See that #4 on the mantel? And the fourth Christmas stocking on the right with the sweet monogram “SGN”? There’s a story behind them …
When I was a little girl I always imagined being a mother. I loved baby dolls, and that love has carried over to my almost four-year-old daughter, Miss A. The other day she declared, “I want all the baby dolls for Christmas!” — so an American Girl doll might be in her future. She certainly has a long Christmas list.
I didn’t get married until I was 28, which felt old back then, though looking at old photos I realize how young I really was. Coach and I wanted to grow our family quickly, and by our first anniversary we were expecting Miss A.
I was naive about how miraculous a smooth, full-term pregnancy can be. I never once worried about miscarriage or complications. Late in my pregnancy I developed high blood pressure and was put on bed rest for five weeks. Miss A arrived at 35 weeks, and despite the drama we brought home a healthy baby girl the week after Christmas four years ago.
Because Miss A’s arrival felt so straightforward, we assumed a second baby would come easily. I had always hoped for children about two to two-and-a-half years apart.
That expectation didn’t match our reality.
A few months after sharing my journey with secondary infertility, I had surgery to remove scar tissue that developed after Miss A’s C-section. My fertility specialist described it as the worst scar tissue he’d seen. He believed that once it was addressed, we would be able to conceive naturally.
After two years of trying and two miscarriages, hearing that felt incredible. A few weeks later we received the joyful news: we were expecting. I carried a lot of fear, remembering the losses we had already lived through, but God protected this little one. She reached 35 weeks, and we were counting down the days—though I knew I would have another C-section because additional scar tissue still required surgical delivery.
Having a baby close to Christmas isn’t exactly the peaceful, picture-perfect season most people imagine, but it has deepened the meaning of this time for me. It brings to mind Mary, who wasn’t busy with festive preparations but instead found herself in a crowded town, giving birth under humble conditions.
Mary’s circumstances were far from perfect; she likely smelled the barn where Jesus was born. I will be in a sterile operating room, yet the setting fades when I hold a newborn—every challenge and inconvenience is overshadowed by the blessing of a healthy child.
That fourth stocking on my mantel is more than a cute decoration I picked up. It’s a reminder that God is faithful, that He gives good gifts, and that He often gives more than I could imagine. It symbolizes our family’s expectation and gratitude as we prepared to welcome another daughter in just a few short weeks. UPDATE: She’s here!!
Now, about the mantel decorating: my style has shifted a bit over the last few years. I’ve moved away from heavy red toward more greenery, neutrals, and subtle accents. In past years I used a more traditional red-and-green palette, but this season I leaned on what I already had at home and added a few new pieces.
I put together a wreath from elements I picked up at Hobby Lobby and Target for about $15, and it took only ten minutes to assemble. I also bought the new burlap stockings and a couple of pillows, plus some ornaments and greenery to layer across the mantel. Even so, much of the look came from items I already owned, which kept the overall cost down. I love the finished mantel and plan to leave most of it up through the winter—especially now with a newborn in the house.
Sources and decor details (retailer names only):
Snowflake pillow – Target
“Joy” pillow – Target
Blanket basket – Target
Burlap monogrammed stockings – Mint Julep Monograms
Red Christmas Beetle ornament – Craftberry Bush
Ice skates ornament – Target
Vintage camper ornament – Target
Greenery and wreath components – Hobby Lobby
Glitter jingle bells – Target
Vintage Santa – a treasured piece acquired while traveling in Asia
