Do any of you remember this cover of Country Home Magazine from way back in 1999?? 

Oh how I loved this Santa! His wonderful smile...his twinkling eyes...his excitement and anticipation
about the nights activities! Well, I loved it soooo much that I decided that it would make a wonderful addition to my holiday decorating! I bought a 24"x30" canvas from Michaels, got my acrylics out, and painted my own santa. 



My painting comes out every December. In my old house, it hung over my fireplace.
 In my current home, it has hung over my console table in the corner of my family room.
{I had to move it in front of the door to photograph it because it was too dark this morning in the corner!}

 

I really had no idea that it was, in fact, 10 years ago {!} that I painted this until I looked
at my signature and date yesterday. Wow--time flies!! I really do love this Santa.

Our tree is up and the ornaments are hung. The house smells so good and earthy. I am a natural girl in my Christmas decorating {if you read my blog, no surprise, right?!} It's just so abundant, simple and accessible--not to mention beautiful. So, I thought I would share some lovely rustic Christmas inspiration....  

























{1,2,3- Eva Lindh 4,5,7,8- southern accents  6-southern living}