Since our first winter here, Lonnie and I have been calling our home the Holiday House because it really looks its best at holiday time (Christmas and Fourth of July, mainly). Our oldest son likes to remind us that all houses look their best decorated for the holidays, but the name has stuck anyway.
So here are a few photos of our house this season, but rather than describing what you’re seeing, I want to share a little Christmas story about my paternal grandparents.
As newlyweds in 1947, Cliff and Evadean Long lived in Ashton, Idaho, far from their families. They didn’t have enough money for a place of their own, so they rented a room in a woman’s house.
Their first Christmas, Evadean was pregnant, and Cliff was working at a nearby service station. “The only money we had was for a little, tiny Christmas tree,” Evadean said. The two of them agreed not to buy each other gifts that year.
But the idea of not exchanging gifts felt worse and worse as Christmas approached, and “we both just felt the same—we just couldn’t do it,” Evadean said.
So they secretly bought one small present for each other. On Christmas Day, Cliff and Evadean pulled their gifts out of hiding, traded packages, and tore them open. Each box held a scarf. They had bought each other 50-cent scarves.
“We were so poor, (but) it was one of our most memorable Christmases,” Evadean said. “We felt such a closeness with each other and with Heavenly Father—we knew He was watching us up there alone and on our new adventure.”
I hope you and yours feel God’s presence this Christmas too, no matter your circumstances. Merry Christmas! •
Boulevard West 
So beautiful. I love the photos.
LikeLike
Love the story! The real meaning of Christmas!
BTW….where did you find that beautiful yellow and white floral wallpaper…love it!
LikeLike
The wallpaper was from Anthropologie and has been discontinued, but you can still find it elsewhere online by searching “Paeonia wallpaper.” I really love it—it’s such a happy color. Thanks for your comment!
LikeLike
That is such a sweet story! Your house looks beautiful!
LikeLike
Your house is so charming! I love it all dolled up for Christmas. Thanks for the lovely story, a wonderful reminder that it’s the little things that matter!
LikeLike
This was a beautiful story! I loved reading it while “touring” your lovely home.
LikeLike
I love everything about this! Your gorgeous holiday house & the story of the scarves! It’s all so sweet Becca!
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Holly, and thanks for reading the post. 🙂
LikeLike
Your Holiday Home is lovely! And that story is the best – thanks for sharing with us! I cam over via The Nester. So glad I did.
LikeLike
Teresa, your sweet comment made my day. Merry Christmas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
visiting from nester- this is my first time here! your home is so beautiful- love the dark bedroom! and that story just melted me- LOVE!
LikeLike
Thanks for visiting, Cassie, and for commenting.
LikeLike
Love your grandparents’ story so much. It reminded me of O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi.” Beautiful.
LikeLike
Your Holiday House looks amazing this Christmas. I love your secretary and your plaid blankets. This scarf story is my favorite. So sweet!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Restorology and commented:
… a little late for Christmas 2016 but just as powerful when read anytime of the year …
LikeLike