It’s been a hard week here in the States in the wake of the tragedy in Connecticut, and it didn’t feel quite right for me to be enjoying the Christmas season, drinking hot chocolate, and singing carols when so many families are experiencing a heartbreaking loss. But I guess that’s what Christmas is here for, right? An unexpected light in a time of darkness, a reason to temper grief with at least a little joy. So the Christmas tree seems just a little more beautiful to me this year, even more so thanks to Kelli‘s holiday ornament exchange. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves (click on the photo to be taken to the tutorial for each ornament).
So many fun packages! Man Friend was home when these arrived and texted me that I had “ten adorable little packages” waiting for me– so exciting!
Kelli’s adorable peacoat
Suzanne’s mouse king (and yes, I snagged the Gangnam-Style mouse king… be very jealous!)
Jen’s glamorous narwhal
Mika’s hand-beaded peace dove
Megan’s leather and felt acorn
Miranda’s paper reindeer (don’t laugh at my cereal-box-and-tinfoil tree-topper!)
Maddie’s yarn ball
Let’s pretend like there’s a gorgeous photo of Dixie’s starlight mint ornament (which definitely isn’t missing because it was way out of focus and I’m already out of town… that would NEVER happen).
The tree! Unfortunately it’s blocking our makeshift closet and the entrance to the apartment, buuuuuuut… it’s totally worth it. Yay NYC living!
I look forward to treasuring these ornaments for years to come. Thanks again, Kelli, for your beautiful idea!
Bonus photos:
A treasured ornament that I made ten years ago or so with my beloved aunt
These ornaments inspired Man Friend to bring me one, too! Rawr!
Ginger Makes... 
All of the ornaments are just too cute! The exchange was a really fun idea. And beautifully stated in your first paragraph. Merry Christmas!
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Thanks, Becky! It really was a fun way to start off the holiday season. 🙂
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The peacoat is definitely the cutest, but I’m loving the T-Rex! 😀 Merry Christmas!
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The peacoat really is super sweet! I’m so glad Kelli shared the tutorial! Merry Christmas to you, too! 🙂
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Such beautiful ornaments! Have a very merry Christmas!
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Merry Christmas to you, Gail!
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Narwhal!!!!
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Riiiiiiiight?!?!?!
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Lucky you! I sucked this year 😦 but will do my best to participate next time! Merry Christmas! xxx
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By this I mean both: would be fun to participate and make some for myself.
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The holidays can be so busy sometimes! Maybe next year you’ll be able to make some ornaments– I know you would come up with really cool ones!
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They’re all so beautiful. I love the Narwahl the most I think… The reindeer head is a beautiful piece of engineering though. But the dinosaur is Boy’s favourite, I’ve just been asked why there isn’t a dinosaur in our tree – I’m glad Man Friend joined in!
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Oh, I hope Boy gets a lovely dino. 🙂 That reindeer really is amazing– I have no idea how Miranda put that together!
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That peacoat ornament is too dang cute!
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It kills me! It’s so sweet!
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Your decorations are brilliant! I LOVE the wee felt coat. Merry Christmas! 🙂
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Thanks, Lynne! Merry Christmas!!
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That coat!!!! Love!
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Isn’t it so cute?! I love it so much!
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Fabulous!! I love how they’re all so different, and so adorable and creative! (And I especially love Man Friend’s contribution. It’s got me thinking about tracking down some dinosaur toys, and either painting them festive colours or putting Christmas touches on them, like painting their noses red or giving them tiny wee antlers or Santa hats. Hmmmm….)
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Oh yes!! Christmas-y dinos sound amazing!!
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Such a cool tree and wonderful ornaments, even more special because of how they were all part of the swap!! Happy Christmas Sonja xx
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Happy Christmas to you, too! 🙂
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Your tree is lovely and I’m glad you shared some of your other ornaments, too! I loved getting to participate with you in the swap! Tell me more about your teacup. Is there something inside?
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Thanks, girl! I’m so glad that I “met” you through the swap! And yes– there’s a tiny black pug inside the teacup! It was a gift from my mom-in-law last year since it was our first Christmas after adopting Doug!
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Ohh lucky u… I’m fixated on the red coat… It’s epic
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What lovely ornaments! I’m thinking this is one of the best exchanges I have seen, and so festive 🙂
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Hey, we have the same tree topper! I wonder if we used the same brand cereal box…
The ornaments are all super cute. Hard to choose a favorite, but that might have to go to the narwhal!
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I’m pretty sure it was Cap’n Crunch… no healthy cereals around my house!
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LOL I made mine so long ago, I don’t even remember, but there’s a good chance it was something akin to Marshmallow Mateys. 😉
Happy New Year!
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Hahahaha! Yes! Happy New Year to you, too!
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