My Christmas Home (a little late!)

I didn't realized until after Christmas that I hadn't taken any pictures of our house all decorated for Christmas. It actually worked out well that way since after Christmas we decided it was time to get a new camera. Our old one was old and just wasn't taking the best pictures anymore so it was the perfect opportunity to play around with our new camera and take some nice pictures.

 

I love how Christmas tree lights look in the evening after the sun goes down. So pretty!

 

My Stampin Up! Christmas Keepsake Box that I made from a kit that they were selling. Everything came pre-cut and I just had to assemble it. So much fun!

 

An ornament on our tree. I love that it is handmade and love the plaid!

 

This is our Advent Calendar that we have used for the past 3 or 4 years. I saw the idea is Southern Living's Christmas Book and made one for our family. We look forward to putting it up every year, and hanging an ornament on the bags as the days go by.

 

Our 3 oldest kiddos made these cute gingerbread houses. I love how they turned out. We decided not to buy a kit this year and make our own so they could all make their own house without spending a lot off $$.

 

This beautiful tiered Nativity Scene was our newest addition this year. We received it as a gift from the boy's Godmother. When you light the tea lights, the heat makes the "fan" on top spin. Love it!

And last but not least, this is our 12 Days of Christmas Tree, a new tradition that we started this year. Since the season of Christmas doesn't start until Christmas Day and lasts for 12 days, we found this cute set of ornaments at Target and put one on the tree for each of the 12 Days of Christmas. And to turn it into a teaching opportunity, we explained the hidden meaning of each of the 12 days to our children. (For example A Partridge in a Pear Tree really stood for Jesus, 2 turtle doves were the old and new testaments and so on.)

The only thing (also a new tradition) I don't have a picture of is of our Jesse Tree. We bought handmade ornaments and during each of the 28 days of Advent we put an ornament on the tree (same tree as the 12 days of Christmas Tree) and read a bible story about it. Each ornament tells bible stories starting with the old testament up until Jesus' was born.)

Merry (late) Christmas and Happy New Year!