It's no secret that I am a complete sucker for these sweet moments we have year after year. This year has been extra special, it seems, as the kids are really starting to remember years past and anticipate the traditions this year and moving forward.
First up, the Christmas tree hunt. Last year, if you remember, wasn't so glamorous. This year the weather was beautiful (although a little muddy!) and the kids had a blast!
The fun thing about the tree farm we have come to love is that Santa is there! They each took a turn telling Santa what they wanted, and he told them he would see what he could do. He said, "No promises," but that they would find good replacements if not. What a good Santa he was! :)
When we got home, it was decorating time. Our tree is now completely adorned by the kids' special yearly ornaments and homemade pieces. The kids come over to Dallas and I, and we hand them their ornament, one by one, while telling them how old they were when they received it. I never imagined what a huge deal this would be to them. While the tree isn't as "uniform" as I would like it to be, it's very personal and very much ours. This year was Layla's turn for the star on top!
We are loving our tree lit up at night, the smell that fills our home, and all the love on it. The bottom is filling up quickly with gifts, and the excitement might be more these little ones can handle for another couple weeks yet!
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The next tradition we just started last year is this Advent book. We read it every night during supper, and it provides great conversation around our table. There are questions at the end of every chapter, and even a family activity if you choose to do so. The book is so beautifully illustrated and written that all of us thoroughly enjoy it.
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Tonight, we finally put up the nativity. We read our Jesus Calling story of Jesus' birth, and all recite the Luke 2 scripture together (yay Christian school!!). I am amazed (and slightly ashamed) that the kids know it, word for word, even better than myself. As we read the story and the "characters" come into play, we place them in the scene.
The last picture nearly made me cry. We do not give them much direction, if any, on where to place their figures. After they left and I went to rearrange a little, I noticed they had the three wisemen right by baby Jesus. The heart of a child is such a beautiful thing. They totally get it.
I just adore this time of year. Yes; it is hectic, crazy, busy, and there's a lot of pressure that surrounds the holidays. But beyond that is the incredible opportunity to worship a newborn King. I want our home to reflect the joy and great hope that brings us. We desire our family to do things this month to anticipate His arrival and remember why we celebrate. It's an honor creating these traditions that remain the same, year after year, even when everything else is ever changing.
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