Decorating for Christmas

Hanging the first ornaments. I really wanted the Christmas tree up when we took Halloween decorations down, but I resisted. But I want everything out and perfect before we leave for Thanksgiving; so we can come home to Christmas. The girls sided with me, and Nate set up the tree Monday night. I spent the evening making bows while the girls were sleeping. Tuesday I had Enrichment, so as soon as we finished dinner tonight, everyone was anxious to get decorating.
Allie loved all the glitter. Everyone was pretty much covered by the time we finished.

Kayla was so grown up. She took charge of her little sister, telling her where the best place to hang her ornament was. If Allie lumped too many together, Kayla would sigh, smile, and say, "She just keeps putting these all together. I have to move them again."

See our pretty sparkly ornaments.

Look at that. An ornament for every finger.

Adding a few flowers.

Topping off the tree!!!

What a cute family! We heard about a tradition of letting the kids sleep by the tree the first night it is decorated. We both loved the idea, but as bedtime came, we decided we'd better wait at least one more year before we'll try that one out.

The finished product-almost. Last year after Christmas I bought the NOEL stocking hangers for a steal of a deal, but I'm not real fond of the color. I'm thinking of stopping by Home Depot tomorrow for some paint to remedy that problem. I also made a fun little shopping trip to Tai Pan this year for a few new decorations. Combine that with a bag of balls and ribbon from Costco and this is what we've got.

I had originally bought the balls and presents that are in the fireplace area for this ledge in the front room, since I thought we'd be putting the tree in front of the window. After some furniture moving, and me realizing I want the tree by the fireplace where I can enjoy it all the time, we put the tree in the family room.

I didn't have anything then to put up on the ledge. We're going to have the kids decorate the little 4 foot tree for this room, and so going off the inspiration of a toy room, this is what we ended up with for $0. The girls weren't too happy to see their horse up high, but we don't have any place for it down low right now.

I love the holiday season. I love the happiness it brings. I love how kind people seem to be. I love the twinkling lights. I love the anticipation of having someone you love open that gift that you've kept hidden for months. I love how we remember the true meaning of Christmas and ponder on it. I love how we remember all the things we're thankful for. I love the get togethers with family. I love the gatherings with friends. I love everything about this time of year.