Doing It Right...

Every year A.J. and I will say, with the best of intentions, that we want to simplify our Christmas season. To take time and enjoy the little things. To not be sucked in to the commercialism of Christmas and other unnecessary "obligations." And every year, when Christmas has come and gone, we feel sapped and just "glad it's over," hoping that maybe the next year will be different. This year, however, I think we may actually be close to our desired simplification of the Christmas season.

About 85% of our Christmas shopping was completed prior to Thanksgiving and done predominantly online. It was quite delightful. No trudging to the mall or stores. No waiting in long lines. No wasting gas driving from store to store all over Fort Worth. And having it all delivered to my doorstep is simply awesome!

We've enjoyed simple family activities together - our local Christmas parade, Ayson's Christmas program, driving around looking at festive Christmas lights, fun Christmas television specials, Christmas cookie decorating party.

And every night after dinner we've been celebrating Advent. The boys alternate nights lighting the candles and then we begin just a brief period of Bible reading/devotional from our church, discussion, prayer. It's daily preparation for the big day - Christmas. And puts a daily focus on the celebration of the birth of the Savior. It's a very good thing and has really enhanced the Christmas season for all of us. I'm just loving Christmas this year with my wonderful boys and amazing husband.

Here is my humble wreath I made for our front door.  I actually love it.  For one thing, it's real - no artificial anything! I trimmed Afghan pine branches, rosemary and sprigs of our Texas sage and added them to our Frasier fir trimmings from our Christmas tree, and created something that "feels like me"  - Not a lot of ornamentation, just natural and understated.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to make a nice cup of coffee...:)