Our Christmas decorating has undergone a few changes over the past two weeks.
Our teeny weeny tree (that looked even crazy smaller last year in front of our huge apartment window)
got knocked down a few times...
Then, one day I went out for donuts while the boys were working on cars, (thanks Arne!) and came across this beauty at a garage sale for $10... they even delivered it to us for free.
I started a tradition of the very first and last ornaments to be placed on the tree to be a nativity, to help us focus on the meaning of the season.
A little handmade ornament I made a few years back.
I love this ornament, I bought a few to give as gifts, and my mother in law
got us one as a gift, she knows me well!
My boys love the Santa, along with the white shabby star/snowflake ornaments we
got on antiquing on our honeymoon.
Their absolute favorite, a retro Christmas car, from pier one last year I think.
So, our mantle all bedecked with garland (shown in detail here) got turned into the one below.
Garland with little boys hanging down can only last for so long.
We used what we could for a little yard decorating. we had more candy canes, but they
got broken by some particularity interested little boys.
The door has this wreath on it I made last year, minus the letter "A" and with some
additional gold snowflakes added. Christmas wreath tutorial here
We made puppy chow (recipe here) for our neighbors and friends and gave them out.
Our neighbors thought it was a little weird, do people not get to know their neighbors anymore?!
I wish we had more baggies of treats to give to our new church friends, but I ran out!
Puppy chow is super easy and yummy, but crazy messy!
Then I made chocolate covered sprinkle pretzels (recipe here) for my honey's work. So tasty.
Obviously, you can tell I lack in the actual baking and candy and fudge making component here.
Any recipes would be most welcome!
Thanks Mrs. Candy for being such a good preschool teacher!
Another one of my favorite honey moon ornaments. A white shabby heart... my little
Caleb broke it a day or so after this pic was taken.
Since we are trying to do less and be more this season, I'm trying to maintain sanity and the remember the true gift we have. If you would like a lovely movie about the birth of Christ to play to help invite that in, this Joy to the World is my favorite. For lots of family ideas to incorporate the Spirit of Christ back into your traditions and heart, this site has plenty of ideas and resources, from family activities to music, games, short devotional videos and inspirational talks. I also recommend this book called, "A Special Place for Santa" by Jeanne Pieper to help tie in the spirit of Santa with the spirit of the Christ Child.
Well my dears, may your Christmas be merry and bright. May your gifts be returnable, your goodies low in fat and your gift wrappings recyclable. May you have safety and peace and get along with those pesky stressful holiday get togethers. May the spirit and love of Christ speak to your hearts and let there be much rejoicing in his birth! May your souls be filled with the glow of the season.
Merry Christmas!
5 comments:
You guys really went all the way! Your home is fully decorated, and the new tree is so much better!!
Merry Christmas :)
Oh I love your mantle! Too bad the garland didn't last...it was beautiful! I'd love to try that one year...but alas, we've never had a mantle :( Military housing...
Oh, and I LOVE the new tree.
Aren't boys excited this time of year? I have one who is about to jump out of his skin with excitement. That tree was a great deal and it looks a little sturdier than your last so maybe it won't get knocked over. Just so you know, I still make goodies for our neighbors. That is the way I grew up and I want to keep the tradition going :)
Thanks so much for joining the party!
-Rene
Such a beautiful post. Lovely pictures and ideas but also such a strong focus on what Christmas is all about. Merriest of Christmases to you!
That is awesome that you got that tree for $10!!! It looks great in your home.
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