Decorating

It's that time of the year, and the kids had already been begging since before Thanksgiving to get out the Christmas decorations.  The boys' room was very quickly transformed after our Thanksgiving guests left....they have their own style and decorations that they've collected.  I must get pictures. 

This weekend we got out our family decorations and put up the tree.  If you remember our dilemma from last year....well, this is our second year with the "life like" tree.  Michaela added a nice touch and bought a Christmas tree scented candle that really does add some essence to the room.  Somehow it's still not the same as going to the tree farm and all that ensues with that adventure .  

So, things are feeling more festive around here.  With Christmas lights, nativity scenes, Christmas music, and candles it feels like December, although some of us wore shorts yesterday!  I'm desiring to keep things a bit more simple this year, as the materialism and "stuff" of Christmas does not attract me.  With many others in need, it's hard to bring myself to want to buy much. 

I'm also remembering how things were around our house just a year ago.  We had so much uncertainty with Benjamin's cancer and upcoming surgery.  Putting up Christmas decorations at that time was a welcome distraction.  This last year has taught me much, and I have become all the more aware of the importance of family and loved ones and not taking for granted the gift of time.