...These Are a Few of My Favorite Things....

I have this picturesque version in my mind of what Christmas "should" look like. Don't we all? Of course it comes from those commercials where the kids bustle in from playing in the snow, all smiles, sit down to hot chocolate and the smell of fresh baked cookies. And of course, mom in her khakis and apron, and kids in their matching attire all smile and giggle as they look at the Christmas tree in a perfectly neat house with carols playing in the background...ugghh... Why do I try to re-create this scene at my house every year, only to end up exhausted and discouraged that my kids came in from playing, whining and tattling, spilling the hot chocolate that one of them burned their tongue on and the other complaining that they don't even like hot chocolate! The cookies do smell good (baking I can do!) but the house is a disaster and the baby is on my hip wanting to be fed and I keep forgetting to turn on those blasted carols!

However some of my attempts are not so feeble and are my favorite things.

My new "S" wreath.

I love it. I ordered it from Ballard Designs. And it was on sale! There. One of my most favorite new things this season. The best part is that it will be one of my favorites for years to come because it is artificial! (and you would never know it from looking...even closely!)

Lighted Grapevine Balls in the Jackson Vine...

Love these too! I wanted to be tastefully festive outdoors and the kids of course want lights. So here we have the perfect combination.

Christian snapped these for me because it was frigid outside. He didn't even notice that Amelia was at the door looking to see where Daddy went. (no she isn't walking yet...just pulling up to things)

My basket of Christmas cards.

I LOVE GETTING CHRISTMAS CARDS IN THE MAIL!!! There is never a more fun time of year to check the mail than December. When I here the mailman at the door, I drop everything and rush to see whose card arrived and what their kids are looking like this year and what other news they have to share...like new babies on the way (learned that about 2 old friends from their cards), new homes, and other family accomplishments! I used to place the pictures in a special "FRIENDS" album each year, however the past 2 years cards are neatly stacked and still awaiting to be placed. It will happen!...eventually...perhaps when the kids are in college.

The Advent Calendar.

This was Christian's when he was growing up and was graciously handed down to us a couple years ago by Grandmother. I love this and so do the kids. They take turns each day pinning a felt, sequined, ornament on the tree. Very nostalgic. Love it.

The Fontanini Nativity Set.

Also started by Grandmother a few years ago. Gabe & Ansley get excited for this particular holiday decor before the boxes even come down from the attic. G'mother adds a new piece every year, and this year each child got a wiseman on a camel. I have warm memories of Ansley toting around baby Jesus when she was 11 months old and just trying to make sure she didn't eat him. And Gabe loving "walky donkey" that he named the donkey that stands when he was 2. This will always be precious.

The Elf on A Shelf.

If you have not started this tradition for your family, you must next year. Sooo cute! This elf is magic and comes with a great storybook to explain it all. He sits in a new place daily and watches your every move and reports back to Santa each night. You will find him in a new spot every morning. Gabe & Ansley run through the house looking for him every morning. Today he was found hanging on a picture frame!

A present under the tree for me???

Who wouldn't love that?

These babies....

They definitely put the magic in Christmas. There is no explaining the love you have for your children and it adds a special ache to your heart to think of Mary and her precious baby boy and how much she loved him and the man she raised him to become and the gift he gave to us all...

Soooo, at the end of the day, exhausted from my efforts...some not so successful, I have to remind myself that it is not about any of these favorite things, but about our Savior and how he was born here just to save us. Happy Birthday Jesus!

I hope that everyone enjoys all that the holiday has to offer from Hot Chocolate & fun traditions to pretty ribbons and lights, and most of all the reason for the season!