That made me smile Jay. I remember our first Christmas in our closed in family room. It didn't look quite as cozy as your room though. I love your mantle and stockings.

The wreath! Who thought of that! Love it. and the mantle, too. I could steal both of those ideas.

They had a wreath like that at a local Home Depot. I already had some 4" elbows. I think it's actually kinda cool.

I used to build all of the sets for a local community theatre. Many plays called for a fireplace, and I had several of them, depending on the look we were going for. With a little fake brick, they can look pretty convincing. I always though it would be fun to have a faux mantel that you could just set up for Christmas, and put away after the holidays. Not all small homes have room for a real fireplace.

Really fun and inventive Jay. Even made Joe smile and he is so anti Christmas. I loved the mantel. And look how far you have come in your house. You are amazing. Congratulations. Hoping 2014 brings you and your wife much happiness at your new house.

Jay, thanks for the glimpse, love your sense of humor! What a nice big window in a walk-out basement. I wish we had a walk out, flat city lots don't lend themselves to them, though. Here is to a great year in the new home!