Christmas Decorating

I absolutely LOVE the Christmas Season and so does Mr. Man.  Shortly after Thanksgiving {actually the day after} we pulled out all the Christmas decorations and started talking about all the fun things that will happen this month.  Noah kept asking, "Is it Christmas yet?" and "Cuz Jonah comes today?" and "Is it Christmas yet?" and "Santa comes today?" and "Is it Christmas, yet?"

I knew we needed some sort of a countdown or calendar, but because Thanksgiving was so early this year, a traditional calendar would not work.  I quickly printed out a six week countdown calendar and filled it with all the major events that were coming up.

Bubs wakes up every morning and can't wait to cross out another day.  He loves to tell you that, "It is Christmas today, and tomorrow, and another tomorrow, and number 25."  He is truly understanding the idea of the Christmas Season.

A few days ago, we decorated the Christmas Tree and Bubs was super excited.  When Kc pulled the ornament boxes out of the garage, Noah couldn't wait to open them.  He remembered all of his special ornaments and kept asking about his lion and zoo and penguin.  I couldn't believe that he remembered his special ornaments from the previous years, but Bubs definitely has a great memory.  Here's his first ornament from Ken and Cathy.  Can't believe how little he once was.

Here is his favorite lion along with a fun ornament I made two years ago.

Bubs made this penguin with his OT, Miss Dawn, last year.  The second he pulled it out he talked all about making it. 

 

When we made our last trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium in October, we picked up this adorable ornament covered in starfish and tied with raffia.  Bubs told me to be "very gentle".

 

Our tree is an eclectic mixture of precious mementos from special occasions and travels as well as handmade crafts.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

I just love decorating for Christmas.  I love the sparkle and shine and the glitz and glamor.  I love the old and the new and the simple and festive. 

Noah loves to point out all the trees and lights and ornaments and snowmen and Santas and reindeer and snowflakes.  

We have been celebrating Advent by reading a story from the Jesus Storybook Bible every night.  We've been following this plan by Adriel Booker and Noah can't wait to read every night.

Bubs is also having a blast with his Elf on the Shelf, named {quite appropriately} Elfie.  More about him in another post.

I hope the spirit of the season is working its way into your hearts and that you are able to slow down and reflect on our Savior's birth.