Christmas Tour of Homes 2014 with @thenester

Last week I wrote about finding a simple balance in our newly remodeled home and our ever changing life. Our goal of simplifying extends to the Christmas season as well, the desire to store less and focus more on why we are celebrating.

Because we're now 200+ days into this home renovation project (and still not done), the only Christmas spirit being shown to the outside world is our Christmas tree through the window, and fresh pine wreaths on the front and back doors. And this year, that is enough.

After living in chaos for the past 8 months, I've realized that figuring out what is enough for you and your family from year to year is what makes your house into a home. In past years, the front of the house has been picture perfect and Christmas decor has crept into almost every corner of our home, from kitchen to bathroom to spaces that guests will never see.

This year, I'm living with tools and wood scraps, bags of insulation and cans of paint. Instead of walking in to a twinkle light wonderland by the backdoor, we have the evidence of home construction and life.

 

I could stage the pictures to show you what I want you to see, or I can share what our house really looks like as we turn it into a home. It's still Christmas, it's just not as neat - similar to the very first Christmas, when our Savior was born in a barn. Hardly neat or picture worthy, but part of the perfect story that God authored.

At first glance, our bedroom looks beautiful. But turn the camera to show the real truth and you will discover that it's also my home office - home to piles, boxes, and a big metal filing cabinet. It's not Pottery Barn, it's not a minimalists dream, but it's practical for the work I need to do. And during the month of December, it becomes a warm and inviting location to spend my days in front of a computer. One swivel in my chair and I am faced with a patchwork Christmas quilt on our bed - not really my style, but because it was lovingly handmade by my mother it is cherished and on display.

The hallway just outside our bedroom is waiting to be painted, and pictures lean against the wall as they wait to be hung. The guest bathroom has no toilet nor sink, the front bedroom has no trim or furniture, but we're getting there - one step at a time. In many ways, it's a parallel to my life as a Christian. I may look like I have it all together on the outside, but inside, I have piles and areas in need of repair. Like my house, I am a work in progress.

As I walk around our home, I pray for those unknown folks who will use this new space in the future, and that the house God has entrusted to our care will be a blessing to others. May the result of our labors be a warm and welcoming space, playing a role in the story that God is writing for us.

Merry Christmas! 

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; 

Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

[...]

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;

And the government will rest on His shoulders;

And His name will be called 

Wonderful Counselor, 

Mighty God,

Eternal Father, 

Prince of Peace.

{Isaiah 7:14 & 9:6}

Find more links at the Nester's Christmas Tour of Homes