This season, I was a tad bit worried about the Christmas decorations staying where I put them.
Between the dogs and the Grand Fairies, I doubted that any of it stood a chance of surviving till Christmas, since it went up so early.
But the little girls have been ideal. Dewdrop is enamoured of it all, yet doesn't mess with it.
Much…
I think the trick to keeping little fingers off the vintage and hand made pieces that I want to use, but not have destroyed, was to give them their very own tree.
Sugarwings and I started this tradition when she was tiny. I gave her a pink tree and a basket full of decorations to put on, take off, play with, do as she pleased.
Now, Dewdrop is enjoying the tree along with her. And is pretty good about not getting into the other decor.
I also think it helps that I make a big deal out of the way the house is decorated and pick them up to show them individual things and talk about them. The Grand Fairies feel included, and enjoy the pretties around the cottage, I want them to feel like our home is fixed up for all of us, not that it is just a big pile of Grammie NO NOs.
Kind of like what we do in the studio. The girls have their own tables, and cabinets full of art supplies that belong to them. They have learned to, well kind of, keep curious fingers out of my supplies. I like to show them what I am working on and tell them about it, but I am also trying to teach them to respect my things and to use their own.
Of course, Dewdrop is barely 3, and Sugarwings has an ongoing story happening in her head that requires lots of interesting props to act out… so, it's a challenge and a gamble to set out precious things within their reach.
But worth it. If something breaks here and there (which it has), it's only stuff. I hope that I am showing them how good it is for the soul to have the peace and calm that pretty surroundings can bring to you.
And it means a lot to me to have our home all Christmassed up.
I think they like it too.
Now, if I can only convince the Twin Terrier Terrors that none of it is meant for them. Those dogs are infatuated with it all.
Wish us luck!
What a great idea to give the grandfairies their own tree to play with! Thank you for showing us some of your pretty decorations. I love taking it all in!
I totally understand. I’d want to touch everything in your home as well, Karla. It would be like diving into white Christmas divinity!
I applaud you your bravery…and your taking the time to teach them a valuable lesson. You’re making memories and at the same time leaving your fingerprints on their future. And that is a beautiful gift…just like your home.
XO
Deb
Karla, everything looks beautiful – like an enchanted wonderland.
I have missed you. Please come link your holiday posts with us for Pink Saturday.♥
This is simply lovely! How I love all your pretty whites and pinks and gliteries! I’m so glad you are able to work with the girls to convey how to love things without handling them to death! Now, the terriers — that’s another matter altogether!
It looks so beautiful Karla!
I love how much you include the kids and make it special for them too! Hugs! karen…
Beautiful!!!!! Love it all, just makes me want to curl up with a puppesh in my lap and absorb it all!
So gorgeous! I would love to see it all in person, some day, like I have with other times of year at your beautiful and welcoming home! I just worked on our tree today and though it’s not finished yet and all the OTHER decor is still in crates all over my dining room, I know exactly what you mean about the beautiful surrounding filling you with joy and peace. It is so worth it!
Karla…everything looks so ethereal and lovely! Your theory about including the little ones in the decorating process is a good one. We never “put away” our own pretties when our children were small, and yet they always seemed to know how to enjoy them, too. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. Patty in Kansas
Absolutely beautiful, Karla! Good luck with the puppeesh!
Those dogs have learned to climb up on the sofa to steal things off the tree!
I just dont think I could stand it if I had to put my pretties away!
Very pretty! Grace xoox
Thanks, Grace, its my favorite way to see my home. I wish it was this sparkly year round, but then I guess it wouldnt be as special now.
Those puppeesh cant get enough cuddles this time of year, theyd love it, Gail.
It looks lovely! And you are teaching them the proper way – they have their “stuff” and you have yours.