- Both Christmas trees are set up. We have a mini one from our very first Christmas together, and a hand-me-down, pretend-6-foot tree that sheds. Hey, it works! :)
- We actually have a star on top of our bigger tree this year! With all of the moving, I couldn't find the ribbon I usually tie into a bow, so we finally replaced it with a glittering, white star.
- We decorated in bunches this year. Jayze assembled the tree and wrapped the lights around the branches. Then he hung a batch of ornaments. I was going to call it good, but the tree looked so sad with just a few ornaments on it. So, during nap time, I broke out the rest of the ornaments and hung them up. When Aidan woke up, he helped me hang the last few by telling me which branches to put them on. Now we have one branch with two ornaments on it. :)
- Added another red stocking to our collection for Kimball.
- Watched the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional.
- Trying out the "count down to Christmas" paper chain link. According to our chain, we still have 21 days until Christmas! Haha, I think if Aidan was more into it, we'd be more on top of ripping a link off each night.
- We have peppermint or cinnamon hot chocolate or apple cider almost every night.
- Started a new family tradition. We read a story about a humble shepherd who encounters Jesus on Christmas day. It was a beautiful way to teach our children about our Savior.
- We've watched more Christmas movies this year! Last year I think we watched two. We still haven't gotten around to one of our favorites, "White Christmas," yet, so that will have to go on the list. Aidan was absolutely enthralled with "The Polar Express," though.
- Mailed our Christmas cards. Whew. Those always take longer than I anticipate, but they were still a lot of fun to put together.
- Have most of our Christmas shopping done. Now I just need to send a batch of gifts via the post office (wish me luck, this is my first year doing it!) and snag a few more presents, and we'll be ready!
There are still a few things on our Christmas "bucket list," but I've already felt giddy with excitement from all of the different festivities inside and outside our home.
We've also really enjoyed participating in the Light the World campaign. I feel like it has really focused my attention on the Savior this year instead of all the commercialism. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ...He is the reason for the season.
