{Deck the Halls!}

The stockings are hung!

I love pulling out the boxes of garland, trees, wreathes, dishes and Christmas decor.  Nothing makes a house feel more cozy then a bunch of Christmas-ness all around.  My mom always has done a great job of really making it feel and look like Christmas at her home.  I hope my kids feel the same in our home too.   Especially since the effort required is a little exhausting.  Not to mention trying to find out where to place everything in a new home. 

I had to make a few stops at the craft stores.  Mostly I went garland-crazy this year.  I love how festive it looks. And I have so many more options for it in this house.  It's been really fun decorating in a new space.

I love having a son who helps me out.  Trying to train a little gentleman.  Here he is carting my stuff in from the car.

My first year trying paper-whites.  Man, you can practically watch these guys grow.  Can't wait until they bloom.

The hubster tackled the outside lights on Thanksgiving weekend. I tried not to watch.  Especially when he set up the ladder on top of his jeep to reach the highest peak.  Yes, really. 

My contribution was the little trees and some of the windows, lit from the inside. 

And  a few lights in each of the kids room is a major hit.

Decor is up and Christmas activities and outings have begun.  Up first was the Santa Parade.  Last year Carson's cub scout troop had an entry and this year Addy's first grade class had one.  It was freezing but not raining! I was glad Addy was the 7th entry in the parade, because we bailed after about an hour to warm up. 

I was more prepared this year for this parade in the dark.  The kids loved the battery operated strands of Christmas lights that I wrapped around their coats.

And this week we made a batch of Christmas sugar cookies.  I really should do this more.  They love it.

Don't know why this was so exciting.   Ry could have rolled and cut out shapes all day.

The kids are trying to be on their best behavior for Charlie (our Shelf Elf) that is watching them every day.  We're getting through our Christmas book collection, listening to Christmas music, and watching our favorite Christmas movies.   We can't do as much 'stuff' as we have done in the past.  It's just too hard with all 4 kids, so we are enjoying just being snuggled up at home. And really that's the best part.  I love everything about being home for Christmas. My favorite Christmas memories as a kid all happened in our own home. And I want that for my kiddos too. 

As for shopping, I am mostly done.  Just a few things here and there.  I am not a big fan of Christmas lists. I don't want anything in written format handed to me by my kids of what they want me and Santa to buy them.  Nope. Not happening.  Instead I take mental notes of the one item that keeps coming up when we talk about Santa (and they can write Santa asking for that one thing).  And then we try our best to make it a nice Christmas without our kids feeling entitled to certain presents because they asked for it.  Anyone with me here? Online shopping has been my friend this year more than ever before.  I'm a believer.

Hope the season is merry so far for each of you!