Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Countdown to Christmas: 24 Days!

Happy December, everyone!!! Sorry it has been so long since I've posted here. I'm *hoping* (no promises!) to write a short post every day leading up to Christmas, to let you all know what we're doing to prepare for Christmas and enjoy the season. And I'd love to hear what you all are doing, as well!!

First of all, to back up . . . we had a lovely Thanksgiving. As in the past 4 or 5 years, we had our own little family dinner here at home. Afterwards, we went over to my parents' home for dessert, joining some other friends and family for yummy goodies and fun games.

Then, before we knew it, December arrived! Okay, so I realize that just happened today . . . :) But still, wasn't it just September yesterday?!!

So, now that it's December, it's time to think about Christmas!!!! Actually, we have been thinking about it, and buying presents, and stuff like that for a while now. And this year, for the first time in I-don't-know-how-long, we are going to be home for the entire month of December! Jim's parents are coming to visit us very soon, and we will have an early Christmas with them, then our own little family celebration on the 25th, and time with our local family as well--still gotta work out the plan for that!

Because we're going to be home for the whole month, I am super duper excited about traditions this year! We are going to be doing our Jesse tree (using this free devotional to go along with it), counting down using our Advent calendar, and I would also love, love, love to use this idea (but I don't have enough Christmas/winter books, so I'm not sure about that one yet--maybe I will try to adapt it somehow).

Today the kids and I pulled out some of the decorations from storage. We're waiting on Daddy to get the big stuff (like the tree) down later. We're also listening to Christmas music, and we put up the manger scene, lighted library and other Christmasy things on the hutch, and decorative stockings that my mom crocheted for each of the kids. I'm definitely getting in the Christmas spirit, and looking forward to a lovely month of celebrations and traditions!

So . . . what are some of your plans for the Christmas season? Do you have any special family traditions?

1 comment:

Mary Ann said...

Your staying at home for the whole month of December plans sound so good! I am extremely spoiled in this area; I've never had to travel for the holidays (except for coming home from Northland). I imagine all the packing, preparing, etc. adds a little too much busyness to the already busy season.
As far as our Christmas plans, Mike & I will be spending some time finishing up some handmade gifts & getting our tree & decorations up. The boxes are up out of the basement so we have made a step in the right direction!
Looking forward to your daily posts!