at heart, this sort of dilemma seems to creep up quite a lot (which may be a clue that I need to grow up a bit!). I ended up surprising him with an assortment of chocolates, practical items, the occasional trinket, and a handful of notes directing him to the fridge where a favorite snack or dessert would be waiting. All in all, it was a pretty good time. I figured out by the end of the month that all he really wanted were the chocolates anyway, so I think I’ll be simplifying this year. Feels good.

[For those not cutting back on new projects this year, here are some more ideas: here, here, here, and the one I will eventually try here. Above are photos from two of my all time favorites from Pottery Barn.)