Holiday Mantel

Byljanning@dukemanorfarm.com
All my life I dreamed about hanging my Christmas stocking alongside my husband and my children on the mantel at Christmas time.
For many years it was just me and my wonderful husband’s stocking, just hanging there and waiting year after year. Patiently.
But luckily we did have this guy. He waiting patiently with us too. In fact, he was the first Christmas decoration that I bought when we got married.
Then it happened, 2 stockings became 3, then 3 stockings 
became 5. 
Five stockings, hanging side by side in reds and greens. Surrounded by green garland, pine cones and small homemade trees with cute little red birds.
 It was just like they were in my dream but only better.
See, the best part was that I got to the change the name on my stocking to Mommy.
This holiday season is such a reminder for me that the most precious gifts aren’t always the ones tucked in a stocking or wrapped in pretty plaid paper and burlap bows and put under the tree.
But the gift of family and love that are above the stockings.


I hope as you prepare for this holiday season, you will find all the many reasons to celebrate and to enjoy your special gifts.
laura_black
For more of my holiday inspiration around the house click here
Grateful for~
The gift of children

 

 

 

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Just a gal that loves to share my family, home decor, design and life around here in the country.... on my real life funny farm at Duke Manor

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32 Comments

  1. Hi Laura. Oh, what a sweet post and I'm happy you've gotten to hang all the stockings!
    Have a lovely weekend and be a sweetie,
    Shelia 🙂

  3. I love your mantle and hearth, Laura. It's so easy to get all wrapped up in the hustle and bustle this time of year that we totally overlook the more important gifts of all! Thank you for the reminder.

  4. Well said Laura! I couldn't wait to put my own kids stockings up too….now, I'm lucky enough to add a grandson's stocking up and that's an awesome feeling as well! (But I'm not changing mine to Gramma!!) Thanks for a lovely reminder!

  9. Don't make me cry, you're so sweet and I love a great love story!
    Your family is beautiful and I love that you still have your deer 🙂
    Have a wonderful weekend!
    Debbie

  14. Oh Laura….you hit it out of the park with this mantel…you could not have said it better…even though my son is grown with his own daughter, I still hang his old "Scooby" stocking in the family room with ours…It is just the two of us now, but on the mantel, we are a family of five!…Love, love your mantel!!!…

  20. Thanks for the tears, Laura! What a wonderful post. I love your holiday mantel … so sweet that you still have your reindeer, and, my favorite stocking would be the "Mommy" stocking too. Happy Holidays, sweet friend.

  23. After fretting over decorations and wearing myself out trying to get things just right, I read this. Instant perpective! Thanks! You are so right.

  25. Love Love Love that mantel and stone fireplace! I have been dying to switch mine to stone! Maybe Santa will leave one when he comes down the chimney! Your stocking story is precious. How wonderful to have a "Mommy" stocking!
    -Shelley

  26. Beautiful sentiments and a lovely fireplace. It's gorgeous! Visiting from The Lettered Cottage link party. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

  31. Well said Laura. I love your post – touching.
    Thanks for linking up to the Christmas mantel party – so happy you did!
    Stacey of Embracing Change

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