Tis the Season

I always get a little sentimental when putting up our Christmas decor - as most of the stuff we have has been given to us, and mostly by by Grandmothers who both passed away last year. Everyone loved my Grandma Huff's nativity so one year she gave each granddaughter a similar nativity. My other Grandma had a few Christmas traditions as well.  I think it started after shhe served her mission in Australia but she made a stuffed and embroidered camel for everyone.  She kept them on her tree (where we would always search for our camel when we visited her) then when we were married, she made our spouse one and then sent them for her great grand kids.  Keep in mind she has 50ish grandchildren. She passed away before Kelsey was born but she had a camel ready to be embroidered for our soon to be baby girl.  My Aunt finished it and sent it to us. If only I was less of a procrastinator and more like my sweet Grandmother.  On top of that, once married, we'd get an ornament or ornament-like trinket each year.  The first ornament she gave us is one of my favorite.  Two glass doves kissing. 

 

Oh Grandmother's, I love and miss you both dearly. . . . . .

 

Onto the less sappy topic- our tree(s).

 

Maybe next year we'll get a proper sized tree. (how many years have I been saying that now?)

 "um, Mom, Why did you put me up on this ledge? I'm so far from the ground"

"Seriously!? Mom!! Help!"

"Ah, sweet freedom to discover on my own"

 Rylee also received her own special *female* Elf on the Shelf.  I refused to let her name be "Elf" so with a  little coersion her name is Elf Noel.  Her skirt kills me.

 We're repeating our story advent as well.  And every night Rylee gets to open a "prize" and read a Christmas (or winter) book to read as a family.

We love this time of year. . . .even if the to-do list seems to get longer every day instead of shorter. . . . . guess I'd better get to work!!